Activities For Flandoodles

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Introduction

If you're looking for a large, active dog that's gentle and affectionate yet protective, the Flandoodle might just be the pawfect fit. This designer breed is a cross between a Poodle and a Bouvier des Flandres. With proper early socialization, they fit well with families or singles. If you're considering one of these pups, bear in mind that you'll need time in your schedule to provide them with around one to two hours of exercise each day. Below are some ideas for activities that you can enjoy with your furrific Flandoodle.

Obstacle Course

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Any Day
Cheap
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
leash
treats
obstacles
Activity description
Setting up an obstacle course for your pooch will help to provide them with physical and mental stimulation. You don't have to spend a ton of money to come up with a fun route for your pooch. Make use of items like benches, poles, or planks to create some hurdles and ramps. This activity can take place inside or outdoors in all kinds of weather. Before you start designing a course, check with your veterinarian about your pup's overall condition. If they're prone to joint diseases, adjust your plans to keep your challenges low-impact. Use lots of treats and praise to reward your special pal.
Step
1
Make a course
Create your course at home using household items. Take some laundry baskets and yardsticks or other poles to create jumps. Use athletic cones or lightweight yard decorations to design a weave station. Get a collapsible tunnel or create a crawling obstacle from cardboard boxes. Landscaping blocks or large planters and plywood can make a ramp, but be sure to secure it well. Set up your course in an open area with adequate space.
Step
2
Teach your pup
Once you have a course, it's time to take your pooch through it. If your pal is a novice, use a leash to walk them through each challenge and use treats for encouragement. Some pups will dive through a tunnel, but others may need you to demonstrate by crawling through it yourself. Repeat the route a few times until they get used to the layout.
Step
3
Enjoy
Once your furry pal gets the hang of the course, you can let them go faster. If you're in an enclosed area, try it off-leash. Lead your pup through the course and provide lots of encouragement and treats as necessary. Once they've mastered the route, try a change of pace by mixing up the obstacles.
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Stair Climbing

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Any Day
Free
Hard
20 - 40 min
Items needed
water
waste bags
leash
Activity description
An excellent workout for you and your pooch is stair climbing. If you have one or more flights of steps near your home, you can take advantage of them for some legwork. You'll be helping your pup tone muscles in the lower back, hips, and shoulders when they ascend. The downhill climb works the quadriceps. Whether you incorporate the stairs in a brisk walk or you take repeat passes at the stairway, this activity will burn lots of energy and help to build your pal's coordination. As a bonus, you'll also be getting a rigorous aerobic workout as you climb beside your fur-baby.
Step
1
Plan your route
For starters, you'll want to find a place with a long staircase. If you're in or near a city, there may be libraries or municipal buildings with one or more flights of steps. Decide if you'll add it to a walking loop or go up and down the staircase several times. Make sure any public venue that you choose is dog-friendly.
Step
2
Start climbing
Once you identify a place with adequate stairs, hook up the leash and start climbing. Remember to bring waste bags in case your pal needs a potty break. Go up and down as many times as you choose. Monitor your pup so that you know if they need a break. Offer them water for refreshment.
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Trail Running

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Any Day
Free
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
leash
water bottle
waste bags
Activity description
You can meet your fitness goals and exercise your pooch at the same time by doing some trail running. You'll need to find a pet-friendly pathway where you and your four-footed friend can stretch your legs together. You can enjoy this activity year-round in all kinds of weather. Before you hit the road with your special pal, take them to the vet for a checkup to make sure they're fit and not predisposed to joint issues. When you go out, always bring water for you and Fido and waste bags to keep the trail clean. Take breaks as often as you and your pup need.
Step
1
Plan your outing
Before you go trail running, you'll want to make sure you're fit enough for the trek. If you and Fido are already active, this won't take much effort. Start with shorter runs until you can handle at least two to three miles. Once you're ready to tackle longer distances, find a path in your area that permits pooches. Make sure you're aware of any hazards along the route.
Step
2
Hit the trail
Once you've built up your stamina and you have a trail, you can collect your supplies and head out. Stick some waste bags in your pockets and fill a water bottle for you and your fur-baby to share. Go to the trail and put a leash or harness on your pup, and enjoy bonding with your pal while you both burn some energy.
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More Fun Ideas...

Swimming

Flandoodles are excellent swimmers. This activity is best on a sunny summer day. You'll want to find a beach, lake, or pool that's pet-friendly. Check out any rules or regulations regarding leashes, vaccinations, and times of day when pets are allowed. Pack towels and plan to bring a toy that floats in the water.

Frisbee

One way to give your pup a good workout is by teaching them to play frisbee. This activity will come more naturally to some dogs than others. First, build an interest in the disc so that they'll want to catch and chase it. Once they want to play with the toy, teach them how to bring and give it back to you. After they master these skills, you can increase the throwing distance so that your furry friend has to run to snag the flying disc.

Conclusion

Though Poodles are often considered the divas of the dog world, the Poodle in your Flandoodle makes this breed a boisterous one. These playful, high-energy dogs can be a puptastic addition to your household as long as you have time to give them the exercise they need. When you find some fun ways to burn your special pal's energy, you'll help to keep them happy and out of trouble.