Activities For Great Danebulls

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Introduction

Your average Great Danebull might look like a bit of a brute, but any owner of these loveable lugs can tell you that they’re one of the most loyal and affectionate canine companions out there! A cross between an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Great Dane, these pooches can vary greatly in their temperament, but one thing’s for sure -- they’re pretty smart, and they want to be by your side at almost all times. They’re even known for trying to cuddle up to their owners like a smaller pup, leading to the vaguely ridiculous situation of owners ending up with nearly 85 lbs. of dog on their lap.

Great Danebulls need a good deal of mental stimulation, a moderate amount of running-around time, and a whole lot of affection. Read on for five activities designed to keep your buddy as healthy and happy as can be!

Camping

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0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
48 hrs
Items needed
Collapsible food bowl
Harness
Activity description

Ever wanted to wander out into the wilderness on your own, but found yourself stopping short because of the safety implications? Not to worry -- no one’s going to mess with you with your Great Danebull by your side!

Even if you’re going with your family or a large group, it’s good to include your four-pawed pal in your vacation plans. Sure, you could leave them with friends or send them to a kennel, but you take one look at that face and tell us you don’t want to bring them with you!

Camping is an excellent choice for those looking for a Fido-friendly (and often budget-friendly) vacation. You may not need to sacrifice too many of your creature comforts either -- why not consider renting a campervan and checking out a full-service RV park?

Step
1
Do your research
There are still some campgrounds that won’t welcome wagging tails with open arms, so make sure your buddy can stay before making your reservation. Bear in mind that private campgrounds may have some breed restrictions in place, and fair or not, Pit Bulls are often on the top of that list.
Step
2
Pack carefully
Be certain that you have everything you need to keep your pooch content during your trip! At the very least, you’ll need a collapsible bowl and enough food to last you for your vacation (if you’re staying in the great outdoors, make sure all food is in airtight containers). If you’re going for a long car ride, consider a harness. Favorite toys can help your pupper adjust to unfamiliar environments. Oh, and bring clothes, tents and other such things for yourself.
Step
3
Investigate activities
You’ll have to keep both yourself and your doggo entertained on your vacation! Make sure that there are enough fur-friendly activities in the area to keep your pup busy. A vacation to a national park might seem like a great idea, but many trails in places like Yosemite are closed to pooches. Above all, enjoy!
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At-home Massage

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Any Day
Free
Easy
25 min
Items needed
Activity description

Many intelligent pups carry a lot of tension, and while your Great Danebull may be good-natured, they’re certainly no exception. A massage is a pawesome way to get your buddy to unwind!

Giving your dog a good rub down at home doesn’t just save you money at the grooming parlor, it’s an excellent way for you two to maintain a good pet/pet-parent bond -- and there’s nothing a Great Danebull craves more than love and hands-on affection.

Spending time with a happy pupper is great for humans, too -- there’s a reason that many colleges now have therapy dogs visit their libraries during exam season. You might just feel your own stress melting away!

Step
1
Pet your pup gently
This step is particularly important if you’re massaging your dog for the first time, but even if you’re a dab hand at it, it can still help to calm them down a little before you begin. A massage won’t do much if your buddy can’t stay still! Pet your pup gently in all the areas you plan to massage. Pay attention to their reactions -- some pooches have pure no-go areas, often around the belly or chest.
Step
2
Add some pressure
You can use either a circular motion, or just pet them with a little more pressure than usual. There’s no right answer here -- different dogs have different preferences, so keeping an eye on your canine companions reactions is crucial. You’ll soon get into a rhythm that suits the two of you!
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Agility Training

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
40 min
Items needed
Cinderblocks
Cane
Treats
Activity description

Agility training is a furrific way to keep your four-pawed pal’s brain and body working at the same time, and teaching your dog to jump over obstacles in a grrr-eat place to begin! If you and your buddy would like to compete, there’s no harm in checking out classes or investing in equipment, but it’s pretty easy for a pup and their person to get started at home -- you can make your own jumps out of basically anything you have lying around, and the training isn’t too difficult.

The one thing you do need to have is time -- like all training, it’s best to start slow and work your way up, and repetition is required to cement the command in your canine companion’s mind. The time estimate above refers to the time per training session -- it could take your pup days or weeks to get this down!

Step
1
Assemble the jump
You’ll want to start with a relatively low jump first -- you two can work your way up to higher obstacles over time. You can use some cinderblocks and a cane or a piece of old pipe, or some low lying logs. The only thing you’ll need to make sure of is that the obstacle is clean and doesn’t have any sharp edges that could cause an injury.
Step
2
Use a leash
Attach a long leash or a piece of rope to your pupper’s collar and walk quickly or run towards the jump. When your doggo steps over it, use a verbal command -- jump, or something similar. Reward them with a treat when they get it right. Don’t worry if your pooch shys away from the jump the first couple of times, just be patient and try again.
Step
3
Lose the line
Once your pup is consistently clearing the jump, it’s time to try without the leash. Keep running by your buddy’s side and using the command, and heap the praise and treats on when they jump correctly. Once your dog has this step down, you can start calling them from the other side of the jump. Over time, you can randomize rewards before doing away with them entirely.
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More Fun Ideas...

Go to the Dog Park

Great Danebulls are pretty happy to deal with humans, but they need to make their own furry friends, too! Regular trips to the dog park will help your pooch learn to socialize with other animals.

Hiking

Explore the great outdoors with your buddy by your side! Not only will they get some much-needed exercise, but the new sights, sounds, and smells will help keep them mentally stimulated.

Conclusion

The main challenge with owning a Great Danebull is letting you know that you love them, so it’s best to include them in as much of your life as possible. The above activities should go some way to keeping them fit and entertained while reassuring them that they’re special to you. Give a few a go -- you’d be barking mad not to try!