Activities For Goldenapso Retrievers

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Introduction

The Goldenapso Retriever is a hybrid breed with the Golden Retriever and Lhasa Apso for parent breeds. With parent breeds that are both large and relatively small in size, the resulting hybrid is a medium-sized pooch, elegant in appearance. Size of the Goldenapso can range, even within one litter, but the pooch is commonly smaller than a retriever and larger than a Lhasa Apso. This combination breed is well-mannered, with a calm and independent temperament. Excellent guard dogs but loving and affection craving, these pups often follow you at your heels. They require moderate exercise to keep a lean physique, as they're prone to weight gain if inactive.

The Golden Retriever is well-known for their calm temperament, loving nature, and family-oriented lifestyle. Historically bred to retrieve, Goldens are intelligent and obedient. The Lhasa Apso is a small breed dog, with a long, heavy coat. Though small in size, it's mighty in personality, often stubborn and independent in nature. Both breeds are commonly found lying alongside their owner, as they enjoy lounging and companionship. With an interesting combination of traits, the Goldenapso is easy to please with an assortment of both mental and physical activities.

Hill Climbing Drills

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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Water
Leash
Activity description

Looking for a way to get the most out of your walks with your Goldenapso Retriever? If so, consider completing hill drills with your pooch, so both you and your pup reap the rewards of the exercise.

Hill drills require endurance and build muscular strength. These drills are one way to step up your walk and shorten the duration of your exercise session. All you need is a hill, exercise gear, water, and plenty of energy. It won't take long for your Goldenapso to catch on, with their intelligently eager nature.

Start off by introducing the activity slowly. After they know your expectations and have built their endurance, increase your duration or add other obstacles for your pup.

Step
1
Consulting your veterinarian
You should ways consult a veterinarian before making modifications to a dog's exercise routine. This is the first step to consider taking before implementing any major changes in your own Goldenapso Retriever's routines. Depending on age, physique and muscle strength, a veterinarian will give recommendations regarding physical endurance.
Step
2
Finding the right hill
After you have the go-ahead to complete the activity, locate either one large hill with a steep incline, or several small hills close together. You'll want to start with smaller repetitions, but depending on hill size, you'll need to make your repetitions proportional. For example, running a large hill five times is equivalent to running multiple small hills perhaps ten times.
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3
Repeating the activity
After you've introduced the activity to your Goldenapso, repeat the activity regularly to build endurance. It's important to note that uphill exercises work your pup’s hind legs and downhill exercises work the front. Depending on their physical needs, you may want to focus more on one exercise over the other. You will also notice you can increase your repetitions the more the activity is done, as your pup will build and strengthen their muscles.
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Running the Treadmill

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Any Day
Moderate
Easy
15 - 30 min
Items needed
Treadmill
Healthy Treats
Activity description

Running the treadmill is as simple as it sounds. Rather than you using your exercise equipment, though, your pup will instead! It's relatively easy to teach your Goldenapso Retriever how to use the treadmill, and once they catch on, it's likely it will be an activity they crave.

The treadmill is a "pawfect" activity for those rainy or snowy days when long walks just aren't "pawssible." They're also good for owners who are limited on time and need a quick alternative to a long walk. As treadmills adjust in speed, they can meet the needs of any pup. Of course, you need a treadmill to complete the activity. The investment would not only benefit you, but it will also be a great tool used by your pup.

Step
1
Setting up the treadmill
The first thing you need is a treadmill to complete the activity. You want to set your treadmill up in a spacious location, away from walls or obstacles. This will prevent any accidents if your pup leaves the exercise machine. Be sure you understand all controls on the machine, so that you can "opawerate" it safely before beginning.
Step
2
Introducing the treadmill
When you introduce your pup to running on the treadmill, be sure to do it slowly and at their comfort rate. They need to adjust to the sight and sound of the machine. You want them to form positive associations with the machine and not fear it. Reward them with treats and praise when they mount the treadmill. Of course, you must start very slow at the minimum speed so your pup learns to understand to walk on the treadmill. Depending on your Goldenapso Retriever, they may catch on fast or need lots of practice before accomplishing a complete walk.
Step
3
Increasing the speed
Once your Goldenapso is comfortable with a slow walk, you can begin to increase the speed in small increments. If your pooch catches on fast, it’s likely they’ll be running in no time. If this isn’t the case, be patient and reward each success with praise and encouragement. This goes a long way with building your pup’s confidence.
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Making a Dog Bed

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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Comfortable Bedding
Blankets
Cushions
Over Cover (Such as a tent)
Treats
Activity description

Making a dog bed is a fun way to spend a rainy day with your pooch. It's important that every pup has their own space in a home, and revamping that space to make it personalized and comfortable is always a great way to please your pooch. It also provides you with another way to spend time together as you gather materials and build the bed.

When it comes to making a dog bed, there's an assortment of materials that can come in handy. Additionally, it's the "pawfect" way to connect with your pooch. Together, you can shop, build, and bond.

If you already have an actual dog cushion or bed, this can be incorporated into the area. Other materials include some form of covering, such as a small tent, cushions, pillows, blankets, padding, such as foam, and some toys to make it familiar. Depending on the materials you have on hand, this can be a relatively cheap activity. Local second-hand stores are ideal for recycled goodies waiting to be re-purposed! Get creative and have fun while you make your Goldenapso Retriever their very own palace. Also, consider dog-friendly shopping locations so you can spend the day together gathering supplies, enhancing your experience. 

Step
1
Gathering the materials
Before you can make your pup’s comfortable space, you need to gather all the materials you intend to use. Depending on how comfortable you're looking to make it, you may find you're combining pillows, blankets, cushions and foam to come up with the "ultimutt" sleeping quarters for your pooch. Check online for inspiration — you'll be shocked at the luxurious and innovative beds out there! You can swing by the pet shop and other pet-friendly stores to find the materials. This activity gives you times to bond with your pooch while shopping and building.
Step
2
Finding a location
It's a good idea to start off by considering where your pup already enjoys lounging around. Maybe they have a favorite spot in the living room, or maybe in the spare room — utilize this information to make their bed comfortable for them. You want to consider using a large enough space for them to fully stretch out and one that can be used permanently.
Step
3
Making it home
Depending on your pup’s preferences, you'll want to use their interests to make their new dog bed homey. They may jump right on in and explore their bed, whereas other Goldenapsos may question the new location. Let them know it's their space by decorating it with their favorite toys and treats. Don't be discouraged if they don't love it at first — it's likely they'll come around and enjoy their comfy palace!
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More Fun Ideas...

Sleepover Sensation

Doggie sleepovers are a step up from your typical play-date. With what may feel like unlimited time to socialize, your Goldenapso Retriever will be able to play and cuddle with their dog mate. Arrange sleepovers regularly from a young age to improve your pup's social skills.

Playing Hide and Seek

Playing hide-and-seek is fun with kids, but have you ever tried it with your pup? After conquering the stay command, simply hide (at first in close proximity during the learning process) and call for your pup. Have fun watching them sniff you out of your hiding place! This activity is especially appealing to the retriever side of your Goldenapso, as they love finding and retrieving!

Conclusion

When it comes to pleasing your Goldenapso Retriever, there are plenty of ways to meet their physical and mental needs. Everyone knows a healthy pup is a happy pup, which is why keeping them stimulated with various forms of exercise is recommended.

Hill drills are perfect for working and building both hind and front leg muscles. This, coupled with treadmill exercises, is bound to keep your hound in shape! Play-dates are another option, coupling physical play with mental stimulation through socialization. Likewise, hide-and-seek can challenge a Goldenapso Retriever’s mind, while also keeping them active.

Not to mention creating a space is a fun way to please your pup and an "oppawtunity" to bond with one another throughout the process. Having a bed for your Goldenapso Retriever will provide them with both comfort and a sense of home. Overall, keep your Goldenapso Retriever on their “paws” by giving them a variety of activities to partake in!