Activities For German Anatolian Shepherds

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Activities For German Anatolian Shepherds

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Introduction

The German Anatolian Shepherd is a hybrid breed with two Shepherd parents, the German and Anatolian Shepherd, making them large in size and intelligent in nature. German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, agility and strength. They're often the go-to dog used in police forces worldwide as they're obedient and easy to train. Anatolian Shepherds are classified as working dogs because of their rugged and powerful nature. Upkeep for Anatolians is less than that of a German Shepherd, requiring moderate exercise in the form of long walks or short runs. This breed of Shepherd is regarded as an expert watchdog as they're devoted to their family.

The combination of breeds is relatively new and therefore not yet common. The German Anatolian Shepherd, however, makes for a positive addition to a household with children. This breed is likely to be protective and loving towards their own family; however, they may be wary of strangers. With a temperament that can vary from pooch to pooch depending on which of the parent traits is dominant in the offspring, it's best this pup lives in a home with an experienced owner. Without the right amount of stimulation, both mentally and physical, this breed can exhibit unwanted behaviors, which is why it's ideal to have an assortment of activities to keep them entertained!

Water Sports

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Cheap

Easy

30-60 min

Items needed

Towel

Water toys

Swim Gear

Snacks

Fresh Drinking Water

Leash

Activity description

Hit the water with your pooch and discover all the ways you can explore the deep blue together. There are many water exercises designed to get your German Anatolian Shepherd's mind and body working. Finding an exercise they enjoy doing is one way to make working out fun!

Pick a swim location nearby. If you're fortunate enough to have a pool, this won't be difficult. Beaches and lakes are also ideal locations, as long as they're dog-friendly.

After you determine where you're going, gear up and head out. Pack all the necessities you'll need for a day at the beach, including a towel, blanket, sunscreen, drinking water and a portable water dish. Snacks are recommended if you plan on staying a while! Both German Shepherds and Anatolian Shepherd's tend to love the water, which is why this activity is ideal for them.

Step

Choosing an activity

Before heading out, select which activity you want to use to get your pooch moving in the water. Swimming is one way to work the body physically. For mental stimulation, try dock diving, which requires your pup to leap off a high dock into water to retrieve an object. Basic water fetch is another option if you don't have a dock to jump off.

Step

Finding the pawfect spot

Finding a swim location isn't as hard as it may seem. Many local beaches, conservation areas and lakes allow dogs, but be safe by checking online information or calling ahead. If you have a pool, this is another option for you. Just be mindful of your dog’s nails as they may rip the filter.

Step

Preparing the supplies

Get your backpack and picnic basket to make a whole day of your swimming adventure. Bring along treats for you and your pup, as well as fresh drinking water. A cooler is ideal if you have one. You should also bring along a drinking dish for your pup, towels, a blanket to sit on and any dog toys you plan to use in the water. Once you have your supplies prepared, head out for your beach day together!

Step

Trying different games

When you hit the water, be prepared with your toys and games. Vary your experience by trying different games. You may find your German Anatolian Shepherd prefers certain games over others; if this is the case, keep them engaged by doing what they like. Introduce a new game each visit to try to enhance their experience.

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Brain Games

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

15 - 30 min

Items needed

Favorite Treats

Stimulating Toys

Activity description

Working out your pup's brain is just as essential as working them physically. Obedience training and brain games can wear your pooch out as it requires concentration on their part. If you haven't done so already, basic obedience training is a great way to start. Learning to sit, stay, lay down, rollover and speak are all easy to teach and fun to show off.

Once you establish a basis for your training, moving on to fun games, tasks and challenges is ideal. Try out more difficult commands such as balancing a treat on the snout, or pick a brain game such as hide-and-seek to build their skills. All this activity takes is tasty treats, time and patience. It can be added to any daily exercise routine, helping them build and strengthen their brain's neural connections while, most importantly, having fun!

Step

Picking an activity

There's an extensive list of ways to challenge your pooch's mind with games that are both engaging and stimulating. Begin basic training at around eight weeks old, and be sure to include leash training at an early age. Once you've mastered this, move on to brain games such as hide-and seek or scent training.

Step

Getting started

After you've selected and learned the steps for the activity you wish to try, grab a treat for a reward and get started. Scent training requires you to introduce your pooch to an object that will be hidden. After getting a good smell of said object, you hide it close by at first, before giving the command to "seek." Once your pup masters finding the object at close range, hide it further away. You'll be surprised how fast your Shepherd catches on. Hide-and-seek is similar to scent training, except it's you being sniffed out!

Step

Varying and repeating

Switch up the activities you explore together to keep your pup engaged. It's good to repeat activities, but try repeating them every other day. By exposing your pooch to different tasks, you allow them to grow, improve and adapt. Remember, it will take time for them to learn each brain game, which is why repetition and patience is also key.

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Weighted Walks

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

15 - 30 min

Items needed

Weighted Dog Vest

Versatile Dog Backpack

Leash

Activity description

Weighted dog walks are far more efficient than a standard dog walk, and depending on what gear you've equipped your pooch with, it can work a variety of muscles in their body. German Anatolian Shepherds require at least two hours of physical exercise daily to meet their needs, and weighted walks can help you meet this need quicker.

To take your German Anatolian Shepherd on a weighted walk, all you need is the right equipment, a walking route and standard walk supplies like water and waste bags. Buying a weighted vest or adjusted backpack for your pooch is the only cost you'll need to pay for this activity, and these are easy to find online or at your local pet shop. The benefit of weights are that if your pooch is done growing, the vest can last a lifetime.

Step

Consulting with an expert

Before getting ahead of yourself, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss your pup’s health. This should be done before purchasing any equipment because health conditions or age can prevent a pooch from participating in this activity. Once your vet confirms that you're in the clear, start searching for a weighted vest or backpack.

Step

Finding the best vest

Consider whether you're interested in purchasing a vest that comes weighted or an adjusted backpack. Both pieces of equipment have their own benefits. With a weighted vest, the weights are distributed evenly throughout the vest. With a pack, you can adjust the weights as your pooch increases their endurance level. Once you decide what's best for your pooch, you'll have to get their measurements before heading out!

Step

The "pawfect" fit

Both vests and backpacks are designed for a certain range in dog weight, as well as size. Before grabbing one for your pup, it's a good idea to get their measurements. Use a standard measuring tape to determine their length, width and height. This is to ensure your German Anatolia has "pawfectly" fitted gear.

Step

Gearing up and heading out

Once you've purchased your vest, get your pup ready for your first weighted walk. At this point, they should have already tried on the vest. Keep in mind weighted walks equate to double that of a regular walk (15 minutes of a weighted walk is equivalent to a 30-minute standard walk). Start off with short walks; you do not want to over exert your pup's muscles or cause any damage. As your pooch adjusts to the weighted walks, increase your duration.

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More Fun Ideas...

Visiting the Pet Store

Spend an afternoon checking out the local pet store to find a new treat or toy for your Shepherd. Pet stores are stocked with puppy puzzles designed to challenge and occupy your pup. See what they're interested in and treat them to a new toy!

Puppy Grooming

Give your pooch a do-it-yourself spa experience by pampering them at home. All you need is a few products from the pet store and you're set! Use your bathtub or backyard and hose for a comforting shower. Freshen up their already elegant appearance and have fun bonding throughout the experience.

Conclusion

When it comes to a German Anatolian Shepherd, there's more than enough activities to keep them busy and entertained while simultaneously working their body and mind. German Anatolian Shepherds have parent breeds known for their protective and guarding instincts, making them "pawfect" candidates for obedience training and brain games. These pups live to work and please, so early basic training coupled with games targeting your pup's cognitive abilities are recommended.

For physical exercise, turn to the water or weighted walks. Both activities require a German Anatolian Shepherd to exert various muscles while completing the activity. Weighted walks add a challenge to a regular walk, and swimming is a fun way to burn excess energy! On a rainy day, you can visit a pet store, pick out a new toy, or groom your pooch at home. Overall, to keep your German Anatolian Shepherd healthy, happy, and on their best behavior, utilize a multitude of activities to meet their daily exercise needs!