Activities For A Golden Pyrenees

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Activities For A Golden Pyrenees

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Introduction

The Golden Pyrenees is the "pawfect" blend of the calm and friendly Golden Retriever and the stunning Great Pyrenees, making it an obedient and playful breed. With characteristics of both parent breeds, the Golden Pyrenees relishes any "op-paw-tunity" to exercise, especially activities combined with elements of obedience as both breeds excel in and respond positively to training.

The Great Pyrenees is a well-mannered dog that shows unwavering loyalty to their owners. Renowned for their protective behavior, this pup can be somewhat wary of strangers and other dogs, but they're great with their own family. Similarly, a Golden Retriever is known for their loyal and gentle attributes, making them both a friendly and protective animal. The combination of the two breeds makes for a loving, playful pup with a beautifully soft coat. Interestingly, the Great Pyrenees behaves well off-leash; the retriever qualities found in this mixed breed allow the pooch to be responsive to commands and more obedient than its pure-bred parent breed.

Here are some of the best activities to keep your Golden Pyrenees happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated.

Walking/Running

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

15 - 60 min

Items needed

Leash

Waste Bags

Portable Water Bowl

Reflective Gear (if walking at night)

Activity description

This breed is known for packing on the pounds if it doesn't get regular exercise daily. The Golden Pyrenees' ideal owner is one who loves going for long walks, or even better, enduring runs through the neighborhood.

When it comes to walking your Golden Pyrenees, it would be ideal to have them off-leash, but if they have not yet reached that obedience level (see the training activity in this article to learn more), then it would be ideal to keep them on a leash at all times. Using a short leash and keeping your pooch at your side is an effective technique for reinforcing the idea that you're the pack leader. When a dog leads the pack while running, it gives them the impression that they are actually the leader.

Whether you choose to walk or run is your choice. Keep in mind a short walk won't suffice, as this breed requires regular exercise. Prepare to walk your pup for a minimum of 30 minutes, though 60 minutes is ideal. If you decide to run, you can lower the activity time to 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your endurance and pace.

Step

Plan out your route

It’s always a good idea to plot out your course before setting out. This will help ensure your walk is long enough to get your pup’s heart rate going, and it will save you from having to stop and pause to think while walking or running. Taking a familiar route can be beneficial so your pup will know what to expect. But if you decide to change up your route, this may pique your Pyrenees’ interest and get them moving!

Step

Prepare for your walk/run

Before setting out, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. For starters, a leash is most likely required. Short leashes are optimal. If you live in a secluded area or have a path/route you can take where your pup can safely be off-leash while running with you, go for it! Just make sure your pup is properly voice trained. If you’re running in the dark, wear the appropriate reflective gear.

Step

Run/walk your route

Now that you have everything you need, get your pup on their leash and head out for your walk or run. Keep a steady pace when walking your Golden Pyrenees. The faster you move, the better. You'll want to encourage your pup to pick up speed to get their heart and blood pumping! If you decide to run, monitor your pup while running. You may need to adjust your pace, especially if your dog is older or requires less exercise. Have fun, and be sure to walk for a minimum of 15 minutes -- a short walk just won't do!

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Agility Park

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Leash

Water

Waste bags

Activity description

Have you been searching for a new and unique way to get your Golden Pyrenees moving? If so, joining a local agility group or gym for dogs is the "pawfect" opportunity to freshen up your exercise routine.

This activity is limited to those who have the accessibility of an agility group, park, or class. Some parks are free and others have a fee for day use or lessons. Agility classes offer owners the "op-paw-tunity" to teach their dogs obedience and exercise various muscles their pups wouldn't normally use during a walk or run.

Of course, finding an agility course is much easier than creating your own, but included in the additional activity section are steps for creating your own agility course in your backyard!

Step

Find an agility course

It's as simple as opening up Google and searching for an agility course that is easily accessible to you and your pooch. Ideally, finding a course within walking distance would be perfect because you can double up your exercise with a walk. Some agility courses may have a fee, offer classes, and/or prohibit certain breeds. Do some calling around and even check out multiple courses, if your area has this luxury, before committing to one single course. You may even be "fur-tunate" enough to find a free agility park in your local area!

Step

Explore the course

The first thing you need to do when you arrive at your chosen agility course is allow your Golden Pyrenees to explore the course. If there are other pups attempting the course, you may also want to take a moment to socialize your pooch before beginning so they don't get distracted. After all the meet and greets are done, take a few moments to slowly walk your pup through the course. Check out the different obstacles and have them try each one (jumping over bars, climbing objects, etc.). It's necessary to explore the course so your pup doesn't rush into it and get hurt! If you're unsure of an obstacle, ask someone else trying the course with more experience.

Step

Master the course

After exploring the course, it’s likely your Golden Pyrenees is going to begin to master the course. If you visit the same course regularly, your pup will memorize the obstacles, allowing them to complete the course quicker and more efficiently. You can have fun with your pup and time them when they complete the course, encouraging them to beat their previous record times. Some courses even offer the chance for racing! Try the course multiple times each visit. Taking about approximately 30 minutes to an hour will be a sure way to get your pup’s heart rate going!

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Doggy Playdate

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Dog Toys (optional)

Water

Activity description

Looking for an easy and convenient way to exercise your pup? Well, the only thing you need is a puppy friend for your pooch! As dog lovers are easy to come by, you may be fortunate enough to arrange a puppy playdate with another family member or a close friend!

When it comes to the activity, the only thing you need to do is introduce your pup to their playmate -- they know what to do from there. All you need to do is pick a playmate and find the right conditions to play, making this activity effortlessly fun and free! If you do have trouble with a specific playmate, don't abandon the activity -- just try again with a new friend!

Step

Find a doggy playmate

The first thing you need to do is find a playmate for your pup. This is easy if you have a family member or a friend with a pooch. Just reach out and let them know your interest and intentions on using the playdate as an alternative means for exercising your pooch. If you don’t have anyone you can contact and arrange the playdate with easily, try visiting a local dog park and talking with other dog owners. Social media groups and websites with wanted ads are another option. Once you've found your playmate, it's time to schedule your visit!

Step

Coordinate the playdate

Once you have found your playmate, try arranging regular playdates so you can work this into your exercise plan for your pooch (e.g., meet each Thursday for one hour). This will alleviate your need for long walks and it will provide your pup with consistency, which is great for all breeds!

Step

Find a safe play zone

You'll need to set up a safe play zone that you can easily supervise. Provide your dogs with adequate space to play, whether indoors or outdoors. Basements that are void of breakable objects are “paw-fect”, as well as spacious backyards. When introducing your pups, you might want to keep them on-leash and take things slow if they're meeting for the first time. Encourage them to play either by giving them a toy, or allow nature to take its course. If the dogs have played before, they’ll know just what to do. If not, they may take some time to warm up to one another. After they get started, don’t be surprised if they’re hard to interrupt until one of the dogs needs to take a break and grab some water!

Step

Supervise

Be sure to always supervise your pups while they are playing. Dogs tend to get "ruff" and can appear as if they're being aggressive, but this is generally normal behavior. All dogs, including Golden Pyrenees, are likely to let their playmate know if it goes too far by crying out or making a "yelp" sound. If this interrupts their play, that's when you want to intervene.

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More Fun Ideas...

Create Your Own Agility Course

If there aren't any dog parks with agility equipment nearby, you can create your own agility course for your Golden Pyrenees to explore. All you need to do is find some simple household items, a large space (preferably an outdoor area), and get creative! If you don't have any supplies, try your local hardware store for pieces of wood, PVC pipe, or other items that can be used as obstacles. Set up your course, and follow the same steps as in activity one regarding learning and mastering the course.

Let Your Pup Walk You

Letting your pup walk you is very similar to a traditional walk. The only thing you are doing differently is allowing them to be the leader while you walk. This means they decide the path and course you take, while you sit back and enjoy being guided. You may have to intervene at some point throughout the walk if your pooch takes you down a dead-end street or into an unsafe walking zone.

Conclusion

Owning a Golden Pyrenees is a wonderful privilege, but if you have one as a pet, you know your pooch requires physical activity every day. Not only will exercise help prolong your pup's life by keeping them in shape, but it’s also a great way to help them burn energy, so get creative and try something new with your pup!

As the Golden Pyrenees is a social breed, it’s easy to bring them to public locations such as local agility parks. If you don’t have one in the area, build your own or try going for a walk or run with your pup. One last option you and your Golden Pyrenees have is coordinating a doggie playdate, giving them a chance to socialize and exercise all at once! Remember to be vigilant in keeping your Golden Pyrenees active, regardless of the activity you choose to enjoy together!