Activities For Gentle Dogs
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Introduction
Every dog has a different, unique personality which needs to be taken into account when you are playing with or training them. Some dogs have bold personalities; some are adventurous. Stubborn dogs resist your will, and pushy dogs try to test your will. Then there is the gentle dog; they want to please you and like calmness, kindness and affection over boisterous high voltage action. The gentle dog is often quiet, they stay out of the limelight, never sure if they should do one thing over another. The kindest way to treat this type of personality is to honor your dog and respect their nature. We can't all be hyperactive superstars. So, when planning activities for your dog, consider their personality. If you do, your dog will respond positively, and both of you will enjoy the game. Don't try to force a gentle dog into being aggressive - it won't work. Work within the boundaries of your dog's nature for an enjoyable outing or game. This planning will help bolster the gentle dog's confidence and enable them to participate without fear of reprisal.
Day at the Beach
Your dog will love a change of scenery and a day out at the beach or river will be a welcome visit. Try to choose a day when it is not too hot, just a comfortable heat, so your dog doesn't overheat. The benefit of going out is that your gentle pooch has an opportunity to meet and greet other dogs, with you beside them for support. They will enjoy a leisurely lope along the beach or a splash in the waves. At a river, they may enjoy a relaxing swim, paddle or indulge in a little 'fishing' if there are some small fish nearby. For a more active dog, a game of catch the Frisbee or retrieve the ball will be fun. A change of location will bring out their curiosity as they investigate a new area. And when dogs are out and about, they are on neutral territory and seem happy to welcome a new dog into a game. A gentle dog often needs a boost to their confidence and a change of routine will shake them out of their complacency. Then when they tire, a picnic and cuddle on the beach or riverbank is the perfect way to end the trip.
Balls in a Bucket
Balls in a bucket is an easy game to set up and play. It is good for dogs who are gentle by nature, yet love to play without being too competitive or intimidated. The game can be played inside or out, and in most weather. The idea of the game is for your dog to take one ball at a time from a pile of balls, and go and put it into a bucket some distance away. In the beginning, when they are learning the game, give a small treat after getting each ball in the bucket and when they return to you and sit. Then as they get better at the game, get them to go back and forwards with one ball at a time until all the balls are in the bucket and then they get a reward and a cuddle, plus lavish praise. If you want to get fit, you could run each way with them, encouraging them on. It is a simple game that is done at your dog's pace. Dogs love feeling important; they love to have tasks to do and enjoy the love and feedback they get.
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Put Toys Away
This is a game that not only is fun for your dog, but will help you when it is clean up time. Using small treats as a reward for doing it right, teach your dog to pick up their toys, and drop them into a box or container. Make it easy at the beginning. Pick a phrase such as 'time to put your toys away', and get them to pick up one toy and take it to the toy container. Then command them to drop the toy in the container and when they do, lavish them with praise and pats and of course, a small treat. Once the dog gets the idea, increase the number of toys in the room or area. Before long, your dog will be the best helper you ever had. This game teaches the dog to follow orders and gives them a sense of satisfaction when they have done it well.
The Bubble Game
This game is a no-brainer for a gentle dog. It consists of a non-toxic bubble solution for dogs, and a bubble pipe to blow the bubbles. I don't know a dog yet that can resist chasing the bubbles. If you have a small enclosed area outside that you can play in it will be even better as the breeze will help the bubbles to fly. If you have a child, they will want to play as well, but let them know they have to share the bubbles with the dog. Maybe they can blow the bubbles for the dog. Every now and again, call for a break and sit and cuddle (both dog and child) while giving them an appropriate treat. It's hard work chasing bubbles so they need to fuel up for another round. Praise you dog and child for their efforts, it is free and builds such strong bonds of respect and trust. If it's a hot day, you could pull out the paddling pool and add they can splash in and out while chasing bubbles. It's a ton of fun for everyone
A New Route
For a gentle dog, a new additional activity can be as simple as a new walking route to a different park that they can explore. You and your best buddy can amble along, taking in the breeze, and chill out in the park. Just as going to the same shops day in and day out would bore you, your dog will enjoy a change in the routine and will appreciate a different view. Or take them for a short drive to the water if you live close to the sea. Dogs are easy to please, just a shift in the daily routine will be fun, and for the gentle dog it will be a non threatening change.
Conclusion
Gentle dogs are the coolest dogs; they are cuddly, affectionate and in their own way they have a unique type of dog humor. While you may not get it for a while, it will slowly dawn on you that your dog just got one over you! They won't overstate a victory, but will let you figure out that you have been beaten! And they will be polite enough not to laugh about it in public, but if you look back at them, they will be laughing their head off, tongue fully flapping in the breeze behind your back. All dogs enjoy an outing or a new challenge. A challenge tailored to your dog's character and nature is the best. Before long that quiet, gentle dog will take on an air of invincibility. A gentle dog will 'fangfully' not broadcast their victory to the world and show you up, but while your dog may be gentle, all dogs LOVE to win!