Activities For Aussie Siberians
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Just take a moment to imagine the most fluffy, hyper, energetic, intelligent, goofball possible and then multiply it by two. That is exactly what you get when you have an Aussie Siberian! This hybrid breed is not only beautiful, but honestly, a total handful. The Siberian Husky on its own is quite the mastermind, but when paired with the extreme intelligence and high energy of the Australian Shepherd, it isn't hard to picture the amount of chaos nestled in that small to medium sized body. Now that you have that image in your mind, it isn't hard to see why it is necessary to have a pocketful of weather friendly and energy killing activities to keep this dog occupied-and as calm as possible. Because let's face it, even with knowing how hard we'll have to work to keep up with an Aussie Siberian, they are just so amazing that we are willing to try! So grab your shoes and buckle your seatbelts because we have a great list of activities that will get both you and your dog on the move.
Hiking
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
2 hrs
Items needed
Hiking shoes
Retractible Leash
Dog Pack
Water
waste bags
Activity description
Hiking is one of those activities that can either be a killer workout, or just a lovely stroll. And the best part is that it's usually free! If you are hitting some trails in a national park, you may need to pay some kind of day pass, but average most trails don't require a fee. No special equipment is required for this activity and if your dog is well trained, you may not even need a leash. It is important to remember water when hiking as, especially when it's warm out, the Aussie Siberian has a tendency to drink a lot. The good news is that you won't need to worry about this breed keeping up with you on any kind of trail. In fact, they may just pull you up it.
Step
1
Take a short drive
Unless you live right next to a mountain, you may need to drive a ways to get to some good trails. Typically there will be a trailhead that has an area for cars to park and you can leave any possessions that you don't want lost on the trail there. Be sure to gather any information you need about the area before you head out if you are unfamiliar with it and let someone know where you are headed. A hiking buddy may be a great idea! This way you can interact with both your dog best friend and get human interaction in as well.
Step
2
Pick your path
Once you arrive at your destination and have gathered all the materials you may need (such as snacks, water, and any dog equipment necessary) you can decide what level of difficulty you want to tackle. Trails come in all varieties and you'll want to choose one that fits both you and your dog's level of experience.
Step
3
Enjoy
Hiking is extremely relaxing and provides a great opportunity to slow down and enjoy what is around you. Your dog will love being able to sniff at all the trees and bushes, and will most likely find the perfect stick to munch on while you take a lunch break. While a hike may not always be high intensity, it is still going to take a bit of time and allow you and your dog to bond in all of nature's beauty. So be sure to snap a few pictures!
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Canicross
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Sneakers
Running Jacket
Running Harness
Canicross Line (lead)
Waste Bags
Activity description
This activity is for all of those avid joggers out there. If you love to run, then this activity is going to be perfect for you and your dog. Siberian Huskies already love to sprint their legs off and the Australian Shepherd is not far behind due to their high energy level. Although it may be easy to just grab a leash and go running, the nice thing about Canicross is that the equipment helps to lessen the aggressive pulling that may ensue thanks to the Siberian's never ending desire to go, go, go! Thanks to the special harnesses, lines, and belts that are available for this activity, with some training you and your dog will be able to just run without having to worry about getting tangled up; or even worse, dropping the leash. It is because of this special equipment, however, that the price is a bit more moderate. If you already have running shoes, you are good to go. But, you should expect to pay around $50-$70 (depending on where you buy) for the harness and bungee line. The good news it that, this is typically a one time expense if the equipment is cared for. And even better news? Your dog is going to love you and respect you for taking him out and leading him through a great activity (all while you get fit in the meantime)!
Step
1
Break out the shoes
Even if you aren't feeling like running, take a deep breath and count to three. Just remind yourself that this is not only for yourself, but for that loveable little fluff ball staring longingly out the door. An Aussie Siberian has a lot of energy locked inside and getting out for a good jog will be exactly what they need to feel fulfilled and be well behaved. So grab those tennis shoes and head out the door; your body and your dog will thank you for it!
Step
2
Stretch and warm up
Stretching before any high-intensity activity is always a good idea. Since your dog can't actually stretch, a warm up is very important. Dogs don't tend to have as much trouble with this as humans do, but it is still a good idea to start out with a slow jog before jumping into a quicker pace. This will allow both of you to get in the rhythm and (for your dog) get any bathroom business or sniffies out of the way.
Step
3
Take it slow and steady
Once you get settled into a comfortable pace, just enjoy it! Your dog is trusting you to lead the way as the Alpha and you are creating a wonderful bond between the two of you; so no need to rush. Perhaps you are just getting into jogging. That's totally ok! Your pup may be raring to go much faster than you, but this will be a great opportunity to teach him patience while burning energy at the same time. It may take a while for your dog to figure out exactly what is going on and why they can't just sprint down the road with no regard, but just stay patient and they'll figure it out.
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Bikejoring
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Expensive
Normal
2 hrs
Items needed
Bikejoring Harness
Bike
Tow Line
Waterbottle
Paw Wax (optional)
Activity description
If you've ever heard of Skijoring, you will know the basic premises of what Bikejoring is. However, if you have never heard of any kind of "joring" there is no need to worry! Basically, all it requires is hooking your dog up to either yourself or some other form of vehicle (such as a bike in this case) and you set off down the road. While Skijoring is a winter sport that involves skis and snow, Bikejoring is great for pretty much any other kind of weather- from sunny to rainy. While being a super great workout for your pup, you don't have to work hard at all unless you decide to take the more difficult roads with many hills and obstacles. No matter which path you decide to take, there is no doubt that your Aussie Siberian will be able to keep up without a problem and enjoy it the entire time!
All you really need for getting started with bikejoring is a bike; no need for it to be fancy but if you are going long distances, gears may be required. For your pup, you will need good equipment to ensure that they are safe and won't be injured. This can be accomplished with a Bikejoring harness and towline that then connects to your bike. Once you have this equipment, you'll be ready to begin the activity. Just be sure to have water on hand in case it is a hot day and your dog needs a drink! Another important note to remember is that both the Australian Shepherd and the Siberian Husky have rather thick and long fur. Because of this, they will tend to overheat quickly. So keep the Bikejoring time to earlier in the morning or later in the evening during the summer months to prevent heat stroke.
Step
1
Prepare the bike
When it comes to any activity that requires equipment, it is always so important to make sure that the equipment is ready to function at its full potential. Any loose or worn parts may cause an accident that will injure both you and your dog. Go over your bike carefully to double check that your chain is not rusty and that it is properly attached to the bike. Check the tire pressure and air up any that may be a bit too low.
Step
2
Prepare your dog
Once the bike is safe and ready to go, it is time to get your pup harnessed up! Use the proper full body harness in order to keep your dog's throat free from any pressure as he pulls the bike. Some Bikejoring equipment has a tool that allows the dog to run beside the bike as opposed to in front of it. This may be a good option for a beginner or if you are riding along busy streets. Whichever method you are using, attach your dog to the bike with the proper tow line and check that their are no knots or tears that may cause it to fail. Training off the bike may be necessary at first to ensure that your dog knows how to behave while they are being hooked up to your bike. It may take a bit of time, but they'll catch on quickly!
Step
3
Ride into the horizon
Now that both the bike and your dog have been properly prepared, you can begin your Bikejoring adventure! Take it slow at first and allow time for a warmup. After that, it is totally up to you and your dog on how long the fun lasts. Remember that especially in warmer weather, your pup may need more breaks for water and perhaps some shade. Enjoy the time and know that once it's over, you'll both be ready for a good nap!
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More Fun Ideas...
Sledding
A classic winter activity, sledding is a great way to get out with your dog and enjoy playing together. You don't need any fancy equipment for this. Simply take a regular sled, a sturdy leash, and a body harness (if you have one) out to a hill covered in snow. You can have your dog ride with you down the hill or even pull you if they are up to it. While it shouldn't be an issue in most places, it may be a good idea to avoid a very popular ski hill just to make sure that your dog doesn't trip anyone else up. Once you find the perfect spot, hop on and have a blast!
Dog Park
You don't need to plan anything fancy to ensure that your dog has a good time. Just taking him to the dark park to interact with other dogs is a great way to burn energy and build social skills. Just remember that all kinds of dogs go to the dog park, so although it is a great place to meet other dog owners, keep an eye on your pup to ensure he isn't developing bad habits. Other than that, dog parks are a great space where dogs can run and play in a very safe environment; and they are totally free!
Obedience Training
Due to both the Siberian Husky and the Australian Shepherd's high intelligence level, obedience training is a great way to bond and work with your dog! Teaching tricks such as "stay" and "come" are vital for all dog's safety and truly make interacting with others easier. But, besides these common tricks, the Aussie Siberian can learn many more! While the Husky may be a bit stubborn, the Aussie is usually eager to learn and very quick to pick up on what their owners are asking for. Combing these two personality types creates a rather well-balanced hybrid breed who will excel in something like obedience training.
Conclusion
As a very hyperactive dog, the Aussie Siberian definitely needs a lot of interesting activities to keep them sane. But, that's where all the fun comes in! Having a dog that requires a bit more than just a basic daily walk allows an owner to expand their horizons and think outside of the box. So take the time to imagine something you've always wanted to do (perhaps run a marathon or climb a fourteener) and bring your pup along! There is nothing better than accomplishing one's dreams with a best friend by your side.