Activities For Aussie Silk Terriers
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Aussie Silk Terrier is a cross between the Australian Terrier and the Silky Terrier and comes with the good looks of both. They also have the Terrier temperament whereby they are inquisitive, nosy and infected by a curious disposition. This dog needs a lot of activity going on to keep them happy and content. They are blessed (or cursed) with a high energy drive and need both mental and physical activity. Games and training should be fun without too much repetitive work, or they may lose interest and disappear suddenly, leaving you to play by yourself. The tug of war game is a winner for when your dog wants an instant game, or maybe hide their breakfast so they have to find it. This dog is perfect to train - let them become your home help. They can be trained to pick up the pegs you drop when you get the washing in from the line. Or train them to carry a backpack and they can carry a grocery or two. Yes, even little dogs can be helpful and can carry a realistic weight. Daily walks will wear this little turbo out, as will water games in summer. Test their mental and physical abilities - don't wrap them up in cotton wool or they may develop behavioral problems. A good work out never hurt anyone - man or dog.
A Barrel of Fun
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Barrel
Water and treats
Activity description
You and your dog can have a ton of fun with an old barrel that is just the right size for your dog to go inside, stand on top of or just to push it along. You will need to teach your dog how to use the barrel, but once they get it, you won't get the barrel back. It is an ideal blend of both fun and learning. First, teach your dog how to go inside and sit and stay. Once they get that, you can teach them to stand on top of it as you roll it along. This part of the activity will build trust and mutual respect between you both. The other alternative is to teach your dog to stand on their hind legs with their forelegs on the barrel, and then walk their hind feet while pushing the barrel. This will surely test that inquisitive little mind. Barrels can be fun, unexpected, and very entertaining on a dull afternoon. They are a combination of mental and physical exercise.
Step
1
Dog meets barrel
A wooden barrel is probably the best option if you can get one. They may be slightly more expensive than plastic, but they are more durable and give your dog better grip. Let your dog have a nose of this new toy before you start teaching tricks. Get them to go and sit inside, and just let them linger while they get used to it. Treat for them staying as long as you want them too.
Step
2
On top of the barrel
Get your pup used to standing on the barrel when it sits on its base before moving to standing while the barrel is on its side. They may feel a bit unsure when they feel the movement in it, but calmly reassure them and be patient. Let them learn at their speed. When they are happy with the progress, you can gently roll the barrel and ask your dog to walk.
Step
3
Getting a roll on
Before you know it, your dog will be performing like a circus star and rolling the barrel along themselves. This is quite a complex task for the dog, so patience will be required. Make sure you reward them well for being so clever!
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Spa Day
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Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 3 hrs
Items needed
Coconut Oil
Bath tub
Blowdryer
Combs, brushes
Activity description
Who wouldn't like a morning or afternoon pampering? Dogs are no different, they will relish all the attention put on them. But you don't have to break the budget splurging on an expensive day spa. You can make your own at home. Get everything ready, and start with a doggie bath and blow-dry, followed by a nice doggie massage. You could even sneak in an ear check or a nail trim while you are at it. Use the coconut oil to gently coat your hands while you pat or massage your little mutt. Both your hands and your dog's coat will get soft and glow with health after this treatment. You can finish off with a yummy dog treat, and they can settle in to watch 101 Dalmatians for the afternoon. Sounds like a blissful activity and one your dog will surely love! This activity not only keeps your dog in good health but strengthens the bond between you.
Step
1
Doggie day spa
The obvious place to start with is the bath. Use a gentle dog shampoo and warm water to gently clean your dog's coat. Have some soft relaxing music on as well to help your dog relax. The Aussie Silk Terrier will enjoy the fun in the water, you could even blow some non-toxic bubbles for them to catch.
Step
2
Lapping it all up
Following the bath and rub down, put the blow dryer on the slow speed and lowest heat setting and gently dry their coat. Once dry, give them a dog massage and gentle patting. Check out YouTube to get some ideas. Check with your vet to see if you can use coconut oil on your pet's fur. A little coconut oil will tame their silky locks and will have them glowing. Then you can even paint their toenails with a non-toxic nail polish if you wish.
Step
3
Pamper, pamper, pamper
This activity is all about pampering your dog. Your Aussie Silk Terrier will love all the attention, the massage, and even the bath. Reward their patience with a nice treat or two. Then take some photos of your dog looking their best. After all your hard work, settle in with your dog and watch a great movie. This is sheer bliss.
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Doggy Mate Lunch Date
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Any Day
Free
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Bubble blower and non-toxic bubble mix
Food dispensing toys
Activity description
Who better to play with a dog than another dog? Choose a dog that is compatible with yours, and then invite them over for an hour or two. At first, the dogs will make their own fun, just provide a ball or two, perhaps a bit of rope and let them make their own rules. When they get a little bored, you can follow up with some bubbles to chase, followed by a high tea - okay, maybe more like a toy that dispenses food. It is important for dogs to socialize with other dogs as it teaches them appropriate social behavior. It also burns off a bit of energy as well and keeps your dogs entertained. Keep an eye on how they are playing and make sure your Aussie Silk Terrier isn't getting too bossy. Other than that, let them wear themselves out.
Step
1
Welcome and play
Apart from organizing the day of fun, you don't have to do much else. When your little Aussie's mate arrives, leave them to play and chase each other around. You need to supervise to ensure both dogs are playing fair, but apart from that, let them wear off that initial energy burst.
Step
2
Blow some bubbles
It takes little effort to blow a stream or two of bubbles at the dogs. This activity will provide a change of pace and you will have a lot of fun as they try to beat each other to the bubbles. Although you can do this activity during any type of weather, it is more fun if it is sunny and the dogs can play in the yard.
Step
3
Slow the pace
After a while, both dogs will be feeling their energy dip so slow the playtime down and give them each a food dispensing toy to play with. Again, make sure you supervise so one dog doesn't take over both! These toys will keep the canine friends busy until your visiting dog owner comes to pick them up. Your dog will be looking for your lap to snooze on after all that activity.
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More Fun Ideas...
A Walk in the Park
Choose a dog-friendly park for a fun outing. Go out and enjoy an hour or two in the sun, wandering around the grounds. You may see ducks and turtles - a bit of interesting scenery for your dog! Stop often to allow your dog to investigate the bushes and scent trails they find. Teach your dog to be calm and to stay put as the ducks come closer. A dog will never tire of an outing such as this!
A Fence With a View
Some dogs love to see what's going on in the outside world. Being a short dog, the Aussie Silk Terrier may find it hard to see over a normal sized fence. Provide peepholes in the fence to view the street activity, or build a platform for them so that they can see over the fence. Just make sure they can't use that for a spring board to leap over! Having a wider view of the world will provide more interest in your dog's life. Peepholes can be purchased through building suppliers - they are usually made of a thick type of clear plastic and will protect your dog's face from outside attacks from other dogs.
Sprinklers on Timers
This activity is perfect for a hot summer's day. If your dog loves playing with water, even better. Set your timer for short intervals such as ten minutes. Then as the sprinklers turn on, your dog will enjoy cooling down by running in and out of the sprinklers. Before they lose interest, turn the sprinkler off. They will soon get used to the idea that they will come on again, and will probably sit waiting and watching all afternoon. Get them used to a name for the times when you are going to use the timer - for example, "water spray time is on"! Otherwise, they may wait each and every day for it to switch on!
Conclusion
The Aussie Silk Terrier is deceptive in appearance, looking like a delicate pooch when in fact they are quite robust, mischievous and downright naughty at times. This dog loves high energy games, fun excursions and mental tasks in which they have to sniff out the solution. If you have to leave them on their own, make sure there is something fun for them to do. A food dispensing toy will keep them busy, or maybe a new chewing toy will prevent them from using your designer shoes for a jaw workout. If you are going to be away for the day, maybe you could con a good friend into puppy sitting? Perhaps you can do this regularly with a friend who also has a dog and you can swap sitting duties. The dogs will benefit from having a friend to play with. If you can take your dog with you, they will love the travel and will enjoy the outing. Get creative, make life interesting for your Aussie Silk Terrier and you will have a happy go lucky furry friend on your hands.