Activities For Eskimo Schnauzers

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Introduction

Eskimo Schnauzers are a small and feisty dog breed that will keep you on your toes. This hybrid breed combines the eager and lively traits of an American Eskimo with the intelligence of the Schnauzer, creating a witty, energetic pack companion. With such a high energy level, it's important to ensure your Eskimo Schnauzer receives a minimum of an hour of moderate to strenuous exercise daily. This can be spread out through different activities. Physical stimulation isn't enough, though. This dog breed is highly intelligent, which is why mental stimulation is essential to prevent unwanted behaviors due to boredom. 

The Eskimo Schnauzer is a relatively new dog breed and is commonly bred using miniature versions of the parent breeds. Eskimo breeds include toy, standard, and miniature. Regardless of the size of the American Eskimo, the temperament remains consistent -- that is, they're fun, independent, and well-mannered when trained. Likewise, there are three versions of Schnauzer, including giant, standard, and miniature. Schnauzers are known for their hard work, intelligence, and loyalty. The outcome of combining the two breeds makes for one energetic friend who needs thoughtful mental stimulation and exercise daily.  This can be achieved by exploring a variety of different activities with your Eskimo Schnauzer. 

Hide-and-Seek

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Any Day
Free
Easy
15 - 30 min
Items needed
treat (optional)
Activity description

Playing hide and seek is an entertaining way for you and your Eskimo Schnauzer to spend a rainy day. The game is the exact same as when you play with a child, except this time, it's going to be you hiding! The only prerequisite for the activity is teaching your pooch to stay. As Eskimo Schnauzers love the company of their owners this can be a trick that takes longer to learn -- but the payoff is worth it! 

You may decide to use toys as incentives, but it's likely your Schnauzer will participate without, as these witty pups love a good challenge. Couple hide and seek with a physical activity to give your pooch the "ultimutt" workout! 

Step
1
Learning how to stay
Before you can hide yourself from your Eskimo Schnauzer, they need to learn how to stay on command. Teaching your pooch to stay can be done quite easily using positive reinforcement and by being firm. First, have them sit with you standing in front of them. With a toy or treat in hand, slowly back away while repeating the command “stay.” If your pup moves, correct them and start over. Continue the activity, increasing the distance you move away, eventually omitting the treat and hiding behind corners. This may take time and patience, but the command comes in handy in many circumstances.
Step
2
Finding a spot
After mastering “staying” on command, it’s time for you to get creative. Look for a hiding spot that is challenging enough to make your Eskimo Schnauzer think and take take time searching. For the first few games you play, it's best to find an easier to locate spot to keep your pup engaged and so they can learn the game quickly! The more you play, the more challenging you can make your spots. Beware, though: these doggos do tend to have a good memory, so creativity is a must!
Step
3
Calling your pooch
Once you're successfully concealed, make your call sound (e.g., whistle) or actually command your pooch to “come” loud enough for them to hear. Only call once and give them time to sniff you out. Have faith in their abilities, especially if you have a big house. If you find they’re disinterested in the activity, try whistling or calling a second time. Finding you is a reward in itself so don't worry about treats! Rather, celebrate together before beginning the next round.
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Coordinating a Playdate

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Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Treats
Leash
Dog Play Mate
Activity description

Most dogs are naturally social beings who live and associate with packs in the wild. This is why finding a playmate for your Eskimo Schnauzer is an activity that can stimulate them both mentally and physically. The only thing you need is a playmate, and if you have a friend or family member with a pooch, this could be an extremely simple task.

Encouraging bonding between pups is recommended, especially from a young age. Establishing a playmate at a young age and maintaining the relationship will "pawsitively" impact your pooch's sociability. Eskimo Schnauzers can be wary of strangers, so socializing them early is super important to ensure they get along well with other pups and people.

Step
1
Finding a playmate
If you have friends and family members with dogs, this step can done quite quickly. If you don't know many other people with pups as companions, you can always swing by your town’s dog park where you’re bound to find hounds! Contact your family member or friend and let them know your intentions. You want to consider size and temperament when choosing a playmate. Dogs with similar energy levels get along great, and those who don't may have trouble.
Step
2
Setting up the playdate
Set up the play date, keeping in mind that you want to give the pups enough time to bond and enjoy one another's company. Having a five-minute encounter won't do. A short visit will likely lead to your Eskimo Schnauzer becoming wound up, excited, and wanting more. An hour minimum is recommended, but longer is ideal. Consider arranging regular play dates weekly and include this in your exercise schedule.
Step
3
Monitoring the bonding
If it's the first time introducing the pups, expect them to be timid when examining one another. Depending on your dog, they may bark and react defensively, or dive right on in and start playing. It's best to keep dogs on a leash when meeting for the first time. If they're intimidated, you should try interacting with the other dog yourself to show them it's okay. If it takes time for them to warm up to the activity, don't be discouraged. When the pups are playing, always monitor them and give them room to wrestle and run!
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Get the Water

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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
15 - 20 min
Items needed
Water hose
Large yard
Activity description

Get the Water is a fun and cooling way to spend a hot sunny day with your Eskimo Schnauzer. This activity only requires a hose, and it actually gives you a break while your pooch releases any pent-up energy.

Simply turn on your hose and watch the magic unfold. Your pooch will chase the water back and forth, tiring themselves out, while simultaneously having the occasional cool-down with a spray of water!  As Eskimo Schnauzers are bright, they're likely to catch on quickly and take pleasure in completing the challenge. The activity won't take long and is weather-dependent, as no one likes cold water in the winter! It's free if you have a hose (aside from water costs) and it's easy to facilitate! Have fun while you get "pet-and-wild" with your pooch!

Step
1
Introducing the hose
The first step in this game is introducing the hose. You want to ensure you don't scare your pup with the hose. You may do this if you spray them with it right away without letting them examine and explore it. After they've sniffed it out, turn it on a low setting and show them how it works. Be sure they're comfortable before beginning.
Step
2
Initiating the game
Once the your pooch is used to the hose, simply turn the water on full blast and move the hose back and forth across your yard. Encourage your pooch to "get it" and watch as they run back and forth chasing the water. The activity is a fantastic way to tire them out in a short span of time, while they also cool off. Switch it up by making patterns like zig-zags for them to follow -- have fun and get creative!
Step
3
Rewarding the catch
If your pooch is hesitant to play the game, you may want to use a treat to reward their interactions with the hose and those first attempts at getting the water. After a while, a positive association should form and they hopefully will take part!
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More Fun Ideas...

Visiting the Dog Park

As Eskimo Schnauzers can be wary of strangers if not socialized at a young age, the dog park is an ideal location. Here, your pooch can mingle and run with others while simultaneously interacting with other owners!

Daily Walks

Including a daily walk in your pup's exercise routine is one way for an Eskimo Schnauzer to release built-up energy. Short walks are sufficient when coupled with another activity.

Agility Course Training

Schnauzers are known for their agility, which is why an obstacle course is "pawfect" for your Eskimo Schnauzer hybrid. Simply create your own do-it-yourself style course by getting creative with household items and using your backyard or basement. You can also purchase agility kits and equipment online and in pet stores.

Conclusion

When it comes to entertaining your Eskimo Schnauzer, there's a variety of unique and engaging activities you can try. As the Eskimo Schnauzer is typically a miniature dog breed bursting with energy, it's best to have plenty of activities that require physical endurance. Activities such as exploring agility courses, chasing the water in your backyard, and taking daily walks are some ideas for meeting your pup's physical needs. You can also challenge your Eskimo Schnauzer by taking them for runs or hikes. 

Visiting the dog park and finding a playmate provides the "oppawtunity" to socialize and play. Together, dogs can entertain one another by running, wrestling, jumping and more! Use other strategies to stimulate your pooch's mental abilities, such as hide-and-seek. Overall, it's ideal to have a pocket full of activities to keep your Eskimo Schnauzer busy!