Activities For Hovawarts
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Hovawart, or “Hovie”, as they are fondly called, is an ancient German dog breed that was once primarily used to defend livestock and guard farm courtyards. Drawings of dogs very similar to the Hovawart have already been around as early as the 17th century, which gives experts an indication of how long this breed has existed. This big, heavy-boned dog is extremely smart, fun-loving, alert and faithful to their owners. Because of their working background, Hovawarts are keen on having a job to do. Otherwise, they will find ways to release their energy. This breed is not recommended for new or first-time dog owners since they require considerable attention from their masters. But, with the right owner, the Hovie can be a trustworthy and amazing overall pet.Â
Agility Creativity
Being a larger breed, the Hovawart needs at least 2 hours of exercise in a day. With their active personalities, your regular walk around the neighborhood or jog in the park may not be stimulating enough for Hovies. A brilliant idea to keep your dog regularly exercised without having to leave your home is to create your own agility course in your backyard. In general, Hovies excel in agility, which is a canine sport involving the dog and owner going through a series of obstacles, due to their cleverness and obedience. By creating your own course, you get to train and workout your Hovie any time you want. The good thing is that the materials needed for the course can easily be purchased in your local hardware store so you can conserve funds for a rainy day!
New City Visit
If you like doing outdoor activities with your pooch, chances are you have gone to most, if not all of the dog-friendly areas within your city. If you are starting to get bored with the same old spots in your area, why not organize an economical trip to a different city? Visiting an entirely new city means new places to see and explore with your eager Hovawart. There is also the thrill of discovering off-the-beaten paths, meeting new people (and even other canines!), trying new restaurants and so much more. Your dog will surely appreciate the new environment no matter the weather! Going on a trip will also help improve the current relationship you have with your pooch.Â
Lakeside Fun
During the hot summer months, there is no better way to cool off and spend time with your pooch than a trip to the local lake. Dogs are usually fond of the water and can often swim without prior training. However, you still have to ensure your Hovawart’s safety before you let them go in the water. What’s good about lakes and national parks is that it is not all about swimming; here, you can have a picnic, play with your dog and even do water sports if you have the equipment. Most lakes are open to the public and are free of charge; you just have to choose which ones are open to four-legged visitors.Â
More Fun Ideas...
Practice Basic Obedience
Hovawarts are typically easy to train, which is why they excel in a variety of canine sports. However, sometimes you just have to go back to basics. Practice some of the most common obedience commands with your Hovie, including “stay”, “sit” and “up”. Use treats or any other form of positive reinforcement to motivate your dog to learn faster.Â
Play with Sprinklers
Dogs can appreciate the littlest of things as long as they get to spend time with their owners. Change an ordinary day into one of fun by turning on the sprinklers and watch as your dog enjoys running around and getting wet.Â
Conclusion
The Hovawart is an impressive-looking dog with an equally amazing personality to match. This breed’s intelligence, humor and loyalty are just some of the top qualities that make them a popular choice for an overall family pet and companion. While there are some challenges that come with owning a Hovie, those who put in the work will be rewarded with a best friend who’s willing to do anything for their family.Â