Activities For A Rottsky

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Introduction

That new Rottsky puppy is an excellent addition to the family!  Can you imagine all of the fun you'll have with them?  While fun is undeniably a byproduct of bringing this pup into the family, there are some responsibilities which accompany them.  Like all canines, regardless of age, exercise is an essential daily element needed to keep everyone happy and healthy.  The Rottsky hybrid furry family member who just joined your family is the product of breeding a Rottweiler and a Siberian Husky together.  Hopefully, you were aware of the history, personality traits, health issues and temperaments of both parent breeds before you brought the pup home.  Understanding the needs of your new pooch needs socialization from a young age as well as lots of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and the unacceptable behaviors which accompany it.  Historically the activities of the parent breeds include cattle droving and dog sledding of cargo and people.

Dog Nose Work

Most Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Collar or harness
Leash
Dog treats
Cardboard boxes
Drinking water
Activity description

Dog nose work is a game that virtually every dog will love.  It enables them to utilize a basic instinct as well as stimulates them mentally as they search to locate the box in which you have hidden the treat.  Working dog or not, they will benefit from the exercise (mental and physical) that comes from this activity and you can start with familiar scents and progress along to more unusual ones.  Most canines don't care how complicated the search, it's the search itself that matters. Enjoy this nose work activity inside or out, rain or shine. 

Step
1
Sequester your dog
Allow your dog to rest in an area where your activities are not seen. Place about six cardboard boxes in an open area where you have chosen to play this game. Place smelly treats in several of the cardboard containers, leaving some of them empty, and keeping the boxes open for ease of investigation by your pooch. By leaving them open, you encourage your pup to search more efficiently, keeping them interested in the game.
Step
2
Bring your dog back
Now that you've hidden the treats, it is time to encourage your canine to look for them in the boxes. Allow your pup to munch away on the tasty nibbles as they find them, baiting the empty containers while the search goes on. Feel free to praise your pet throughout the game provided that praise doesn't distract them from the search.
Step
3
Rest period
Removing your dog from the game area is essential to give them appropriate rest from the search, and the eating. Just a note to remember, it is not necessary that your pup find all of the hidden treats before you allow the rest period. Allow your pooch to return to the game as many times as you like and play the game as often as you can. Your darling doggie will love you for it.
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Flirt Pole

Popular
1 Vote
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
20 - 30 min
Items needed
Collar or harness
Leash
String, rope, cord or bungee cord
Stick, pole, rod, or PVC pipe
Toy for lure
Drinking water
Activity description
Most dog breeds require a fair amount of daily exercise to maintain good health and happiness.  The Rottsky is no different in this area.  This hybrid canine is very athletic and possesses a great deal of energy which must be managed to avoid the undesirable and destructive behaviors we pet owners all know and try to avoid.  This activity will provide plenty of opportunities to expend that energy, keeping everyone in the household and family much happier. The flirt pole offers not only fun but a way to activate your pup's muscles, as well as gives them a cardio workout.
Step
1
Assemble your materials
Assemble your materials consisting of some string, rope, cord or bungee cord; a sturdy stick, pole, rod or piece of PVC pipe and choose a toy to use as the lure. The materials needed to construct the flirt pole are easily found around the house, keeping the cost of this game in the free or cheap categories.
Step
2
Make your flirt pole
Assembly of your flirt pole is your next step. Attach the string, cord, rope or bungee to the pole material which you have selected. This assembly can be accomplished using a nail, screw, glue or tying securely. Next, attach the toy securely to the other end of the string, rope, cord or bungee. Now your flirt pole is complete.
Step
3
Engage and exercise
Engage your precious pooch in a game that is sure to wear them out! Get your dog interested in the toy at the end of the rope; then drag, swing and twirl the toy on the tether around and around, with your darling doggie chasing it happily. This game could go on for quite awhile, but you need to limit it to 20 or 30 minutes at a time to avoid over-fatigue of maybe both of you. Also, it is a good idea to allow your canine chaser to catch the toy from time to time to maintain interest in the game.
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Digging Box

Least Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
10 - 15 min
Items needed
Wood
Sand
Activity description

Do you have a furry family member who loves to dig and play in the dirt?  There are many breeds of dog who fall into this category and the many pet parents who own them struggle to maintain flower beds, vegetable gardens, shrubs and other landscaped areas.  Despite their best efforts, these pet parents are quite frustrated in their inability to control their beloved family pet.  If you are one of these frustrated pet owners, we may have a solution to your dilemma.  Why not give your digging doggie their special place to dig?  A digging box that is devoted solely to that purpose can resolve this issue and keep you from continuing to pull your hair out.

Step
1
Pick the location
Survey your property to determine the best placement for your pet's digging box. Be sure to consider not only the spot for the box itself but also take note of its surroundings. You may not want to put it close to a sidewalk, driveway or near the house where dirt and mud slung from it will make a mess to clean up.
Step
2
Purchase materials to build the box
Next, drive to the local hardware store, locate and purchase the wood and sand needed for this project. This step may be modified if you have these materials around the house, reducing your costs for the project and the need to drive to the hardware store. You may wish to use boards of at least 10 or 12 inches wide, even doubling them if necessary, to give enough depth for the amount of sand to be placed in it. Be sure to purchase enough wood to make a cover for the digging box to keep it from becoming the neighborhood cat's litter box.
Step
3
Let your dog do what comes naturally
Introduce your darling doggie to their private digging box. If there is some shyness or reluctance to use it, encourage the dog to dig by burying a toy, treat or bone in it. The dog will then do what comes naturally in the digging box, allowing you to enjoy your flower beds which are now safe from destruction.
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More Fun Ideas...

Puzzle toys

Puzzle toys are toys which have hidden spaces in them into which you place treats or food items.  The dog then must manipulate the puzzle parts to retrieve the hidden objects.  The puzzle gives the pup the opportunity to utilize their problem-solving skills.

Hunt for Dinner

Hunt for dinner is an activity which allows your canine to sniff out the yummy snacks or kibbles which you have hidden in a variety of places.  The hunt for dinner game can be played inside or out and is one of which your furry family member will never tire.

Doggie Daycare

Socialization is a vital part of your pup's early training if you wish to build trust when around other people, children other dogs, and the family cat.  This activity option has a cost which will vary based upon location and facilities.

Round Robin Recall

Round Robin Recall is an activity which involves the whole family.  To play, give each family member a treat or two, arrange them in a circle, facing the center with your pup in the center.  Have each person call your pet with a simple "come" command, and when the dog responds, the dog gets a treat.  All of the other players should remain passive and uninteresting, hiding the treats behind their backs and not looking at the dog so as not to confuse the pup.  Each player takes a turn, praising the canine as they give the treat.

Conclusion

The Rottsky hybrid is an intelligent and active canine.  Being highly athletic and energetic, you will find it necessary to assure that your Rottsky is appropriately exercised, mentally and physically, to avoid those annoying and destructive habits which are borne of boredom.  Additionally, taking the incentive to do activities, whether you choose to do any of these or if you get creative on your own, will go a long way toward deepening the bond which exists between you and your pet.