Activities For Labernards
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Labernard is a large hybrid dog that is a cross between the lovable Labrador Retriever and the affable Saint Bernard. Although placid by nature, they can become a handful to train and you may need help from a professional trainer. A good way to start your puppy is to begin teaching them right from when you get them. Gently let them know you are the boss and make sure you exercise them enough to burn off all that puppy energy! Include a lot of activities in their day. Incorporate toys that challenge them to solve problems such as food dispensing toys. Throw the ball as long as your arm can take it. Or get fit by running this little monster all over town. Of course, don't overdo it while they are still growing. But do keep them busy and active and they will love you for it!
Collect for Charity
Popular
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Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Dog backpack
Doggie Waste Bags
Activity description
There are many worthy causes that require people to help collect donations within the community. This is one activity that you can do with your dog to help out - it does not cost you anything but your volunteer time. Not only are you helping the community, but you are also spending quality time with your dog. Having them with you will increase your security, too. For your dog, it's a great opportunity to explore different areas in their neighborhood and to socialize. Put your dog's backpack on them so they can help you carry your brochures or even the water bottle. People will be more friendly and will be more approachable seeing your happy Labernard accompanying you. Your dog will get plenty of exercise and may even score a treat or two. Then when your shift is over, head home to a relaxing rest.
Step
1
Offer to help
A great way to do something that will benefit the community is to offer to help on collection days. It gives you and your dog the excuse to get out and do something for a good cause. Your dog will enjoy going up to the front door of your neighbors and dog lovers will feel compelled to donate to such a cute dog. You can build instant rapport with a dog by your side. Your dog will collect more pats than donations, but they will be happy.
Step
2
Getting into action
See if you can organize your time to suit your lifestyle. Mid-afternoon is often a nice time, as is after dinner when everyone is home from work. With your dog by your side, you will feel quite safe, even if the twilight starts creeping in. Your Labernard will think it's just another walk, but then, to go up to homes will be a new experience and bring new smells for them. This activity can be quite tiring but they will love meeting new people. They will meet a few dogs as well, so it is a good time for them to show off all their obedience skills!
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3
At the end of your round
At the end of the round, walk your dog back to the starting point for the charity collectors to take the money so you can take your dog home. Give them a good pat and a cuddle for being such a good dog. Both of you will feel good about helping your community out and maybe it can become a regular activity. When you get home, give your dog a treat and let them unwind after such a hectic couple of hours
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Trimming Hedges
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Sunny Day
Free
Hard
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Treats
Wheelbarrow
Compost Bin
Activity description
Bring your dog outside to help you when the hedges need trimming. As you chop down the branches, teach your dog to pull the branches to the wheelbarrow or compost bin. They can do a lot to help you and it will give your dog exercise and mental stimulation by teaching them how to solve a problem - getting the branches into the containers. Many dogs come from a working background, and your Labernard is no exception. They love to have a purpose and will feel so important to be working alongside you. Make it fun by having a game of tug-of- war with the branches. Or chase your dog around the house. These activities are all about keeping your dog fit and healthy. It provides them with variety. Even a manual task such as trimming your hedge can be turned into a learning experience for your dog. You are only limited by your imagination!
Step
1
Get your tools organized
Organize the tools you need for the job and get ready to get started. Before you start, teach your dog to grab a branch you cut from the hedge, and to drag it over to where you have the bags and wheelbarrow. They can just drop it there for now and come back for another. Throw them a small treat each time they drag a branch to the wheelbarrow. A small treat here is the word, don't give them too much or they will bloat out! Keep treats small and healthy and let your Labernard work it off.
Step
2
Fun never hurt anyone
The object of this activity is to just have some fun. It doesn't have to be a serious time, although it would be nice to get the hedge finished. But stop once in a while for a game of tug-of-branch - see if you can wrestle it from your dog. Another treat for your canine cutie, and then it's back to work. If it is getting a bit hot, why not hose your dog off to help them cool down? They will love this game and will bark and growl at you as you soak them. It is all in the name of having fun remember? Plus, it will prevent your dog from overheating from all their hard work.
Step
3
Time to call it a day
When the hedge is finished, pack up your tools, throw the bags onto the wheelbarrow and put everything away. The hedge looks so much better now. Let your Labernard know the game is over by sitting down and having a bit of quiet time. Your pup may even snooze off after all their efforts. It just goes to show how you can have fun and get things done at the same time. Dogs can be a really good help and they are happy with a job to do and making you happy.
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Grooming Time
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Dog shampoo and bubbles
Brush and comb
Towel
Leash
Activity description
Your Labernard, like many dogs, loves any attention that you can give them. Even if it is time for a bath and some serious grooming, they will lap up all the attention they get. Make it a fun time for them with some serious bubbly mix for the bath (non-toxic for dogs of course) and have fun with your dog popping the bubbles as you bathe them. A good massage and a lot of rinsing will get your dog cleaner than they have ever been. Just make sure they don't take off and roll in the mud to dry themselves. Get that towel around them quickly, keep them on a leash for now, and get them dried off quickly. Then you have the job of the combing and brushing. You will be able to stuff a pillow with all the shedding fur! What a great bonding time for you both.
Step
1
Time for a bath
Most dogs will try to slink away when you mention the word bath! And yet, they enjoy it once it starts. Fill up a small paddling pool with warmish water so that you can get a lather up on your dog. Either blow some bubbles or put some in the bath water so that your dog is so busy popping bubbles they don't even notice they are getting clean. A decent scrub up will loosen any excess hair. Splash them with plenty of water, make it a fun time. Make sure the products you use are made for dogs and that they are non-toxic.
Step
2
Rub your dog dry
After your dog has had their final rinse, get ready to dry them off. But watch they don't run off and roll in the mud! Quickly clip them on a lead and secure them to a post. Then wrap with a large towel and give them a good rub down. Once you have them mostly dry, it's time to retire to the warm porch for half an hour to relax. This will allow their fur to really dry off. Work your fingers through the fur to separate the hair and help it to dry. Then once it is dry, it is time for the brush and groom!
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3
All polished up
Now comes the time for brushing. Take your time to work your way through their coat and work out any burrs. Check for any injuries and ensure there are no parasites making a home on your dog. Once you have them brushed, go over their coat with the comb. Really give your dog the full treatment. Before long, they will look like a million dollars. Time to let them loose and present a challenge for them. Give them a food dispensing toy to work on so they don't go running out to play in the dirt and undo all your good work!
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More Fun Ideas...
Treadmill Fun
Rainy days can present a problem regarding exercising your dog, especially several wet days in a row. If you have a treadmill, teach your dog how to walk on it. Start the machine off slowly until they get used to it. A treat or two may be needed to encourage them to stay on the machine. Once they get used to it, exercising your dog on rainy days will be easy. If you don't have a treadmill but have a set of stairs, use them -Â toss a toy to the top and get your dog to retrieve it.
Walking in the Snow
Dogs don't seem to feel the cold the way we humans do, especially the Labernard who is well used to cold climates. A walk in the snow is excellent for a physical workout. Snow transforms the landscape, bringing challenges that are different from any other season. Your dog will love to chase you as you slide down the hill on a sled. They can even pull you along on the sled. The snow adds a new dimension to your walking and training.
Dogsitting
Offer to look after any of your friend's dogs while they go out. Not only are you helping them out, but you will get a playmate for your dog! With another dog to play with, your dog can play those rough and tumble doggie games and have a fun time for an hour or so. This activity is great for socializing your dog as well as getting them additional exercise. Supervise the dogs while they play to ensure they play fair. A food dispensing toy for each pup will calm them down and give them a break from the games.
Conclusion
This happy and outgoing dog will become a devoted companion over the course of their life. The Labernard will bring you a lot of pleasure - just watching their antics is entertainment at it's best. Socialize your dog with outings, enroll them in puppy school, or have a professional trainer show you a few tips on how to train your dog. The secret to a happy dog is to give them plenty of fun things to do. Give them jobs to do. Keep them company. Remember your dog is a living creature and they crave your attention. When you take on a dog, you have them for the rest of their life. Make it a fun one. Give them plenty of activities, rides in the car, and visits to the pet shop in the mall. They will 'pawsitively' glow with happiness - mission accomplished!