Activities For Confetti Australian Shepherds

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Activities For Confetti Australian Shepherds

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Introduction

The Confetti Australian Shepherd is a hybrid breed that combines the intelligence of the Australian Shepherd with the inquisitive nature of the Miniature Schnauzer. The combination of breeds makes for a bright, playful and friendly companion. This medium-sized pooch has a high energy level, inherited from both parent breeds, and requires regular mental and physical stimulation daily. Their alert nature, adaptability, and responsiveness make them a pleasure to live with!

Both parent breeds of the Confetti Australian Shepherd are active, intelligent and live for stimulation. The Australian Shepherd is devoted, loyal and eager to learn. They enjoy herding and activities that challenge their body and mind, and without them, they will exhibit unwanted behaviors due to boredom. The Miniature Schnauzer is spunky, well-mannered and requires less exercise than the Australian Shepherd. The combination of these two sought-after breeds is an amiable pooch compatible with any type of family, including those with children!

Herding Games

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Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Ball

Treats

Activity description

Australian Shepherds are herders by nature, which is why playing games that utilize this trait are "pawfect" for the Confetti Australian Shepherd. It's very likely your pooch demonstrates characteristics of herding. There are reports of Confetti Australian Shepherds herding other animals and even trying to herd children!

Take advantage of this instinct by teaching your pup how to herd a ball, then build on this skill to play other games, such as Treibball. Treibball is an official dog sport that can be competitive. To get started with your training, set aside at least 30 to 60 minutes for each session. You will need to scaffold the steps, teaching the activity in parts. Begin by acquiring a ball. Sticky notes have also proven to be useful for this activity to use as markers. Be ready to invest time in your teaching, but look forward to all the "oppawtunities" this training will bring you both!

Step

Starting with your hand

To teach your pup to herd a ball, start off by using your hand. To do this, just hold your hand in front of your pooch. The goal is to get them to touch it will their nose, so motivate them to do so. Use a treat to reward any successful contact.

Step

Using a marker

Using a sticky note is a conventional technique for this next step. Stick the note to your hand and repeat step one, this time, having your pup touch the note with their nose. Reward your Confetti Australian Shepherd with a treat when successful.

Step

Applying it to the ball

The reason you use the note is so you can then transfer it to the ball, encouraging your pup to touch the ball like they did your hand. A sticky note is not necessary, but it may speed up the process. With the sticky note on the ball, motivate your pup to touch it with their nose. If they push it, you're a step ahead. After mastering this step with the note, remove it and move onto the movement phase.

Step

Adding movement to the mix

Next, you want to encourage them to move the ball. To do so, stand in front of your dog and give the command for them to touch the ball. Next, call them, using the "come" command. Reward all attempts to move the ball using treats. Once your Confetti Australian Shepherd can move the ball forward, introduce directional commands to move to the left and right.

Step

Integrating into games

With the ability to herd a ball, your Confetti Australian Shepherd can participate in an assortment of games. Treibball is a game that requires a dog to follow commands to move a series of balls into a net in a certain order. Modify the game and play in your own backyard, working your pup's mind and body. If your dog excels at herding a ball, think about competing formally!

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Build an Agility Course Together

Popular

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Sunny Day

Moderate

Hard

3 - 4 hrs

Items needed

PVC Pipe

Saw

Adhesive

Measuring Tape

Miscellaneous household objects

Activity description

Both parent breeds of Confetti Australian Shepherds are known for their intelligence and agility, which is why building an obstacle course is sure to satisfy your pup's physical and mental needs. This activity is one you can do together, and after it's complete, you have unlimited access to tools for training your dog!

To build a course, you will need some basic tools and materials. One material that can be used for a variety of obstacles and is relatively cheap is PVC piping. Having some form of a saw (electrical or handheld), a measuring tool, adhesive (such as strong glue or tape), and a workspace will be necessary for this activity. Get creative and build a course that satisfies both you and your Confetti Australian Shepherd.

Step

Gather tools and materials

As mentioned, this activity is going to require some materials which will come at a cost. Plastic pipes can be assembled into jumping obstacles, teeter-totters and weave poles. You will need to cut the plastic pipes to build the obstacles, and any other materials you choose to use.

Step

Building the obstacles

Once you have your tools and materials, grab your pup and measure their height to start preparing the obstacles. Build a jumping obstacle that is challenging but achievable. Having a jump bar that can adjust is a convenient feature. Keep your pooch involved in the process by having them test the obstacles as you go. Allow them to mingle at your side while you build!

Step

Setting up your course

After your series of work sessions, reward yourself and your pup by setting up the course. Pick a large open area and space out the tasks. Allow for room to build momentum for any jumping obstacles. Have your pooch try out the arrangement and change it to meet their needs if necessary.

Step

Exploring the course

Use positive reinforcement (praise and treats) to teach each of the obstacles to your pup. Teach each one separately, and allow your dog to master one drill before moving onto another. After they learn how to navigate the course off-leash and at your command, try timing how long it takes them to complete the course and work at beating their best record!

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Obedience Training

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0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Treats

Activity description

With an eager and responsive breed like the Confetti Australian Shepherd, obedience sessions are easy to deploy and rewarding to use. Obedience training can start as soon as your pup comes home, even if they're a puppy. Waiting until about three months of age will result in better retention of commands, as young puppies don't have the best memory.

When first introducing obedience lessons and commands, longer 30 to 60-minute sessions are necessary. After your dog establishes an understanding of all basic commands, you can use shorter sessions to refresh their memory of learned skills. These sessions need to be repetitive and consistent, lasting throughout your pooch's lifetime. As your dog becomes more skilled, challenge them with complicated tricks like balancing a treat on their nose while waiting to be commanded to grab it! Have fun with obedience, because the mental stimulation it provides will promote healthy development and strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged companion.

Step

Prepping for the sessions

To prepare for your sessions, grab treats and your dog’s leash. Some commands can be taught by pulling on the leash. For example, pulling upwards may help with teaching the "sit" command. The treats will be used to encourage and reinforce behaviors when they are learned. They can also be used to lead your dog into a wanted behavior upon its initial introduction.

Step

Starting with the basics

Choose the most straightforward commands when you first begin your sessions and build on these tricks as your dog progresses through training. "Sit", "lay down" and "stay" are commands you can teach using the leading technique. Using a treat, lead your pooch into the wanted position, after giving a command. Repeat training until leading is no longer required.

Step

Using hand gestures

Hand gestures are a useful tool when teaching commands. Combine each of your commands with a specific visual cue. The coupling of the two will cause an association to form in your pup’s brain so that eventually you can remove the verbal command and solely use gestures. This kind of doggy "sign language" is used in many activities, including Triebball. Learning this skill at a young age can open up the doors to a variety of “oppawtunities” down the road.

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More Fun Ideas...

Going for a Jog

Jogging is beneficial for both humans and dogs. Jogging improves endurance, muscle strength and your lungs and heart! Include regular jogs that range between 15 minutes to an hour in your Confetti Australian Shepherd's exercise schedule and experience the benefits of running instantly.

Taking a Dip

For an additional cardio workout, visit a swim location near you and give your pooch some aquatic exercise. Whether you wade the water together at a beach on a hot and sunny day or swim laps in the backyard pool, water exercise will stimulate your Confetti Australian Shepherd's mind while tiring our their body.

Conclusion

Like all high-energy dogs, the Confetti Australian Shepherd needs plenty of ways to exert their excess energy. Since they're a highly intelligent and responsive breed, it's easy to challenge your Confetti Australian Shepherd's mind and body by participating in activities that stimulate both. Agility course training is one of those activities. Take the time to build a course with your Confetti Shepherd at your side, using them as inspiration for the obstacles and layout. Prepare to take on the course by using obedience training to master commands.

Herding games, such as Treibball, are another excellent option for challenging your pup mentally and physically. Other "pawpular" activities you can enjoy together include swimming or jogging. Both of these activities have physical benefits for you and your dog. Help your Confetti Australian Shepherd develop into a healthy and happy pooch by providing them with ample opportunities to learn and play.