Activities For Daniffs

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Activities For Daniffs

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Introduction

If you love giant breeds, you probably already know what a Daniff is. For the rest of us, a Daniff is a hybrid breed of Great Dane crossed with an English Mastiff. The result is a stockier, shorter pooch than a pure Dane, with all of the easy-going nature of an English Mastiff.

Though giants don't live quite as long as smaller puppers, this cross can see slightly longer lifespans due to the variety in genetic makeup. To help your doggo have the healthiest, happiest life they can, keeping them busy with fun activities is vital!

Below, we've gathered some of the best things to do with your Daniff!

Hiking

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Water

Activity description

Because of the English Mastiff in your woofer, throughout their life, you're going to have to keep an eye on their weight. An easy way to keep the pounds off and the muscles strong is to head out into the great outdoors with your super-sized fur-kid.

The Dane in your Daniff will go crazy for the opportunity to sniff all of the scents of the forest, and you can adjust your pace to match your fuzzy pal's capabilities.

Keep in mind that younger giants should go slow and avoid over-exerting themselves to protect their growing joints. Also, always remember to bring along water and a bowl for your four-legged friend.

Step

Research trails

If you're not familiar with the hiking trails in your area, a quick internet search should give you a thorough list of your options. Read reviews from other dog owners to find the best path for canine hikers, and carefully look to see what the leash rules are for each area.

Step

Pack your bag

For the most successful adventure into the woods, a little preparation goes a long way. Anything can happen on your trek, so it's good to bring along a first aid kit and lots of water for both you and your pooch! Other items that are nice to have are maps, a compass, some snacks, and a blanket -- just in case!

Step

Be smart

While out in the bush, it can be far easier to get lost than you might think. Cell service can get patchy, batteries die, and if you're not careful, you can find yourself and your pup in a sticky situation! Instead of blazing on forward, if you are unsure of which way to go out on the trails, back-track or head to a spot where you can figure out exactly where you are. Be aware of the dangers in your area and always tell a friend or family member where you are going.

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Obedience Class

Popular

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Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Training Collar

Treats

Activity description

Training every pupper that you welcome into your home is a good rule to stick by. When your dog is of the giant variety, that training becomes a whole lot more important -- for basic survival alone!

Big dogs are capable of big damage, both to people and property. Thankfully, Daniffs tend to be gentle and mellow, but during their puppy stage, they are still capable of causing a lot of destruction.

To help you and your furry pal have a peaceful relationship (and to prevent your friends from avoiding your house like the plague), invest some time and money into having your pup properly trained. They will love the mental challenge and the bond between you will grow!

Step

Research classes

All obedience classes are not the same, with some specializing in general friendliness while others teach more complicated tasks. Put some time into reading what the class actually covers, compare prices, and read reviews from people who've attended the program. That way, when you choose which class you and your big baby should go to, you'll be making the most out of your funds -- and time!

Step

Attend regularly

Another thing to keep in mind when signing up for obedience training is whether or not you'll be able to commit to the schedule. While you may remember everything from a class two weeks ago, your pooch will likely have forgotten -- especially if they are younger! To help the training stick in their minds, try to make it to class at least once a week.

Step

Practice at home

Going to class is excellent, but if you don't put what the two of you are learning into practice, it's not likely to change much of your doggo's behavior. Arrange a family meeting to make sure everyone in the house is on board with the training, and try put in extra training sessions every day at home.

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Rough Play

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

20 mins

Items needed

A wide, open space

Activity description

There are few things that a giant Daniff loves more than wrestling! And, despite what you may think, when done correctly, a bit of rough play can actually be very fulfilling and educational for your woofer.

No, really! If you start this kind of play from an early age, you can establish what is "too rough" right from the start. This can be done in a variety of ways.

Once your pup is well-versed in the world of rough play, they will know what is and isn't acceptable and they will learn exactly how gentle to be with each playmate.

Step

Start slow

If you want to survive rough play, do not start at full speed! Calm energy is great for a proper wrestling match. Make sure the room you're in is clear and large enough for a bit of gentle roughhousing and begin to increase the energy level of play. It is important that you initiate the play with a repeated command or invitation, so your pooch knows it's up to the person to begin the match.

Step

Stop at the first sign of force

By immediately stopping play the second your doggo crosses the line into bad or unwanted behavior, you are teaching them that rules apply -- especially during a wrestling match! When the dog is young, this can also be accompanied by a high-pitched yelp sound, which tells your woofer that what they're doing hurts!

Step

Signal the end of the game

Even the most successful rough play has to have an end, and it's best if the last word comes from you. Settle on a command that will let your pup know that the fun is over, for now. Phrases like "all done" or "no more", when used consistently, can become easy signs to your pooch that the match is done and they need to back off.

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More Fun Ideas...

Swimming

Though Daniffs don't always take to the water on their own, when trained to appreciate a good swim, this exercise can be perfect for the over-sized breed! Both young and senior Daniffs can have fragile joints, making swimming an excellent activity with a low risk of injuries.

Fetch

Once again, though Daniffs may not be natural-born retrievers, if you teach them, they can come to absolutely love a game of fetch! Over-sized balls and flying discs make for the easiest items for the big puppers to catch mid-air.

Conclusion

Our canine pals need just as much fun in their lives as we do. By engaging in fun activities with your Daniff, both of you can have a pup-tastic time, while also becoming an even better human-doggo duo!

By making room in your weekly routine for pooch-themed fun, you'll probably notice that your woofer is happier and better behaved, as they will be feeling more fulfilled in their life -- and that's something to wag your tail about!