Activities For A Shibadox

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Introduction

A Shibadox is the intentional (or unintentional!) breeding of a Shiba Inu and Dachshund. Just like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get when you adopt a Shibadox. They can take on the stubbornness of both parent breeds, or be more reserved like the Shiba Inu. What you will most likely find with your new furry friend, however, is that they don’t need a lot of exercise or attention to be happy. Instead, they will do what you’re doing, and happily so. Even though they have a very independent nature, they will still enjoy carrying out the following activities with you. 

Swimming

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Hot Day
Moderate
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Toy
Life jacket
Leash
Towel
Activity description

Swimming is an excellent hot-day activity for both you and your Shibadox – especially since it can be challenging for dogs to regulate their body temperature on their own. However, what you may find is that because of the Dachshund parentage, short legs can hold your Shibadox back. Instead of being able to swim with confidence, they may flounder and sink. If you want to avoid a nasty first experience in the water, it’s crucial for them to learn to swim in a secure and safe environment. Because of the need for a life jacket, it’s a moderately priced exercise rather than being free, but it’s one that only takes half an hour and involves a leash, toy and a towel. 

Step
1
Be safe
The first step is to ensure you and your dog are safe in your surroundings. Choose a calm and quiet waterhole with no one around, or even consider taking them to a canine hydrotherapy pool. The best way to teach your Shibadox how to swim is by making sure they are comfortable and secure. If they feel in danger, they’ll be unlikely to take to swimming as quickly as other dogs may. Put a dog life jacket on and let them get used to it. You may even like to allow them to wear it around the house a week or so before you head to the water.
Step
2
Start slow
The next step is a slow process to get them to dip their feet into the water. Walk them to the shallows and coax them with the use of their toy and positive praise. Slowly bring them into deeper water, holding onto their leash and a handle on the back of their life jacket.
Step
3
Swim
It may take persistence, but, eventually, your Shibadox will become confident in the water. It can be a gradual process of moving them from shallow water to deep water, using toys and positive reinforcement at every stage. If you believe that swimming is the best form of exercise for your dog, but you’re struggling to teach them, you may find a hydrotherapy expert could be of assistance.
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Massage

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Rainy Day
Free
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Blanket or Towel
Activity description

Massage may not seem like the most conventional activity for dogs, but you will be surprised at how much it relaxes your Shibadox – particularly on a rainy day when they can’t get outside to take part in normal activities. It’s easy to do, requires no special tools, and will give you and your Shibadox 20 minutes of relaxation. If you are involved in massage – either as a hobby or a profession, you will love how seamlessly you can include your dog. This free and easy activity is well worth your consideration, especially when you find out it can reduce stress and anxiety while being an aid for healing.  

Step
1
Keep calm
You will not be able to massage your dog if they’re sprinting laps around your house or digging holes in the backyard. You have to pick the perfect moment, such as when they are winding down, ready for a nap, or lying down relaxing. Wait until they’re calm, submissive, and eager for you to pat them and be around them.
Step
2
Pet
The best way to start massaging your Shibadox is by petting them all over their body. Start at their head, around their neck, then move down their back and onto their legs. While you’re stroking them, talk calmly to them to keep them relaxed.
Step
3
Massage
Once you know they are in the right mood, you can begin. Use your hands to make circular motions on their neck, keeping the pressure gentle. You can then massage in the same circular motion down their shoulders – an area your dog can’t reach on their own. Then, move down to their chest and legs. Some dogs may also let you stroke your feet, but don’t be offended if they kick your hand away. It’s a natural reflex because paws and pads are sensitive areas. After around 20 minutes, your dog will feel relaxed and ready to nap the day away!
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Doga

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Any Day
Free
Easy
10 min
Items needed
Yoga mat
Activity description

Doga is a new phenomenon, catching on as more people discover that Yoga classes have various benefits. As many people do everything with their dogs, it seems only natural that the next step is to include them in yoga – which all of a sudden became known as Doga. Doga is a range of exercises you can do with your dog to help them relieve stress and promote healing. It’s a free activity, requires no tools (although, you may want to use your yoga mat), takes only 10 minutes, and you can do it in any weather. What’s more, it has a reasonable difficulty level which means that anyone – a yoga expert or not – will find it straightforward to carry out with their Shibadox. 

Step
1
Chaturanga
You may think that Doga is in the “too hard basket,” but these activities are more straightforward than you think. The Chaturanga position, too, will stretch essential muscles in your dog's body. Chaturanga is also known as the four-limbed staff pose and involves having your body parallel to the ground with your toes and palms supporting it. Your dog’s position differs slightly. Have them lie down on their stomach and begin petting their back. You are sure to find they don’t object to this!
Step
2
Forward Bend
The Forward Bend position is another excellent Doga position for your Shibadox. It involves standing with your feet lined up with your hips. Then, bend forward, so you’re hanging from your waist with your head low and hands down. Pick up your dog while turning and increasing your stretch. This exercise is more beneficial for you, but your dog gets a cuddle they weren’t expecting!
Step
3
Puppy Paw Mudra
This Doga position for your Shibadox is one that will be effortless for you both but will likely increase your bond. Have your dog lie on their stomach, making sure their paws are in front of them. Kneel behind them and place your head on their back while stretching their front legs outward. You can then turn your head to the side as you gently pull their paws outward.
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More Fun Ideas...

Dog Park

The Shibadox can be very reserved, which is why trips to the dog park from an early age are so necessary. You need to be able to trust your furry friend with other dogs, allowing them to see that other doggos are friends, not foes! What’s more, such activity will wear them out so they will want to come home and nap!  

Walk

Shibadox dogs don’t require a lot of physical activity. Even if you leave them to their own devices all day, they won’t be tearing at the door to get out and enjoy nature. However, for their physical fitness, it’s crucial you include a regular walk into their routine. You can do a few laps around the neighborhood or even head on a bush walk or through the park.  

Conclusion

A Shibadox is a pawsitively delightful dog because they are low maintenance. You can include them in your errands, chores, and hobbies, and you don’t need to dedicate a lot of time to their physical and mental stimulation. However, if you want to include them in activities that are a little outside the realm of “standard,” then these above will surely tick all the boxes.Â