Activities For Dalmatians

1k Views
0 Comments
0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

The Dalmatian is a unique dog, to say the least! His coat is traditionally white with black spots; however, occasionally you will see a tri-color variety or a patched coat pattern. The traditional Dalmatian is also associated with firefighting. While the Dalmatian is easily trainable, the breed does tend to be obstinate at times. The Dalmatian requires a great deal of activity in order to avoid getting into mischief. The Dalmatian is a breed that is highly loyal, loves children, and is a perfect pet for families of all sizes. This lovable pup will enjoy accompanying you on many family activities.

Walking Treasure Hunt

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
small treats
bite-sized kibble
assorted toys
Activity description
Your Dalmatian will need to take several walks throughout the day in order to exercise properly. A walk may seem like a boring activity for both you and your pup. However, you can spice up the event just a tad by turning the daily walk into a treasure hunt! You can incorporate toys, treats, even kibble into your treasure hunt. When beginning this adventure, you'll want to place the toys or treats along the trail in the dog's path. However, as you do this a few times, you might want to make the toys or treats less conspicuous.
Step
1
Scout it out
First, you will need to scout the proposed walking trail before you head out. During this time, you'll need to find places to "hide" the toys or treats in plain sight for the dog. Once your pup has become accustomed to playing this version of Hide and Seek, then you can begin to put the "treasure" out of sight.
Step
2
Grab the leash and go
As your dog gets older, they may be attuned to you picking up the leash and come to you without being called. Most dogs enjoy their walk, even if they are only sniffing all the wonderful objects outdoors. Consistently make a game out of preparing for walk time, and your dog will always be ready for a trek outdoors.
Step
3
Use commands
While you are out and about, be sure to utilize several commands that your dog will associate with going for a treasure hunt-inspired walk. Once you get near the object, be sure that your pup sees the hidden treasure and say "FInd it!" Once the objects are fully hidden, use these commands so that your pup will be encouraged to look for hidden treasure.

Lure Course

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Chase-It toy
DIY lure course
Activity description
All dogs have a sense of predatory chase. Your Dalmatian will be no different. A variation of the flirt pole, the "Chase-It" toy will entice your dog to give in to that desire to run after prey.  If you like, you can make your own "chase-it" toy. Simply grab a lightweight toy (preferably a stuffed animal) and a retractable leash with a reel-in button. You can create an "obstacle course" by adding overturned flower pots topped with a broomstick and prompt your pup to jump over the stick. Perhaps you can have your pup "chase" the proffered toy up the steps of your deck. Either way, make it fun and spontaneous for your Dalmatian.
Step
1
Let's make a lure
Making a lure really isn't that challenging, but you will need to ensure that the toy is fairly durable. A great toy is a stuffed duck, which is readily available at local superstores or pet supply stores. You will also need a sturdy line such as jupe string or fishing line. You can sew the string into the stuffed toy.
Step
2
Get moving
Get your Dalmatian ready to play by stretching together. You will need to start slow with this, particularly if your dog is older and is sensitive to touch. Take your hands and place them above the "knee" of your dog's back legs. Slowly lift the leg to stretch the muscles. Do the same at the "elbow" of your pup's front legs. Doing so will help warm the dog's muscles up before playtime.
Step
3
Let's play!
Once you have acquired a toy and taken the time to stretch those muscles, it's time to play! You can vary how you play this game. You can run and pull the toy behind you, or you can sit and tease your smaller pup with the toy. You can incorporate an "obstacle course" for more exercise opportunities.

Training Time

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
small treats
Activity description
Training exercises are beneficial to any dog, but for the highly intelligent Dalmatian, working on stimulating mental activities can prevent a great deal of boredom (and the resulting mischief, of course). Simple commands that every dog should know - "sit," "stay," or "come" are commands that your pup will understand fairly easily. However, since the Dalmatian is rather smart, you might want to incorporate a few, more difficult commands. These might include "roll over" and "army crawl." Grab a few treats, and begin working with your pup on these new commands. In the end, your Dalmatian will be delighted to learn new tricks.
Step
1
Start small
Once your puppy comes home, you should begin teaching them the general rules of your household. Of course, when a puppy is only eight to ten weeks old, you will not be working on commands. However, you can begin laying the foundation for teaching commands when the time is right. You may need to wait until the puppy is about twelve to fourteen weeks old before beginning to teach commands.
Step
2
Sit, stay, come
The first basic commands that you should teach your pup are sit, stay, and come. Again, once your pup is about twelve to fourteen weeks old, you can begin teaching the pup simple commands. Using treats, show the pup how to "sit" (hold a treat in your hand; lift your hand with the treat causing the pup's head to go up and his bottom to lower. When the pup's bottom is on the floor, say "sit," and give the pup the treat.) Stay is a little more difficult. In fact, you might want to work on the "come" command first. Place the leash on your pup. Then, bend down to the pup's level and say "come." Back away while pulling gently. When the pup comes to you, give them a sweet reward.
Step
3
More advanced commands
You will need to ensure that your pup has mastered the simpler commands before moving on to more difficult ones. Stay can be taught after "sit." Tell your pup to sit. Next, say "stay." Back a few steps away. If the dog remains seated, give your eager pup a treat. If not, say "No." Practice until your pal gets the idea of what you expect.

More Fun Ideas...

Fetch

The Dalmatian's high energy level makes the dog perfect for a game of fetch! In fact, it will likely come naturally to them. Just a half hour of this game will allow the Dalmatian to work off some of that legendary nervous energy.

Swimming

Swimming is a great way for high energy dogs to keep from being bored and mischievous. Grab a swim vest (just in case) and allow your dog some fun in the pool.

Jogging

Dalmatians make great jogging companions; plus, this allows both you and your pup to participate in physical activity. Your Dalmatian will enjoy accompanying you for a daily run around the neighborhood.

Conclusion

The Dalmatian is a very energetic pup, but you can harness this energy into positive activity that benefits the both of you! The Dalmatian is a highly intelligent dog, so mental activity (as in teaching the pup both simple and advanced commands) will help to diffuse that energy properly! In addition, the Dalmatian is a great companion for your own exercise activities - jogging or biking are particularly good activities to take the Dalmatian along! Remember, keeping your Dalmatian active will promote good behavior and a great bond between you and your pup!