Part 1: The Basics of PokéHunting with your Pooch
This weekend the Kansas City Dog Club packed our dogs in the car, headed out to one of Kansas City’s beautiful parks at Longview Lake and played Pokémon GO with the pups. Your dog is the perfect partner to play Pokemon GO with: they LOVE to walk outside with you.
What you need for playing Pokémon GO with your dog (besides a device with the app):
- Dog. It doesn’t even have to be your own (wanna walk one of mine?)
- Leash. Bonus points if the leash is long enough so you can loop it around your waist. Now you’re hands-free dog walking.
- Collapsable water bowl (and water, of course, if there’s not a nearby fountain or lake). You want to be able to fit the bowl in your pocket or bag so your hands are free to play Pokémon GO.
- Poop bags. This really should go at the top of the list (under dog and leash). Always, always pick up after your dog, especially when walking at a popular Pokémon GO spot. Don’t be that person.
- Dog treats. This isn’t a necessity but it definitely helps to have treats around if your dog gets rowdy or if you’re still training her (more on that later).
Now that we have the basics down, here are some things to consider when taking your dog Pokémon hunting:
Know Your Poké Pup’s Energy Level
We all know that there’s a lot of stop and go while playing Pokémon GO. One minute you’re trekking it to the next Pokéstop and the next you’re stopping because it doesn’t matter how many Poké Balls you throw, Zubat just isn’t having it (does it even know what level you are?). It really helps if the dog is cool with stopping and going.
A low energy dog is the best for playing Pokémon GO with. If you have a high energy dog take it for a faster paced walk before you start Poké hunting, or start practicing tossing Poké Balls while walking. Get that extra energy out. We recommend taking a quick walk before you start PokéHunting, so the dogs don’t get bored right away.
Does Your Pup Have the Right Poké Personality?
While you’re playing Pokémon GO everyone is going to pet your super cute dog. Be aware of children and people approaching your dog and petting without asking. Keep in mind that not everyone is as appreciative of having a dog nearby (not us, we LOVE your furbaby).
Become a Master Poké Pooch trainer
We all know you’re a superb Pokémon trainer, training to be the very best there ever was. Why not train your dog while playing? Walking around the park or neighborhood is the perfect time to hone your doggie’s leash-walking skills. If your dog pulls on the leash now, teach it to stop pulling by giving it a treat if it stops walking when you stop. Expert dog trainer, Victoria Stilwell has more on teaching your dog to walk with a loose leash.
Now you’re ready to go out and Pokémon hunt with your best four-legged friend. Your squad is prepared to rule the (Poké) world. Do you take your pooch with you to play Pokémon GO?
Join the Kansas City Dog Club
Do you like to play Pokémon GO and hang out with your dog? We do, too! Join the Kansas City Dog Club and join us to for PokéHunts, walks, hikes, brunch and/or sangria on the patio, charity bingo, dog festivals and the list goes on (and on). We don’t have any required membership fees and we always have something fun going on. Catch and hatch with us.
Now that you have all the basics, it’s time to check out the best places in Kansas City to play Pokémon GO with your dog
Sign up for the Kansas City Dog Club newsletter, connect with KC Dog Club on Facebook or follow @kcdogclub on Twitter so you don’t miss part 2.
