Activities For A Great Keeshees

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Activities For A Great Keeshees

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Introduction

The Great Keeshees is a hybrid breed that combines the well-known and sought-after Great Pyrenees with the loving and attentive Keeshond. The result is an attractive, large dog who takes after both parents. The Great Pyrenees is known for their clean, white coat and protective nature. With a history of protecting livestock, the Pyrenees is a hardworking, intelligent and loyal companion.

The Keeshond makes for the "pawfect" house pet because of their balanced combination of traits. These pups tend to be playful, affectionate and dedicated to their family. They have a gentle, cuddly personality but they know how to let loose for a vigorous game or long walk outside.

The Great Keeshees can inherit traits from either parent. Generally, though, this large dog breed has a moderate to high energy level, and they may be stubborn when it comes to training. Early socialization is "impawtant" to promote healthy interactions with unknown animals and humans. Have fun entertaining your Great Keeshees with a variety of activities that work their bodies and minds simultaneously!

Aquatic Activities

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Cheap

Easy

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Paddle Board

Boat

Water Toys

Treats

Waste Bags

Towel

Activity description

There are hundreds of ways to entertain yourself and your Great Keeshees in the water. Did you know that dogs actually have been trained to participate in an assortment of water sports including surfing? Depending on your own interests, you can explore the water using different activities and games that meet both of your needs.

Some water activities that are "pawpular" in the dog world include swimming, surfing, diving, fetch, paddleboarding and boating. The focus here is boating activities, basic water games, and paddleboarding, though the list of "pawssibilities" is endless! Grab your pooch and the required gear for the activity you choose before jumping in the water with your pup.

Step

Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is almost like sailing in a canoe, except you stand on a long floating board with a paddle, while your pooch sits or stands on the end. This activity is fun because you can use it to calmly explore the water with your pup. It also encourages teamwork because the two of you need to balance together. You will need to train your dog to mount the board, and they'll need to learn to balance, but once they're comfortable it will be smooth sailing on the tranquil water!

Step

Boating

Boating is another way for you and your dog to explore the water. You can use a canoe or motorized boat for this activity. If you try a canoe, prepare to train your dog how to get on and balance, like with paddleboarding. Large motorized boats are easier for dogs to get on or into, and they can provide them with an experience like a car ride, but with all windows open! Use a boat to get out into the water then let your pup jump in for a refreshing swim.

Step

Water games

One of the best ways to get your Great Keeshees into the water if they’re showing signs of fear is by playing fetch. Bring your pup to the shoreline and toss their favorite toy into the shallow water. If they don’t pursue it, encourage them by using praise and rewards. Once they’re comfortable with the water, play fetch to get your Great Keeshees swimming to optimize their workout! Keep away is another game you can play in the water to encourage swimming.

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Hiking

Popular

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Any Day

Free

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Hiking Gear

Leash

Water

Portable Water Bowl

Waste Bags

Activity description

Take your pooch outside the confines of the city by visiting a nearby hiking trail. The only thing you need to hike is the right attire and some water. If you're new to hiking, you may want to swing by your local department store and grab some hiking boots. Sneakers will do, but hiking boots make tackling steep terrain easy. You could also pick up activewear if you don't own any already, as well as a backpack for storing necessary supplies.

Hiking is a relatively cheap activity, and it benefits both your health and that of your Great Keeshees. Hiking is good for your heart and helps maintain healthy body weight. Also, the more you hike, the better your endurance will become. It's also a great way to expose your dog to new stimuli they've never seen before! Grab your pooch, their leash, and your gear and set out to explore all nature has to "offur" together.

Step

Gather the gear

Hiking is easy and free once you have your gear and you've located a trail without any fees. Check online for nearby options for your trail. Choose a trail that meets your abilities. If you're a new hiker, start on a novice trail and work your way up. Before heading out, get changed and pack a bag with water, treats, a leash and waste bags. Bring along your phone for GPS or a map if the internet is not available on the trail.

Step

Mapping the route

Plan out your route ahead of time so you don't encounter any surprises along the way. It's a good idea to bring along a map if you're hiking in a remote area without cell phone coverage. Pick a manageable distance and make sure to look up the terrain and possible hazards, like wildlife or poison ivy.

Step

Hiking together

Once you get to your trail, set out with your pooch. Keep them on their leash, but since you’re in a new space, give them lots of slack and let them lead. When you see other hikers or dogs, minimize the slack and enforce leash manners. Stay in the moment with your pooch and take time to attend to the things you wouldn’t normally notice by acknowledging what your Great Keeshees sees. Stop and check out interesting plants or animals. Keep your dog on a leash at all times to ensure you don’t run into any issues with area wildlife.

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Skijoring or Sledding

Popular

0 Votes

Cold Day

Moderate

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Sled

Harness

Straps

Activity description

Skijoring is a form of sledding for dogs that is done throughout the winter months. This activity is ideal for a Great Pyrenees hybrid because they enjoy the cold and have the strength to pull heavy objects, such as a human! To participate in this activity, plan to set aside at least 30 to 60 minutes for your sessions. You will also need to pick up a harness, straps, and a sled that's big enough to fit you inside if you don't have these things already.

If you don't live in an area that sees snow, you can modify this activity into urban sledding, where your Great Keeshees pulls you on a non-motorized vehicle with wheels. Both activities require a harness, straps, and training, and they're equally as exhausting for your pup!

Step

Purchasing and preparing the harness

The first thing you need for this activity is a weight pull harness that your Great Keeshees can wear. Weight pull harnesses have latches used to attach straps for pulling objects. In this case, you could attach the strap to the sled you intend to use or hold the straps in your hands while being pulled. Ensure the vest you purchased fits your pooch correctly, and allow them to wear it before you attach anything so they can get used to it.

Step

Readying the sled

Once your pooch is comfortable with their harness, you can ready your sled. Do this by attaching the straps securely. If you plan to hold them, this isn't necessary, but that can be an issue if you accidentally let go while sledding. You also need to ensure there is enough snow outside for the sled to glide smoothly. Practice in a confined area, such as a backyard, before bringing your pup onto the sidewalks.

Step

Getting started

Once everything is ready, set the sled up in the area you plan to practice. Get inside of the sled. Once inside, give your pooch the command to “go.” Teaching your dog how to pull may not be necessary, but if they struggle with the sled, you can begin without anything inside, and use a leash for guiding. Build on the training by slowly adding weight to the sled until they can pull as much as you weigh. Training before you get inside can make introducing the directional commands easier.

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More Fun Ideas...

Socializing

Be sure to fill your Great Keeshees' schedule with plenty of "oppawtunities" to socialize with other dogs. Do this by arranging a playdate with another pooch regularly or take walks in "pawpular" areas, such as a dog park or field.

Baking

Spend an afternoon together in the kitchen baking treats for your Great Keeshees. Have them taste-test while you mix and bake to create their very own healthy treats. Save on money while you strengthen the bond between the two of you.

Conclusion

The Great Keeshees' physical build and mental capacity make them an ideal candidate for a variety of stimulating activities. It's important to provide them with ample ways to work their body and mind because they have a need to please and work. Help meet this by teaching your Great Keeshees how to go skijoring so they can keep active throughout the winter months. Taking them on regular hikes during the warmer seasons and bringing them to the water for aquatic exploration are other options they will find intriguing.

You can work your Great Keeshee's mind each day by consistently incorporating obedience lessons into their schedules. One way to cut down the costs for your training sessions is by baking your own treats together each week. Spend a Sunday baking and tasting with your pooch, then make your buddy earn the treats with some obedience sessions. Be prepared to dedicate plenty of time and energy into occupying your Great Keeshees with exercise and fun so they live a long and happy life by your side.