Activities For Canadian Eskimo Dogs
1k Views
0 Comments
0 Votes
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Do you have a big, fluffy Canadian Eskimo Dog? If so, you are one of the lucky few who can call this hard working pup their own! With such big personalities, the Canadian Eskimo dog is the epitome of the word 'dog'. They love being part of a pack, are difficult to break of their wild ways and they love to work, work, work! You probably know how beneficial fun activities can be to keep a Canadian Eskimo Dog content, so here are a few things you can do with your pup to keep everyone smiling and panting with happiness.
Heel
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Normal
20 min
Items needed
Treats
Collar
Leash
Activity description
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are work dogs at heart. With a lineage that revolves around pulling sleds and towing cargo, the desire and need to pull is in their blood. While this may be a great trait if you have a sled you need your pup to pull, it may not be a desired quality if you just want to take your dog for a walk around the block. Walking a Canadian Eskimo Dog on a leash may mean that your dog is really walking you as they charge forward. Teaching your Canadian Eskimo Dog to heel is beneficial and can be fun for both of you as well. This is a free activity and you can easily do it in any weather that is walkable!
Step
1
Get set
Fit your Canadian Eskimo Dog with a harness that fits them well. Since these dogs love to pull, you don't want to have a tight collar or anything that may tighten around your dog's neck. A simple harness that goes around your pup's chest is much safer and will also help you control your dog better. A sturdy leash is also necessary as Canadian Eskimo Dogs are quite strong and also big - you don't want a leash that will break!
Step
2
Walk
Head out on your walk with your dog fully equipped with their harness and leash on and you with a pocket full of treats. Hold the end of the leash in your right hand and use your left hand to hold the center of the leash, keeping it short and your dog by your side. When your Canadian Eskimo Dog tries to pull forward, say "heel" and gently pull them back by your side. Continue this throughout your walk and make sure you are always in step with your dog and they are not pulling ahead of you.
Step
3
Loosen up
Once your Canadian Eskimo Dog begins to learn the command heel and is walking closer by your side, loosen the leash a little to let your dog walk freely. When they pull forward, say 'heel' and they should return to your side. Practice 'heel' with your dog every walk you go on and make a habit out of it. While Canadian Eskimo Dogs love to pull, they also enjoy being part of a pack so, eventually, they will stick by your side!
Sled Ride
Popular
0 Votes
Cold Day
Moderate
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Tow Line
Treats
Harness
Sled
Activity description
Canadian Eskimo Dogs have a deeply rooted history of sled pulling. This breed has been pulling sleds in the Arctic for over 4000 years when they worked and lived with the Inuits. These days, most Canadian Eskimo Dogs are not out there, working in the cold snow to bring a sled across great distances but that doesn't mean they wouldn't benefit from a good sled workout! Sled pulling is in your dog's blood and not only is it beneficial for your Canadian Eskimo Dog to get the exercise from pulling a sled but it is also a fun trip for you to ride along! Initial costs can be a little expensive but the investment is well worth it to have some cold weather fun with your pup.
Step
1
Equipment
Begin your sledding adventure by getting your Canadian Eskimo Dog fitted with a sled pulling harness, a solid tow rope and a small sled (it's best to start with a smaller sled for your dog and get them used to the weight before moving up to bigger sleds). Head out on a snowy day to an area where your dog will be able to run freely with the sled. Hook your Canadian Eskimo Dog up to the sled and make sure they are comfortable.
Step
2
Mush
The traditional command to tell your Canadian Eskimo Dog to move forward is "mush" so it is a great command to use! Say "mush" and coax your dog to move forward by standing in front of them with treats. As they pull the sled to you, hand them a treat and give them a good pat. Then, take a few steps back and say "mush" again, asking them to move forward toward you. Give your dog a reward and continue this process of command and movement.
Step
3
Go!
Once your dog has a firm grasp on the word "mush" and is also getting more comfortable pulling the sled, start adding weight to the sled. You will need to work up to sitting on your sled until your dog is okay pulling more weight. After they have adapted to pulling the sled with your equal weight, hop on and have your Canadian Eskimo Dog take you for a ride! Sledding is a great bonding experience for you and your pup.
Dog Pack
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Dog Friends
Collar
Treats
Activity description
Canadian Eskimo Dogs are traditionally pack dogs which means they were bred and developed throughout history alongside other dogs. Since these dogs were needed to pull sleds, heavy sleds required more than one pup so Canadian Eskimo Dogs were never a solo pup. While many people in today's society tend to have one dog, this means your Canadian Eskimo Dog may be craving time with others just like them. However, while they do enjoy being part of a pack, this breed can also be a little aggressive so it is important to help your dog be part of a pack using the right steps. While it is free to help your dog be part of a pack, make sure the weather is conducive to running around outside before making "pack plans".
Step
1
Find friends
To make your dog have their own dog pack, you need to find a few people who also have dogs that would benefit from running around with other pups. To prevent aggression among the dogs, make sure they all have submissive personalities and that only one dog will be the "dominant" one (this is very likely to be your Canadian Eskimo Dog). Schedule a time for your dogs to get together in a large fenced in area where they will be able to run.
Step
2
Introduction
Let your dog meet their new friends in a safe manner. Keep all the dogs under control on their leashes and let them sniff each other, correcting any bad behavior immediately. With the dogs still on the leash, have the new dog pack take a walk around together with the owners of each dog holding the leash still. Walk for a while with your dogs in control and make sure all the pups are happy and excited to be moving as a pack.
Step
3
Let loose
Once the pack is comfortable walking together on a leash, it's time to let them run! Take the dogs off the leash and let them go free. The dogs will likely run around together and play immediately. Don't be alarmed by slight "rough-housing" especially from your Canadian Eskimo Dog who will want to establish dominance. Make sure the dogs are safe and only break them up if they are doing harm. Otherwise, let them just be dogs! Plan a regular schedule when the dog pack can get together and maintain their bond.
More Fun Ideas...
Backpacking
Bring your Canadian Eskimo Dog on a backpacking trip with you. Find a mountain, trail or just a nice path where you can hike with your dog. Get your dog a backpack as well to help them feel like they have a purpose on the walk.
Howl
Canadian Eskimo Dogs have a fantastic and unique howl. Their voice can carry great distances and almost sounds as if they are singing. Train your Canadian Eskimo Dog to howl on command by using treats and then you can hear their song anytime you'd like!
Conclusion
Canadian Eskimo Dogs may not be the easiest breed to domesticate and care for but they are surely fascinating and can become excellent members of your family. Keep true to your dog's inherent needs such as their desire to pull, their love of running and their need to be part of a pack. When you plan activities for your dog that they will enjoy, they will be much happier and well balanced in day to day life!