Activities For Australian Retrievers
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
If you're looking for activities for Australian Retrievers, you have come to the right place. This active dog breed combines the go, go, go energy of both the Australian Shepherd and the Golden Retriever and requires several hours of running and playing each day. They often have more energy than their owners and need a variety of activities to make sure they don't get bored and take to chewing on your favorite things. These dogs are great family pets, so finding activities everyone enjoys can sometimes be tricky. Read below for some ideas to satisfy your dog's energy level without leaving you exhausted too.
Dog Park Play
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Bags For Waste Pickup
Activity description
Australian Retrievers have a tendency to be protective of their owners and families from other dogs, so socializing them consistently from a young age is incredibly important. The local dog park is the perfect place for your pup to learn essential social skills and understand that other dogs and people are allowed to talk to you without your dog growling or barking. They can also run, chase, and romp with may other dogs throughout the course of your time at the park. These crazed sessions of tag will wear your dog out faster and better than any run or hike you take them on.
Step
1
Find your park
Look online or call your local city or town office to locate dog parks close to you. Do your research and pick the best spot and make sure the one you choose is fully fenced and has plenty of space. Some have walking trails or even a pond your dog can swim in. Once you do some research, you can plan the best spot for your pup.
Step
2
Polite behavior
Make sure you follow the rules of the park and keep your dog in control at all times. Don't let them jump right out of the car and dart into the park. Put them on a leash until you get to the gate. There is usually a holding area to make sure dogs don't run out into the parking area. This is where you can unleash your dog. Bring plenty of bags to clean up after your dog and make sure they are not jumping on people in their excitement.
Step
3
Make new friends
Pick a regular time or day of the week to visit the dog park. When you are consistent, your pup will always have enough exercise, and you may even meet new dog owners who go at the same time too. This means walking buddies for you and romping buddies for your dog.
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Go Backpacking
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Hard
12 - 48 hrs
Items needed
Backpacking supplies
Dog backpack
Food and water dish
Dog food
Leash
Packable blanket
Activity description
Australian Retrievers are the perfect companion for outdoorsy folks who enjoy overnight backpacking and hiking. These energetic dogs are happy to walk with you all day and then hang out by the campfire at night. They can even carry their own things in specially made dog backpacks. There is nothing better than hiking all day through beautiful scenery with your dog at your side, and then crawling into your tent for fur buddy cuddles in the wilderness. With a little practice, backpacking will become one of your favorite activities with your Australian Retriever. There is no doubt they will take to the trail with ease and confidence by your side.
Step
1
Practice first
Before you take the full plunge and go for a backpack adventure with your dog, ease them in step-by-step. You can set up your tent in the backyard and teach them how to get in and out. Spend the night out in the yard so they know what it feels like. Buy them a properly fitting hiking backpack and let them get used to it. Take them on hikes with a loaded backpack first, until they get used to it.
Step
2
Plan your adventure
Take some time to properly plan your first outing. Pick a trail that isn't too steep or long so your dog doesn't get too exhausted. Make sure the terrain isn't too rocky that it might be dangerous for your dog to travel on. Plan to spend one night out for the first trip. You can do longer trips once your dog is ready. Pack everything they need into their backpack, including food, bowls, and a first-aid kit.
Step
3
Hit the trail
When you're ready, strap on your backpack (and your dog's backpack!) and head out on the trail! Make sure you take breaks along the way where your dog can run free without the backpack. You can feed them extra snacks if they start to get tired and give them water if there are no streams along the way. When you reach your destination, take a load off and enjoy! The next morning you can pack up and enjoy the hike out with your new best backpacking buddy.
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Cross-country Skiing
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Cold Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Cross-country ski equipment
Dog booties or musher's wax for paws
Activity description
One of the best aerobic exercises for humans is cross-country skiing, so it's only natural that this activity is perfect for the uber-athletic Australian Retriever. If you are looking for a fun way to exercise your dog in the winter, cross-country skiing is a great choice. Many ski areas have specially designated trails for dogs to run on, and national forest trails are a great choice to bring your dog. There is nothing better than gliding on snow with fresh flakes falling and your best furry friend trotting by your side. This fun activity will keep you and your dog active during the cold winter months.
Step
1
Research the best spots
Identify the best trails to take your dog. Your local pet store may have suggestions as well as any recreation groups. You may even find a group of dog lovers to go skiing with. Make sure you pick a trail that matches your skill level and is a good length for you and your dog.
Step
2
Head out for a ski
Once you have your spot, head out for the ski. Before your dog gets out of the car, make sure they have booties on or special dog musher's wax to keep the snow from balling up in their paws. Set off on the trail and be prepared to laugh as your pup romps and plays in the snow.
Step
3
Improve both of your skills
If you encounter any hills or tricky situations on the trails, you can always take your skis off and walk. If this happens often, it's a good idea to take a lesson at your local area so you can improve your skills. You also want to work with your dog's trail skills. Teach them not to step on skis when they are behind you and never to run in between your legs. The more time you spend on the trail, the better you will get.
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More Fun Ideas...
Training Classes
One of the most helpful activities for Australian Retrievers is to go to advanced obedience or training classes. Not only do these dogs have a high energy level, but they are incredibly smart. Obedience classes will help them stay focused and learn that you are the boss.
Dock Diving
In hot summer months, dock diving is the perfect activity for Australian Retrievers who love water. All you need to do is throw your dog's favorite toy into the water, and watch as they excitedly dive off the dock to retrieve it.
Conclusion
It's important to have many different activities for Australian Retrievers up your sleeve, winter and summer. These dogs thrive with plenty of exercise and playtime every day. Not only does it keep them from being destructive at home, but it teaches them important social skills they need, both with dogs and humans. If you're an active person who loves the outdoors, you'll always have a companion to share beautiful views, challenging hikes, and lovely skis gliding through the trees.