Activities For Chimos

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Introduction

The delightful and adorable Chimo hybrid breed is a combination of the well-known Chihuahua and American Eskimo. "Mischievous" is one way to describe the American Eskimo, as this pooch loves to play and have fun. American Eskimos have a history of being used on the farm as watchdogs and even as performers in the circus. Like the Chihuahua, the American Eskimo is not much of a competitor; they would rather play or relax instead. 

The Chihuahua is one of the most popular breeds, perhaps because of their loyalty, affection, and devotion to their owner. Due to their tiny size, these pups don't require an intense amount of physical stimulation. 

The Chimo inherits traits from both parents -- this pooch is intelligent, obedient and eager to please. Typically, a Chimo is bred using a small American Eskimo, making them toy sized, though their size can vary. The Chimo breed does require moderate daily exercise, as they have high energy. To meet these needs, engage your Chimo with a variety of different activities and games! 

Using a Flirt Pole

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
15 - 30 min
Items needed
Flirt Pole
Water
Activity description

For this activity, your pooch will resemble a cat while they chase a flirt pole back and forth as you wave it through the air and along the ground. Believe it or not, flirt poles are quite "pawpular" in the dog world, especially with toy and small dog breeds, making it a fantastic option for your Chimo.

Flirt poles are great for high-energy dogs who are inclined to chase objects, such as the one on the end of your pole! After you have your pole, simply take it out anytime your pup needs to burn some energy! Base the amount of time you invest in the activity on your Chimo's engagement level. If they love the game, keep playing -- if not, you may play for only 15 minutes before they get bored.

Step
1
Purchasing the pole
Purchasing a flirt pole is simple. If you live near a dollar store, try there first, as they tend to carry them. Local pet stores will also have flirt wands too, which tend to be of higher quality. Although flirt poles are available for dogs, you can try browsing the cat section for a toy your Chimo might like.
Step
2
Getting started
The game is simple. Hold the pole at a distance from your Chimo so they can’t grab it or the object on the end of the pole, and start moving it back and forth. Weave, wiggle and bounce the pole to get the object moving. Simultaneously encourage your Chimo to “get it” and watch while they chase the flirt pole!
Step
3
Giving a win
Every once in a while, you want to let your Chimo get a victory, so allow them to grab onto the object. While they do this, give lots of encouragement and praise. To avoid damage, only let them play with it for a short period before starting up the game again. This should give your Chimo an incentive to keep going, making the game last longer.
Step
4
Going for a run
If you want to get creative, bring your Chimo into an ample open space, such as your back yard or the park. Begin by playing with the pole like usual before you take off in a sprint. Holding the pole at arm’s length, run back and forth in the open space, encouraging your Chimo to “get it.” This will add a whole new level of intensity to the activity, giving your pup a real workout!
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Hide-and-Seek

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Any Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description

Indoor games are especially useful during those cold and dreary winter months or on a rainy day. Hide-and-seek has been used throughout the ages as an activity to entertain children. However, today, it's one of the most fun ways to entertain and test your pooch's intelligence.

The only prerequisite for this activity is that your Chimo knows the "stay" command. If they can't stay, you won't be able to hide. If your pup doesn't know this command, practice some obedience lessons before returning to this activity. If your pup can stay without an issue, grab some toys and get started! Be prepared to play multiple games of hide-and-seek to stimulate your Chimo's mind and to get them moving!

Step
1
Getting ready to hide
Start your game off by getting your dog's attention. If it's your Chimo's first time playing, it's not a bad idea to have a treat on hand to encourage them to find you. Have your dog sit, then give the command to "stay." Slowly begin backing away from your pooch until you're out of sight.
Step
2
Finding a spot
As soon as you're out of sight, quickly set out to find your spot. If you're only just introducing the activity, pick a somewhat easy spot so the first round is quick and your Chimo understands the task. As their skill level increases, you can begin getting creative when picking your spots!
Step
3
Seeking and rewarding
Once you're in your spot, call out to your Chimo to "seek." You should hear them pacing your home searching for your location. If they're struggling to sniff you out, try whistling or making some noise to give them a clue. Once they find you, reward them with praise and the treat! Bring them back to when you began and start again!
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Search and Find

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Any Day
Free
Easy
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Toy
Treats
Activity description

Object search and find is another activity that can be done both indoors and out, depending on the weather, your energy level, and the needs of your pooch. The game is just like hide-and-seek, but this time, your pooch is looking for a specific object that you introduced ahead of time. After showing your Chimo the object, your job is to hide it, then sit back and enjoy the show while they sniff it out!

Unlike hide-and-seek, you can watch your pup while they search and give them helpful hints along the way. The only materials required for this activity are the object being hidden and treats, if you choose to use them as a reward. Praise and petting are just as useful for rewarding a successful find!

Step
1
Introducing the object
Start by introducing the object that you plan to hide. Do this by holding it out to your pup and allowing them to smell it. For this activity, your pooch is going to need to use their superior olfactory abilities to aid in their search for the object, which is why you want them to have the opportunity to get its scent before hiding it.
Step
2
Finding the right spot
When you are teaching the game for the first time, it’s essential to pick a relatively easy hiding spot so your pup catches on quickly. Before setting out to hide the object, give the command to “stay.” Just like with hide-and-seek, quickly take off to find your spot. As your Chimo’s skill level increases, choose more difficult places that get them thinking.
Step
3
Cheering on your pup
After finding the spot, return to your pup and command them to “seek.” You can choose to use whatever command you please, but be consistent in your usage so they learn to associate that command with this activity. When they set off, follow along and provide constant encouragement, especially when they’re close to the object. If you notice they’re becoming disinterested, continue to use praise until they’re successful.
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More Fun Ideas...

Drive-in Movie Night

Enjoy a night out with your Chimo by going to the closest drive-in movie theater near you! Drive-ins are "pawfect" because you have the option of making your space comfortable and bringing along both of your favorite treats. Check out your nearby listings and take a night for the two of you to get away and relax!

Let Your Pup Walk You

Empower your tiny companion by giving them the responsibility of guiding or leading your walk instead of you. Do this by giving them lots of slack and letting them choose the route you take. This is a fun way to explore aspects of your neighborhood you may have missed!

Visit a Small Dog Park

Chimos get along well with other pets and animals if they're socialized from a young age. Do this by visiting your local dog park frequently. Most dog parks have separate areas for small and large breeds, so you don't have to worry about your tiny pup getting bowled over by a big breed!

Conclusion

The Chimo is a playful and loyal companion who is likely to be very fond of and affectionate toward their owner. Small in size but large in personality is a "grrr-eat" way to describe this breed. 

If you're looking for ways to entertain yourselves indoors, try playing hide-and-seek or object retrieval to get your Chimo moving and thinking. Both games require your Chimo to know how to stay, which is a perfect excuse to practice obedience at home! You may also want to try using a flirt pole, both inside and out, to give your Chimo an effective physical workout!

If you're looking for ways to spend time outdoors, check out a drive-in movie together. If you don't have a drive-in nearby, try the dog park, and on your way there, let your Chimo walk you! Keep your Chimo on their toes by offering them a variety of stimulating activities.