Activities For Affenhuahuas

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Activities For Affenhuahuas

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Introduction

As one of the smallest hybrid dog breeds, the Affenhuahua is sure to get heads turning everywhere you go. If you own one, you will no doubt be aware of how unique this designer breed is. However, before long, you will also come to realize that they require a lot of training, mental stimulation, and toys to keep them entertained. The Affenhuahua is a tiny dog that is a direct creation of mixing a Chihuahua with an Affenpinscher. Their 8 to 12-inch size makes them perfect for traversing smaller properties, but they still like to stretch their legs and go for walks as well. If you’re the proud owner of this tiny terror, then we’ve included some helpful activity options below to keep them entertained.

Obedience Training

Popular

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Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Treat

Leash

Activity description

When you first bring your tiny bundle of fur home, you will be eager to spoil them rotten. However, Affenhuahuas are typically a breed that requires you to take caution. While providing them with love, affection, and a basket of toys is helpful for their nature and stimulation; you need to be sure not to overdo it. What’s more, small dog syndrome is one handbag away from being a reality. To nip bad behavior in the bud early on, consider obedience training. You only need to set aside an hour a week for classes held in any weather, then a bit more time to practice in your own time. Price can vary from one trainer to the next, so it also helps to do your research.

Step

Identify your needs

Because your Affenhuahua is a designer breed, there’s every possibility you won’t get a 50-50 split of behavioral traits from both dogs. Instead, your pup may be more prone to Chihuahua behavior or Affenpinscher mannerisms. Therefore, you can’t base your method of training on what other people have used for their Affenhuahua in the past. Pay attention to your dog’s unique behaviors. Do they growl and snap at other people? Do they take part in destructive behavior? Do you need to toilet train them, teach them to sit, and learn from the beginning? Before you begin training, understand what you’re looking to learn.

Step

Select a trainer

Not every obedience trainer you come across is going to be suitable for your needs and those of your dog. Instead, it’s in your best interests to hunt for one who is familiar with small dogs and their requirements. While Affenhuahuas are typically quick to learn new things, a large dog trainer may not have the patience and gentle approach that someone who specializes in smaller dogs does. Therefore, be sure to shop around before you commit.

Step

Start training

If you’re learning from scratch, it may take some time for your pup to get used to the routine. Once a week, set an hour aside to take part in the sessions, then 30-minute time slots at home on particular days as well. You always need to be practicing what you learned in training to help the behavior stick. Over time, your pup will know what you expect, and you can begin more advanced training.

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Tricks

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Any Day

Free

Normal

10 min

Items needed

Treats

Activity description

If your Affenhuahua has mastered basic obedience training, they will no doubt have a taste for mental stimulation now. You can typically meet your pup’s physical needs with ease due to them having short bursts of energy, but mental stimulation is an ongoing requirement. Therefore, you may find that tricks are the next best activity to try. Learning how to shake hands and roll over is particularly appropriate if it’s raining outside, but you can learn these tricks in any weather. The best part is, you can teach your pup in 10-minute increments over a period of days, and it costs you nothing to do.

Step

Roll over

You don’t have to be a qualified dog trainer to teach your dog how to roll over. Instead, the process is more natural than you think. Put your dog into a downward position with a treat in your hand. Move your hand behind the neck of your pup slowly, making sure your dog’s head is following your hand without their body moving. Roll your dog gently over once their head moves back to try to get the treat. Then, when your dog completes the roll, give them the treat, praise them with a lot of enthusiasm, and begin the process again. You don’t want to overdo the training sessions, however. Set aside 10 minutes each day until your dog masters it.

Step

Shake hands

Teaching your dog to shake hands is a great way to make them “thank” you for their treat. Ask them to sit, pick up a snack, then move your hand toward their paw on the ground, slowly. The dog should instinctively lift their foot up, and you should say the word “shake” then give them the treat. The more you do it, the higher you should encourage them to raise their paw until it’s at chest height. For consistency, always use the same leg until they have mastered it, then you can alternate. After a while, you can swap the treat component for a pat.

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Fetch

Popular

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Any Day

Free

Easy

20 min

Items needed

Ball

Activity description

Affenhuahuas adapt well to most home environments – including apartments. Their small stature and the limited requirement for exercise make them more than suitable for those who don’t have an ideal-sized backyard. However, because the breed is prone to short bursts of energy – particularly when they’re younger – it’s a good idea to have a few games up your sleeve for when your pup is at their most active. Fetch is a good option because you can play it inside, it takes around 20 minutes to tire your dog out, and all you need is a ball. What’s more, if you have a long hall or room in your house, the many laps is sure to tire them out sooner rather than later.

Step

Select a ball

When you’re stocking up on goodies for your new Affenhuahua, it’s a good idea to be aware of their limitations. Unlike big dogs that can handle tennis balls and other large toys, Affenhuahuas are so small that their requirements are a little different. You need to purchase toys for fetch that they will be able to carry in their mouth. Fortunately, more and more pet suppliers are offering smaller versions of traditional items such as tennis balls.

Step

Play

When you’ve purchased a ball, and you’re ready to play, your pup is going to have the time of their life. Clear an area of obstacles they could run into or break, and throw the ball within this area. After a dozen throw and return motions, you are sure to find your pup wants to curl up in their bed and go to sleep.

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More Fun Ideas...

Walk

If the sun is shining and you want to get a little bit of fresh air, don’t forget your Affenhuahua. While they aren’t going to be able to walk too far before tuckering out, you may find they love the outdoor adventure as much as you do. The best part is, if you come across obstacles or they get too tired to walk home, they’re small enough to be able to carry.

Chew toys

On miserable cold days, your pup will love nothing more than curling up beside a crackling fire chewing on their toys. Therefore, it’s important to always have plenty on hand! Quiet activities such as chew toys are perfect for dogs that love to be couch potatoes or don’t want to venture outside into the cold.

Conclusion

Affenhuahuas are tiny dogs that will adapt and adjust to most home life situations. While you will need to teach children how to behave around them, there’s no reason why they can’t become a loving and loyal family dog. However, just like humans get bored, so too do Affenhuahuas. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to have activities like those above up your sleeve for when you need to provide entertainment at a moment’s notice.