Have you and your dog added a few pounds? If so, it’s time to pull out the leash and get some exercise. Or maybe your dog just wants to go outside and exercise you (hint, hint from the Crazy Beagle).

Here, five great tips for exercising with your furry friend.

1. Keep Your Dog Hydrated – Your dog can become dehydrated very quickly in the heat. Provide plenty of drinking water to cool your pet down, and don’t forget to hydrate yourself while you’re at it.
2. Provide the Chase – Dogs are always up for chasing or being chased. Grab your dog’s favorite toy and make your dog work to get it.
3. Take Small Steps – Depending on your dog’s breed, fitness level, and age, you may need to start with short spurts of exercise. Very young, old or overweight dogs need time to develop their strength, tone, and stamina. Some breeds aren’t able to walk as far as others, so check with your vet for guidelines on reasonable fitness goals for your pet.
4. Break it Up – If one long walk is too much for you or your pet, take two or three shorter walks different times in a day. Go further than just down the block. Set a route that requires 10 to 15 minutes to complete. Don’t let your dog set the pace. Keep it brisk to keep your dog from smelling the whole neighborhood. Also, you might want to acquire a weighted leash to add resistance.
5. Play Fetch – Toss your dog ball over and over again to tone your upper body, thighs, back, and abs. Do a squat or lunge every time you time you pick up the ball. Switch arms and give both sides of your body a workout.

Take the time to improve your and your dog’s fitness and go outside and exercise.

Happy second day of summer.  Boy, is it going to be a hot one for this beagle today.  The temperature is suppose to be 94 degrees.  This crazy beagle wouldn’t mind staying inside with the air conditioning and plenty of water today.

If you do bring your dog for a walk outside, remember that dogs do not sweat through their skin like humans.  Dogs release heat primarily by panting and they sweat through the foot pads and nose. If a dog cannot effectively expel heat, the internal body temperature begins to rise. Once the dog’s temperature reaches 106°, damage to the body’s cellular system and organs may become irreversible. Unfortunately, too many dogs succumb to heat stroke when it could have been avoided.

Remember, heat stroke for your dog can be avoided.  For complete information on how to keep your dog healthy and cool, go to http://dogs.about.com/od/dogandpuppyhealth/qt/heatstroke.htm

This Crazy Beagle will make sure he behaves himself if I ever visit Israel. I rather dog having a crazy day entered a Jerusalem financial court several weeks ago and would not leave. Apparently, this is a very serious offence for a dog. You can read the rest at of the story at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13819764

Sonic the Crazy Beagle presents a heart-warming video about the bonding of a dog and a dolphin.  Enjoy!

This crazy beagle is happy again! The little gal is back from college.

I am so proud of her. She finished her first year of college when many, many other didn’t for various reasons. She also made this crazy beagle proud by being accepted into the Peer Mentoring program on her college. She was in a training program for the last three weeks where she was on the welcoming committee for incoming freshman. She helped the new students become acclimated to the transition to college. Also, she had to separate the “Helicopter Parents” from their kids. When she goes back, she will be a mentor for incoming students and be the welcoming team for the new students during check in.

But now she is back for five weeks. During our lovely time together, it is like old times. We are back to doing the following on a daily basis:

• Taking long, loud barking, walks together
• Rubbing my belly in just the right place as only she knows how
• Gives me my bath
• Sneaks me my treats
• Allows me to sleep on her bedroom floor (It’s off limited when she is not here)

Things are good when she is here. I am one happy crazy beagle!