Activities For Italian Bulldogges
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Italian Bulldogge isn't a typo - rather it's the name of a unique breed of hybrid dog that's one part Neapolitan Mastiff and one part Olde English Bulldogge. Italian Bulldogges are positively massive dogs that are typically employed as guardian pets and watchdogs. Despite their austere demeanor, Italian Bulldogges can be quite friendly once they get to know you. These are the types of dogs that greatly benefit from structure and variety in their daily lives - which is a flowery way of saying that Italian Bulldogges don't like laying around and not doing much for the majority of the day. The activities that we've listed below will help Italian Bulldogge parents provide their pets with the structure and variety they most definitely need on a daily basis.
Geocaching
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 - 3 hrs
Items needed
Dog Leash
waste bags
water and snacks
Smartphone/ Camera
Activity description
Geocaching may sound like a high concept and high cost activity but the term really just refers to the act of walking across a preset path and taking numerous pictures near landmarks and other noteworthy locations. It's like scavenger hunting, only you'll be looking for places to take memorable pictures as opposed to hidden items. Dogs can easily join in on the fun, provided that the area you plan on using as a geocaching spot is dog-friendly. You don't really even need to bring much with you to try this activity out - just a leash and a means to actually capture the moment. Cheap cameras can be purchased for less than $20 at places like Target or Walmart, as can reliable dog leashes. Invite your Italian Bulldogge along for an adventurous day!
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1
Location, location...
Popular geocaching spots including areas with long winding roads, such as parks or hiking trails. Depending on where you live, there may even be a few historically significant areas in your local vicinity; if you live in Boston, Massachusetts then the Freedom Trail would be a great area to go geocaching in. Research your area for unique places to explore that are dog-safe and accessible and then head out with your Italian Bulldogge.
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2
Let's get photogenic
After you've figured out where you and your dog will be travelling, look up and see what kinds of noteworthy landmarks populate the area. Compile a list of must-see sights before you reach your venue, then visit them once you make it - taking a few photos with your dog as proof that the two of you have actually made the journey in person. There's no right or wrong way to document your trip, so get creative and make sure that your shutter lid isn't on if you're bringing a DSLR.
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Puller Ring
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Hard
30 - 45 min
Items needed
Puller Ring
Activity description
Puller Rings are deceptively simple, yet incredibly versatile dog toys that humans can use to help train and bond with their pets. The puller rings are held in each hand and are meant to be raised high into the air. Dogs are then prompted to jump up and latch onto one ring at a time, alternating between the rings at the behest of their human companions. The rings can also be rolled along the ground and tossed like frisbees! A pair of puller rings can be bought for about $25 online, so you won't have to break the bank to get your hands on this awesome toy either. On a sunny day, head out to an open space to give your Italian Bulldogge a good work out. Hydrate often and take shade when needed!
Step
1
Jump for joy
Here's what you do; first get a ring in both of your hands. Then, call your dog over to you and get their attention fixated on either ring. Encourage them to "get" the ring by wiggling it in their face a bit. Instead of throwing the ring, you'll want to hold it up in the air at about shoulder height. Continue encouraging your Italian Bulldogge to get the ring until they jump up to try and get it. Once they grab hold of the ring, lower it down with them until their feet touch the ground. Once your dog is grounded again, ask them to "get" the ring in your other hand - allowing both of you to repeat this process for as many times in a row as possible. If your dog isn't able to jump up to shoulder height then feel free to lower the rings.
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2
Keep rolling
For this method, you're going to roll the rings like bowling balls down a lane. As before, entice your dog to chase after the rings by wiggling it in their face. This time you're going to roll the ring past them, causing them to turn around and chase after it. If you're able to, you can try to roll the ring in such a way that it curves in an arc to provide your Italian Bulldogge with an added challenge.
Step
3
Go long
This method is all about using the rings like frisbees. Just as how you've likely encouraged your dog to "get" a frisbee, you'll encourage them to get whichever ring you throw. As opposed to praising them and rewarding them as soon as they bring one ring back, you'll want to wait until you've thrown both rings to help your Italian Bulldogge understand that the two rings are a part of one set.
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Visit Rome
Popular
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Any Day
Expensive
Easy
72 hrs
Items needed
Travel Gear
Leash
Dog Bed
Waste Bags
Activity description
This activity was inspired by the Italian Bullogge's heritage; you see, large breeds like Bulldogges hail from a line of dogs that were known as Molosser dogs. These gargantuan beasts were first bred into existence by the ancient Romans long before the likes of even Julius Caesar came to power. In the same way that Italy is the modern descendant of Rome, Italian Bulldogges are one of the breeds that are considered to be the modern descendants of the ancient Molossers. It will be fun, and expensive, to embark on this trip, allowing your dog to get in touch with their heritage.
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1
Circus is in town
More accurately put, the Circus Maximus is in Rome. This massive area was once used as a chariot racing arena back in Rome's glory days. Now it's completely open to the general public, meaning that you and your dog can visit this historic site free of charge! The place is absolutely huge and is one of the few pieces of Rome's history's that's still largely intact. To help preserve this legendary landmark, please be sure to not litter and to clean up after your dog, removing any waste they produce.
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2
The Fountainhead
The Trevi Fountain is another Roman landmark that's become very popular with tourists over the years. Dogs are allowed to visit the site as long as they're accompanied by their human companions - with a number of smaller dogs being allowed to travel without being leashed. The Italian Bulldogge is the antithesis of small dog though, so you'll want to keep them by your side throughout the entire trip. You'll also want to keep them from diving inside of the fountain; there are a few pictures of dogs swimming in the Trevi Fountain on the internet, but that's actually a big no-no and safety hazard.
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3
Visit Venice
Venice is known for three things among all else - its winding canals, beautiful architecture, and expensive services! You can get a taste of all Venice has to offer with your Italian Bulldogge by your side, as the city is very dog-friendly and very acclimated to accommodating dogs of all shapes and all sizes. You may even be able to find a ferryman to take you and your dog on a trip through the city via a gondola - so long as you're prepared to pay for the experience and your dog can sit still.
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More Fun Ideas...
Caving
When most people think of a cave, they likely think of a dank, dark, bat-infested mire that has claimed the lives of innumerable travelers over the years. But that's not always the case. In fact, there are just as many smooth and spacious caves out there for folks to explore if they have the inclination. A number of these cave systems are also dog friendly, meaning that you and your Italian Bulldogge can check them out together.
Backpacking
Hiking's more intense, older sibling, backpacking is a sport that's not for the faint of heart. Backpackers travel across large stretches of land for long periods of time without any of the amenities and luxuries that most of us are afforded on a regular basis. Backpacking is a terrible way to kick back and relax during a vacation but is otherwise a great way to work out your legs and commune with nature. Your Italian Bulldogge will make a great companion and guardian out there in the wilderness.
Dog Soccer
This activity will allow an Italian Bulldogge to run around and chase after stuff - the two things molosser-type dogs probably enjoy doing most in life apart from eating and brooding. Dog soccer is a fun and cheap way for your Italian Bulldogge to get some exercise when you don't feel like getting too active yourself!
Conclusion
Raising one of these super-sized dogs can be very challenging and taxing but it can also be a very rewarding experience when all is said and done. While Italian Bulldogges may be a bit aloof and stoic, they're also incredibly loyal to members of their packs. In return, give them respect and good workouts on a regular basis. If you're not able to give an Italian Bulldogge either of those things, then you're best off steering clear of these dogs as they aren't ones for sitting around!