Activities For Alaskan Shepherds
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
As their name implies, Alaskan Shepherds are the unique offspring that result from crossing an Alaskan Malamute with a German Shepherd - two very versatile and popular dogs in their own right. As a breed, Alaskan Shepherds are much younger than either of their parents as the first of their kind were likely initially bred in the late 1990's to early 2000's. Alaskan Shepherds are considered as "designer dogs" by certain members of the dog owning community as they were bred for the express purpose of attempting to distill the best qualities of their parents into one dog.
Rugged Jogging
Popular
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Any Day
Free
Easy
20 - 30 min
Items needed
Doggy Waste Bags
Leash
Activity description
Rugged Jogging is an activity that prompts you and your Alaskan Shepherd to head to an area with uneven terrain, then jog for a set amount of time or until you reach a preset distance. This activity is very versatile and can be completed in all sorts of terrain, provided the landscape is rugged enough. You and your Alaskan Shepherd can jog in the snow, along the sand of the beach, or in the dirt, if you're up for the challenge. Each type of terrain comes with its own needs and challenges, however, so research ahead of time and pack accordingly.
Step
1
Jogging in the sand
This type of terrain requires the least amount of extra gear and presents the fewest number of variables one needs to consider during the activity. All you and your Alaskan Shepherd really need are the right kind of clothes for a jog and shoes that'll help you keep your footing in the sand.
Step
2
Jogging in the mud
For those of you looking to get down and dirty, this type of terrain could provide you with the right kind of challenge to suit your needs. Pack lightly, as dirty and muddy terrain usually come hand in hand with lots of rocks and trees that you and your Alaskan Husky will need to evade along the way.
Step
3
Jogging in the snow
This last type of terrain is definitely the most physically strenuous, but it's also one of the most fun types of terrain you and your Alaskan Shepherd can attempt to take on. Wear weather appropriate gear for this type of terrain and aim not to jog out too far early on.
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Canoeing
Popular
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Canoe
Life Jackets
Activity description
For those of you who read our article forĀ Dogs With Owners Who Like Rowing, you'll be pleased to know that canoeing and rowing are very similar on a lot of levels. You'll also be happy to know that dogs like Alaskan Shepherds love the water and make for great canoeing partners! This activity is really relaxed and laid back once you get the hang of it. Honestly, the hardest parts of it are the phases where you're preparing for the activity and that period where you're still an inexperienced canoer and you're still learning the ropes. Hopefully, the steps listed below can help ease both of those difficult phases.
Step
1
Gently down the stream
Starting off, we highly advise that you avoid canoeing through any areas with particularly rough waters. Even if you're an experienced canoer, if this your first time trying this activity out with your dog we suggest you take it easy early on. Be certain to have your pet's life jacket securely fastened before moving from shore.
Step
2
Row, row, row your boat
After you and your dog have spent enough time rowing in shallow waters, we feel that the two of you will be ready to set course for more expansive waters. We're of the mindset that the more extreme aspects of this activity are not exactly dog-safe so best keep in calmer areas and enjoy the rougher waters when your pooch has stayed at home.
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Skijoring
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Cold Day
Moderate
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Skijoring Equipment
Dog Harness
Hands Free Leash
Activity description
Skijoring is a unique activity that originates from Sweden. This activity is a lot like sledding and mushing, but it prompts your dog to pull one person through the snow rather than an entire sled. Skijoring can serve as a great way to get a dog ready for sledding or mushing as well as an unconventional way for dogs and their owners to bond and grow that much closer to one another. While we said that this activity is better attempted during a day where the weather's cold, we feel that you and your Alaskan Shepherd can attempt in during any type of weather, so long as there's plenty of snow.
Step
1
Going up
To even attempt this activity, you and your dog will have to take lessons so that both of you can partake safely. Lessons may take place over a few sessions, although a basic course will probably allow for a quick try on of gear in the first lesson so that commands can be taught. After your skijoring course, head to a place that has a decent incline and then scale up to the top. Most ski resorts are the perfect kinds of places to give skijoring a try and come equipped with ski lifts that'll take you and your Alaskan Shepherd to the top.
Step
2
Coming down
Once you and your Alaskan Shepherd are all buckled up and good to go, take a minute to look at the skiing trail ahead of you and plan your route before taking off. If you'd prefer, you can even attempt this activity on more level ground if you feel that the incline is too steep. Whichever route you take, always take steps to ensure that this activity is performed safely and at a pace your dog can handle.
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More Fun Ideas...
Try Flyball
Flyball is a somewhat new activity that was created to serve as the first team based sport for dogs. Teams of dogs are prompted to run over a course of hurdles in order to obtain a ball and then bring it back so that the next team member can do the same. It's a lot of fun to watch and a dog like an Alaskan Shepherd would likely take to it quite well.
Active Fetch
For dog owners looking to take out two birds with one stone, consider trying active fetch. This activity is essentially the same as a classic game of fetch, but it prompts you to get active by doing push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks and other types of activities while your dog chases after the item you've asked them to fetch.
Conclusion
Like many of designer dog breeds, Alaskan Shepherds can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Because of this, certain Alaskan Shepherds may take to certain activities on the list more so than other dogs of their own breed. We mention this because we'd like to encourage you dog owners who have read this article to continue doing one of the things that have helped you become great caretakers in the first place; using your best judgment to decideĀ what's right for your dog. This guide's main purpose is to help Alaskan Shepherd owners get the ball rolling and to start thinking about new ways you can bond with your dog.