Activities For Bridoodles
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
One of the most interesting hybrid dog breeds is the Bridoodle. With the combination of the Briard's stamina, intelligence, and herding instinct and the Poodle's light-hearted personality and reputation as a great family dog, the Bridoodle is perfect for active families and folks looking for a steady companion. If you are lucky enough to own one of these highly intelligent and energetic pups, you'll need a few activities for Bridoodles to keep them entertained and tire them out.
Backpacking
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
12 - 48 hrs
Items needed
Dog backpack
Portable bowl for water and food
Sleeping pad or mat
Backpacking gear
Activity description
If you love spending nights outside under the stars after a long hike, your Bridoodle is the best backpacking partner you could ask for. They love to run and have the stamina to hike for hours on a trail with you. Their big size and active personalities make them one of the best backpacking partners, especially if you like to go on solo expeditions. They are perfectly happy wearing their own backpacks and carrying their own gear, and their size can be a benefit to warding off other animals and helping you feel safe. You'll share many happy memories backpacking with your Bridoodle.
Step
1
Get outfitted
Before you head out on a trip with your Bridoodle, you want to make sure you have the right equipment. Your dog will need a collapsible bowl for food and water, a blanket or small sleeping bag to stay cozy in the tent, and a properly fitting backpack to carry it all. You can bring regular food or try out special dog backpacking meals that are more condensed and easier to carry. Make sure you pack each side of the backpack evenly so it stays centered on your dog, and pack everything in waterproof bags because you never know when your dog will jump in a stream or lake or get caught in a rainstorm on the way.
Step
2
Practice first
Carrying a full backpack, hiking for miles, and sleeping in a tent can be a lot for your Bridoodle to take on all at once. Practice hiking with the backpack on day trips first so your Bridoodle can get used to the weight and movement of the pack. You should also expose your dog to the tent. Set it up during the day and spend some time hanging out in it. You should also spend the night in the tent at home first. When you expose your Bridoodle to all these components individually, they will be prepared when the time comes.
Step
3
Head into the wilderness
When your dog is ready, pick your first backpacking trail and head into the wilderness. Try something with easy mileage for your first endeavor, and be prepared for a possible sleepless night as your dog gets used to all the noises of the backcountry. You'll be amazed at how much more fun hanging at camp and reaching the peak can be with your Bridoodle at your side.
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Herding
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Sunny Day
Expensive
Hard
30 min
Items needed
Long line
Herding dog whistle
Training flags
Activity description
If your Bridoodle has inherited the Briard's strong herding tendencies, why not use that instinct to your advantage and enroll your pup in herding classes. As herding dog breeds have become more popular, companies that will teach you how to herd with your dog and tap into their natural tendencies for keeping flocks of sheep or herds of cattle together. Herding classes may be one of the best activities for Bridoodles who get restless, nervous, or bored and destructive. Not only does it challenge them physically, but it plays to their strong intellects and need for mental activity too.
Step
1
Take a herding instinct test
Herding is not for every dog. If they lack that special drive to keep animals together, they may not be cut out for it. Before you sign up for a clinic or series of classes to train your dog in the art of herding, make sure they are ready for it. Many trainers that offer herding classes will give your dog a natural herding test to determine if they are a good candidate for the program. Before you invest in expensive classes, make sure your dog is ready for it.
Step
2
The beginner classes
Be prepared for your beginner classes, and don't be surprised if many of the activities are for you. If you've never been around farm animals and don't understand how they move and work together, how will you guide your dog to move them? You might spend time working with the sheep as if you are a dog to see how they react, watching videos to learn about the dog/human partnership, and doing some classroom work before you even get out there. Remember, you want to be a good and knowledgeable partner for your dog.
Step
3
Working with animals
After your basic introduction, you'll be ready to work with your dog and real animals. You might work with an experienced dog first to help your dog learn the ropes, and don't expect to be making diamond formations with the sheep on the first day. You will start with simple commands and work up from there. The concentration and physically demanding elements of herding will do wonders for your dog, and there will always be more to learn. With enough practice, you might be ready to enter your first competition.
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Fetch
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Tennis ball
Ball launcher
Activity description
Fetch is an age-old game played by dog owners who need to wear out their active canine companions. Your Bridoodle may be naturally inclined to chasing a ball around, or they may need a little training in retrieving before they can masterfully get the ball. However, a regular old game of fetch might not be the most exciting for your smart dog. If you really want to wear them out mentally and physically, you can add a few different elements to your game of fetch. Making your dog think and work for their ball instead of blindly chasing it and bringing it back, will help wear them out in half the time and improve their overall behavior.
Step
1
Master fetch
The first step is to master the art of fetch. Using a ball launcher to throw the ball is handy for the owner because you keep your hands from getting wet and dog drooly, and it will help you throw farther and longer without getting tired. Practice throwing the ball and encouraging your dog to chase the ball and bring it back consistently. If you need to spend some time breaking down the training, don't worry. Your dog will most likely pick it up with practice.
Step
2
Wait to fetch
Once your Bridoodle is retrieving the ball consistently, introduce a new challenge. Make them sit and wait while you throw the ball. If they break their stay, call them back immediately and make them stay again, preferably before they catch the ball. After a few seconds, release them to go get the ball. Increase the challenge by changing up how long you make them wait. Sometimes wait only a few seconds, but other times make them stay for nearly a minute. Keep them thinking and focused on you.
Step
3
Change directions
If you have a lot of space in your backyard or you head to a dog-friendly park, you can keep your Bridoodle guessing by changing the direction of where you throw, or how you throw the ball. Don't just throw in the same pattern all the time. When they bring the ball back, turn around the toss it somewhere new. Fake them out with one direction and throw the ball the opposite way. Toss the ball high and next time roll it low. The more variety the better.
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More Fun Ideas...
Spa Day
Your Bridoodle's coat is one of the most beautiful aspects of the breed, but it will need regular brushing and visits to the groomer. Why not make a day of it and book yourself into a dog and human spa so you both can get the royal treatment?
Playdate
Bridoodles have a lot of energy, sometimes more than you can use up in a walk or hike. Setting up a playdate for your dog will let you relax with a friend while the dogs use up all their energy playing with each other.
Conclusion
Activities for Bridoodles should involve both physically and mentally challenging aspects to keep them happy and out of trouble. They are the perfect companion for outdoor activities and will love to be by your side doing the things you love. From backpacking to hiking or herding, they are at their best with a healthy amount of activity, much like their owners. Bridoodles will be your best companion for a variety of activities.