Activities For A Plush Danois
Introduction
Plush Danois are a crossbreed between Great Danes and Anatolian Shepherds. Both breeds are giants in their own right -- together, they make a large dog averaging 150 pounds! Great Danes have been around since 3000 B.C. They were bred to hunt boar and are one of the tallest dog breeds. Great Danes are terrific watchdogs due to their intimidating size, but for the most part, they are all bark and no bite. They are often referred to at “gentle giants” due to their friendly behavior, but the sheer size of these mini-horses can be dangerous for small children.
The Anatolian Shepherd breed is also ancient, tracing back to 1800 B.C. They were tasked with guarding and herding cattle, which makes them instinctively very protective. Despite their desire to protect their families, they aren’t great around children because of their overly protective streak.
Plush Danois need homes without small children, but with owners who can be firm and patient. The Plush Danois requires obedience training to learn their place in the family dynamics, as they can be quite stubborn and territorial. Exercising them an hour or more every day is necessary to keep your pup happy and healthy.Agility Training
Basic obedience classes will go a long way in making agility training easier for both you and your pup. Depending on your dog’s friendliness, you can enroll in agility classes with other dogs or train your pup yourself in your yard. If you choose a class, it will likely be held indoors in any weather. It won’t be cheap, but your dog will love it. Setting up a course at home is cheaper, but it also requires more work from you. Be patient with your Plush Danois and remember they are clumsy. Even if your pup is slow on the uptake in learning the course, it’s an unbreakable bonding experience for both of you.
Swimming
Given their large size, it’s hard to imagine a Plush Danois being graceful in the water, but your dog might still enjoy taking a dip and learning to swim. Unless you have your own pool or access to a river, you might have to splurge for swimming lessons at a local dog-friendly facility. The sheer size of your dog can cause problems in their legs, and swimming can help ease painful joints, as well as providing a ton of exercise.
Not all dogs love the water, so if yours does, you will be blessed with endless exercise activity ideas. You can start boating or sailing with your pup and take them on camping trips. Here's how to get started.
Hiking
Your dog was bred to be outdoors, tracking animals or herding livestock. Hiking keeps your dog physically fit while giving them the mental stimulation they desperately need to stay well-behaved. Aside from the gear you’ll need, hiking is free and it’s a great way to practice your dog’s obedience training and leash manners. The Plush Danois wouldn’t do well in dog parks because of their possible aggressiveness and herding instincts. Hiking is a good compromise that gets your dog outdoors but without other dogs close by. However, avoiding all human and dog interactions isn’t good for your pup either. Socialize them with pups and people early in life for everyone’s safety.
More Fun Ideas...
Fetch
Fetch is a great activity for a Plush Danois because it doesn’t rile them up as much as a game like tug-of-war would. You can throw the ball or use a ball thrower for more distance. Despite their long legs, your pup will get tired faster than a smaller dog, so any activity should be done in short bursts instead of one long play session.
Scavenger Hunt
Plush Danois are natural trackers. They would enjoy a scavenger hunt game where they need to use their instincts to find the item. You can have another family member keep your dog occupied while you hide treats around the house.
Conclusion
Your Plush Danois will need strict obedience training and socialization from an early age. They are wary around strangers and can be aggressive in their effort to protect their family. Exercising your pooch for 60 to 90 minutes per day is recommended. Once they’ve mastered basic obedience, you can work on agility training. Given their large size, it would be a hoot to watch your Plush Danois jump hurdles or go through a tunnel, but they will enjoy the activity, as long as you don’t expect them to move very gracefully.
Swimming lessons and hikes are great outdoor activities to do with your Plush Danois. A scavenger hunt will let them tune into their natural instincts as hunters without harming any live animals.