Activities For Aussiedoodles
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3 Votes
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Aussiedoodle a super clever hybrid breed with a high energy level and are renowned for their intelligence! These dogs are a bundle of fun and are lively, curious dogs. So, it may come as no surprise that if your dog is ignored or bored, they will go looking for something to do. Usually, that something isn't quite the type of activity you may want from your pooch, so to avoid your dog redesigning your living room or rearranging your beautiful garden, keep them busy! Because of the high intelligence inherited from both their Australian Shepherd and Poodle parent breeds, this little powerhouse learns quickly. They are ideal to train and will require tasks that will not only use their energy, but will work out their busy mind as well. Jobs such as fetching their toys by name, or helping you to pick up the pegs from below the clothesline are easy tricks to teach this cute wonder dog. All a dog wants from you is to feel useful and loved, and that requirement is very easy to fulfill for this cute and adorable companion.
Toy Rotation
Most Popular
2 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Inventory of favorite toys
New toy or two
Treats
Activity description
Like most children, dogs can get bored with the same old toys day after day. Rather than just replacing a toy once it is damaged, why not have a rotation plan in place where you can change their toys every second week or at least once a month? This activity does mean that you will have to have twice the number of toys you usually would have, but it provides such a great distraction and variety for your dog that it is well worth it. Every time you change the rotation, add a new toy. It doesn't have to be bought, you can make a special plaited rope for tug of war. When you change the toys over, you can make it a training exercise to teach them the name of their new toys, such as 'blue ducky' or 'fat cat'. They will love the variety and it will give them a new selection of toys for those times when you can't play with them.
Step
1
List the toys
You will need to know what toys your dog has. Check them all for damages and remove any past their prime. If your dog has a favorite toy like a squeaky bunny, leave that out for them or they may be sad if it is taken away. Dogs do have their favorites just like children do, so be fair and leave that toy in the inventory.
Step
2
Divide and conquer
Divide the toys into two piles: one to put away, the other for your dog to play with. The ones you remove can be repaired, washed and ready for the next swap. For the ones to play with, reintroduce them to your dog one at a time, perhaps with a little treat here and there. Make this a fun time. A new toy should be given last as that one will get all the attention.
Step
3
Time to swap
Use special words to indicate to your dog that it is that special time where toys are swapped. They will be excited and can be trained to go and get all their toys, as they know they are going to get more plus some treats. It is a great way to train your dog and get them to use their minds. It also provides variety and fun which is how it should be.
Fishing
Popular
1 Vote
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
3 - 4 hrs
Items needed
Chuck it ball launcher
Water bowl
Treats
Activity description
If you are a fan of fishing, why not take your dog along with you? It will help pass the time while you are waiting for the fish to bite. This activity requires your dog to follow your orders such as not to touch the fishing gear, or to wander away. If you are going to fish on the beach, they can dig in the sand, or you can use a ball launcher to chuck a tennis ball for them to retrieve. It will require little effort on your part and will wear your Aussiedoodle out. The beach or river is a wonderful place for your dog to explore. Just make sure they stay near you and obey your commands. Have a leash handy in case they develop selective deafness - pretending not to hear you. They will soon learn that they will go on the leash and have no freedom unless they are a well-behaved pup. The fresh air, exercise and just running around sniffing everything is a perfect way to keep an Aussiedoodle happy.
Step
1
Plan ahead
The most important thing is to ensure your dog understands commands such as 'leave it' or 'drop it' when it comes to fishing. The last thing you want is a nosy dog poking around your fish hooks! Always keep your fishing gear locked in a container so the smell won't get to your dog. Plan where you are going, and make it an outing for your and your dog.
Step
2
Get set up for fun
Choose your spot on the river or beach, and let your dog meet the locals and race around with a few doggie buddies to release their excitement. Set up to fish, keeping a watch on your dog, and when you have your rod out, chuck a few tennis balls using the ball launcher. This gadget will throw it further than your arm could. Your dog should return the ball to you and drop it.
Step
3
Relax together
After a while, your dog will have worn off their energy and will happily sit with you and watch your fishing rods. They will be excited when you catch a fish, so let them look at it once you have removed the hook. Give them a treat for being so good. Once your rod is out again, dig in the sand with your dog. Most dogs love digging and the sand on a beach is perfect. What a heavenly day out; your Aussiedoodle will be one tuckered out pup at the end of this trip!
Moving Toys
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Bouncing vibrating 'squirrel' tail toy or similar
Activity description
There are many toys out there in pet shops that are fun to play with that can entertain your pet for ages. One such toy is the vibrating, bouncing toy that is like a fluffy round ball with a 'squirrel' tail. Set this toy or one of a similar type up inside and let it vibrate and bounce around the floor. Your dog will most likely bark, growl and whine at the moving toy, unsure at first what it is. This is a perfect indoor activity for a rainy day when your dog is bored. Keep this as a special toy, and only use it for those times when all else fails. That way, your dog will not get tired of it. This activity will have their mind working overtime to figure out what the toy is, which is perfect for your curious Aussiedoodle. This type of toy retails at around $14 so its a reasonable price for an entertaining afternoon.
Step
1
Introduction required
When you think it is a good time for your dog to play, get the toy and introduce it to your dog, but don't turn it on yet. Keep calm and quietly talk to them and let them see the toy. Then clear an area where the toy can freely move around and be prepared to surprise your dog.
Step
2
Turn on the fun
Get the toy ready, have your dog sit in anticipation, then let the toy go! Your dog will get a surprise as the toy starts vibrating and moving. They will probably be wary of the moving object at first, barking or growling at it but leaping out of the way if it comes near. Your laughter will fuel their excitement and they will race around the house and come back to it again and again.
Step
3
Time is up
Once they have played with it for a while and you think it's time to stop, let your dog know that the game is over, turn off the toy and remove it. Then sit and give your dog a nice yummy treat and a cuddle. Let them know how pleased you are with them. They will learn that some toys are special, and that they only get to play with them once in a while. Next time they will be ready for the "weird squirrel tail fun".
More Fun Ideas...
Chase the Toy
This game is perfect if you want to get fit yourself, or if you have a child and dog who both need some exercise to wear off their energy. It is a simple game where you or your child tie a toy to a rope, and run away pulling the toy. Call to your dog to catch the toy and run as fast as you can. The idea is your dog will run after the toy on the rope. Don't make it easy for them, change direction, flip the rope so the toy 'jumps', and so on. Your dog needs to understand your commands to stop, go, and drop it. This is a perfect game for the park or beach, as it teaches your dog to focus on what you want them to do, despite obvious distractions. As well, you will both get fit or you wear out both your child and the dog! What more could you want?
Hidden Treats
Command your dog to sit while you hide some treats around the house. The idea is to use verbal communication to help them find the treats. It gives their nose and their brain a mental workout. If your dog hasn't played this before, let them see where you hid the first treat or two, and get them used to your tone of voice as they get near it. Get excited when they are close, or calm and quiet when they are heading in the wrong direction. You could say 'getting warm' or ' hot' or 'cold' to direct them. Once they know they are looking for treats, they will be excited too!
Doggie Backpack
Rather than just take your dog for a walk, give them a purpose when you go out. Train your dog to get used to wearing a backpack. Try this at home first, then when they are comfortable with it on, take them out on a walk to the local market or shop. Make a fuss of them in their get-up so that they feel proud when they have it on. Give them a treat when you reach your destination. At the shops, get them to carry some of the groceries home in the backpack. Your dog will be so proud to be a dog with a job, and will happily carry your purchases for you. Remember, it will cost you another treat once they get home!
Conclusion
Busy paws and chewing jaws can keep a dog engaged and out of mischief for hours. The secret is to keep an active dog busy with set tasks, training, walks and of course, time to cuddle. The Aussiedoodle can vary in size depending on whether the Poodle parent was a standard or miniature sized Poodle, so do take their size, age and personality into account when deciding on the tasks for your dog. Tailor the activity to the type of weather as well - your dog should not be doing extreme sports or running in the heat. They may suffer heatstroke, which can be a very serious health issue for an animal. Cooler days suit more energetic pursuits, while hotter days are ideal for water activities. But whatever you decide will be 'pawfect' for your dog, as the Aussiedoodle will always try to please.