Top Activities For A Shichi

Introduction

If you don’t have time for a large dog that requires hours of entertainment and stimulation every day, then you may choose to go to the opposite side of the spectrum. A toy breed such as a Shichi is a fun-loving, excitable yet low maintenance dog that requires minimal exercise to keep them happy. Because they are a mix between a Shih Tzu and a Chihuahua, a Shichi can also be very precious. To avoid running into problems with aggression and anti-social behavior, make sure you include these activities in their regular schedule. They can learn how to interact with others while getting that much-needed physical and mental stimulation at the same time.

Dog Park Outing

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

20 min

Items needed

Leash

Dog waste bag

Activity description

Even though Shichis only need around 20 minutes of physical activity per day, the dog park can be an excellent place to get it. There is no denying that it’s going to be a short trip that seems like it’s not worth it, but for the sake of your dog’s socialization, it’s crucial. Both Chihuahuas and Shih Tzu breeds can be quite possessive and aggressive. If you can nip this behavior in the bud sooner rather than later, you can benefit from a well-rounded toy dog that gets along well with other dogs. Therefore, when the sun’s shining and you have 20 minutes to spare, grab your dog, their leash and a waste bag and head to your nearest dog park. You may find it’s more of a beneficial experience than you initially thought.

Step

1

Start young

The best way to encourage socialization with your dog is by introducing them to other dogs in a park setting when they are very young. Therefore, as soon as you bring them home as a young puppy, begin taking them to the park on regular occasions. Not only will it be a fun outing for you both, but it will help your pampered pooch to understand that dogs can coexist peacefully without the need for anti-social or aggressive behavior.

Step

2

Choose a park

Because Shichis are so small, due to their classification as a toy dog, you do need to be careful about the park you choose to visit. Not every park will separate the dogs by size, so you need to find one that does. Your pup needs to be with dogs of their size – not because bigger dogs are aggressive, but because your furry friend could be at risk of being accidentally hurt by larger pets.

Step

3

Play

If you include park trips into your dog’s routine, they will begin to look forward to playing. It takes minimal effort on your part, but your dog will know they get to go into a fully-fenced enclosure and enjoy a fun time playing with their friends. However, if you introduce them to other dogs when they are older, the reaction may not be as favorable.

Fetch

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

10 min

Items needed

Fetch toy

Activity description

The benefit of having such a small dog is that a game of fetch is all it takes to wear them out for an entire day. What’s more, this affordable activity only takes up 10 minutes of your time, and you can play it inside or outside. If it’s raining or you live in an apartment complex, fetch inside is a valid option. Otherwise, you can clear space in your fenced backyard to play the game as well. Fetch is a simple activity that your dog will pick up quickly. Buy a cheap fetch toy, ask your dog to fetch it, and within 10 minutes, they will be sprawled out on their bed fast asleep. It’s amazing how quickly such an easy game can tire a little body out.

Step

1

Buy a toy

Believe it or not, when it comes to purchasing toys for small dogs, you need to be more specific and careful. Not every toy you come across online or in a pet store is going to suit your dog’s mouth. In fact, given the small size of a Shichi, it has a higher chance of being too big! Always pay attention to the toy’s packaging. Usually, it tells you the type of dog for which that toy is suitable.

Step

2

Clear space

If you plan on playing fetch inside, you need to clear an area. While your dog can’t run very fast or far, it’s still a good idea to set aside your prized possessions in case your pup becomes like a bull in a China shop. Make sure the dog has enough space to run in either direction without coming up against an obstacle or a place for the toy to become stuck.

Step

3

Deplete the energy

If your dog has had a burst of energy come from out of nowhere, then the sooner you take care of it, the sooner your house can become less of a chaotic scene. Make sure you always have a fetch toy on hand that will grab your dog’s attention. Within 10 minutes, you can then deplete their energy resources until the next day.

Casual Stroll

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

15 min

Items needed

Leash

Waste bag

Activity description

If you were trying to tire out a large dog with a walk, you might find yourself walking all day. With a Shichi, however, a 15-minute walk around the block is enough to have them exhausted. Any longer than 15 minutes and you may even need to carry them home! A casual stroll is a fun, effortless and free activity that will be suitable for both you and your dog. Even if you are having a busy or hectic day, anyone can set aside a quarter of an hour for their pampered pooch. And, that’s all your Shichi asks of you.

Step

1

Plan a route

Because there’s a fine line between walking your dog and having to carry them home, you need to plan a 10 or 15-minute walking route in advance. Have a few options up your sleeve. If you end up walking further than that, your dog can become exceptionally fatigued, and you may have to carry them home. They are not able to adapt as quickly as larger dogs can.

Step

2

Walk

With a few walking routes up your sleeve, you can begin walking your furry friend. The best part about such a small dog is that after 10 minutes, you have zapped their energy resources and you can carry on with your daily chores. However, for the benefit of your pup, you may find that two walks a day are beneficial for your dog’s daily physical activity requirements.

More Fun Ideas...

Chew Toys

Even when your Shichi grows out of their puppy stage, they are still quite playful dogs. They may spend a lot more time barking than they do playing, but chew toys can be a way to stimulate their senses. Buy them a toy basket, fill it with suitable toys, and let them spend hours chewing toys and throwing them in the air. You don’t always need to be the source of your pup’s entertainment.

Agility Course

If you’re having a lazy Sunday at home, then why not put your time to good use and create a little agility course for your pampered pooch? Basing it on a larger dog’s, you can build small weave poles, teeterboards, tunnels, and other fun items to stimulate your pup’s body and soul. It may be a temporary course, but it will still provide hours of fun for as long as you leave it up.

Conclusion

Your Shichi may look small, but their big personality more than makes up for their stature. Shichis are full of character and love nothing more than to be by your side as you carry out your daily errands. They don’t require a lot of stimulation on a regular basis, but they sure give a lot of love in return. If you want to treat your Shichi to fun activities, why not try these above?