Activities For Miniature Golden Retrievers
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
You may be thinking to yourself, "can Golden Retrievers actually get any better than they already are"? For those who love smaller dogs that don't shed a lot, the answer is yes! Miniature Golden Retrievers are not just Goldens who were genetically dwarfed to make smaller versions of the amazing breed, but instead are a combination of Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles (Poodles and Golden Retrievers). This combination results in a spitting image of the dogs we all know and love, but with less frequent shedding patterns and a height of only about 14 to 20 inches full grown (weight is around 20 to 45 pounds). When it comes to personality, there is no need to worry about beloved characteristics being lost, because the breed is still exactly the same! The Mini Golden (also known as Petite Golden Retrievers or Comfort Retrievers) is very affectionate, super loyal, and eager to please at all times, therefore making them the perfect option for anyone who needs a smaller breed or who may have allergies to heavily shedding dogs.
Agility Training
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Any Day
Moderate
Easy
1 Hour
Items needed
Professional Agility Obstacles (optional)
Hoola Hoop
Boxes
Sticks
Treats
Activity description
Agility training is a pastime that not only hones a dog's natural athletic abilities, but also tests their intelligence level as well. While many dog breeds are able to perform well athletically, not all of them can figure out how to perfectly jump through a hoop or dash up a slanted beam. Agility training is a great way to bond with your dog and provide them with an excellent source of both mental and physical exercise. You don't need to have a lot of fancy equipment (unless you plan to compete professionally) and any kind of basic tool can be used such as hula hoops, planks of wood, and sticks.
Step
1
Set up
The first part of any agility training practice is to get all of your obstacles in place. Whether you have official gear or just a couple of hula hoops from the dollar store, get everything out and ready to go. Treats and other forms of encouragement for your dog (like a favorite toy) should be present as well to make sure that your pup is rewarded for their hard work.
Step
2
Practice makes perfect
Once you have all of the equipment set up, it's time to practice until the trick is understood. Some tricks may take longer than others, but it will totally depend on your dog's ability! Your Mini Golden may catch on quickly to jumping through a hoop, but may need more time to understand weaving through obstacles (like some traffic cones). Just stay patient and keep rewarding with treats; your pup will catch on in no time.
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Hide and Seek
Popular
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Any Day
Free
Easy
30 Minutes
Items needed
Treats
Toys
Another person (optional)
Activity description
There are two ways to play hide and seek, and we are sure your dog will love either one! You may choose to hide yourself (in which case a friend may come in handy if your dog doesn't know "stay" well yet) or the idea of hiding toys and treats may be more appealing. Either way, the object of the game is to have your dog wait while you hide something without him seeing. Once everything is settled, you can release the hound to sniff out the fox! This a great bonding game and an excellent way of allowing your dog's brain to work hard in order to solve the puzzle.
Step
1
Gather materials
In order to set up the game, you will need to decide what you are wanting to hide from your dog. If you decide to hide yourself, no other materials are required! Simply have your dog sit and stay in another room (or have a friend hold his collar while you leave) and head out to find a moderately difficult hiding place. If you are hiding treats or toys, try placing them under containers or underneath furniture. Placing things in varying difficulties will make things interesting and a bit more challenging for your pup.
Step
2
Watch the fun
Now that everything (or yourself) has been hidden away, it is time to release your dog and watch the fun! There is nothing better than waiting to see your goofy dog's smile as they search for things they love. Once they find all the goodies, you can either stop there, or play again.
Step
3
Reward Your pup
The most important thing with this game is to make finding the hidden objects super rewarding so that your dog goes to the trouble of finding everything each time you hide it. You can reward by either praising your dog excitedly, or you can give them a little treat each time they bring you a hidden object back. This will make the game all the more interesting and keep your dog coming back for more time and time again!
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Canoeing
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
2 Hours
Items needed
Canoe
Dog lifevest (optional)
Activity description
The price on this activity is honestly going to vary based on whether or not you already have a canoe. If you do have a canoe, then you are set to hit the water and have a blast with your pup! If this is a new activity that you are wanting to get into, the only major expense you will have is the canoe and any life vests that you feel may be needed. A younger pup who may not be proficient at paddling should always have a life vest on in case he takes an excited tumble out of the canoe. Canoeing is a great way to spend time with your dog, especially when that dog loves water like the Miniature Golden Retriever. When the weather get's hot and you worry about other strenuous activities overheating your dog, getting out into the water to play is not only smart, but a great way to spend the time as well.
Step
1
Research
Although it may seem odd, not all lakes are okay with dogs being on their beaches and in the water. The availability will vary greatly depending on where you live, so it is important to do your research before heading out. A quick Google search of 'lakes/rivers that allow dogs in my area' should suffice to bring up all the information you need.
Step
2
Pack Up
Whether to camp or have a day trip?? That is the question! No matter which you decide to do, some degree of packing is going to take place. You will need to load up your canoe and any safety gear required, along with snacks for both you and your furry friend. Maps and chargers for any electronics will be necessary as well. Be sure to alert someone to your whereabouts before heading out and take a buddy along if possible when going to an unknown area.
Step
3
Soak in Nature
The time on the water is all about melting away that stress. Forget about the struggles of work and just allow the beauty of nature and the presence of your dog to lift your spirits and recharge your batteries. Canoeing is just one way of doing this as other forms of water fun can be with a paddle board or a kayak. Just get out there and enjoy the water!
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More Fun Ideas...
Fetch
This game is a classic for many dogs, but considering "retriever" is in the name for the Miniature Golden Retriever, there is no doubt that fetch will be a favorite. No fancy toys or tools are required here. Just grab a stick or a ball and head outside to get your pup the exercise and bonding time that they need.
Hunting
Thanks to the Miniature Golden Retriever's genes, they excel at tracking. For those who enjoy hunting their own food, having a dog that will work with you and keep you company is usually a very appealing idea. Not only will you have a friend at all times, but that friend can even help to retrieve the game you kill. It may take a bit of practice, but if you start training young, eventually the job will come as second nature for your Miniature Golden.
Swimming
Swimming is the perfect activity for anyone when it is a hot day. Thanks to the fact that both Poodles and Golden Retrievers love water, so does the Miniature Golden. Pack up those picnic baskets, grab your towels, and lather on some sunscreen. Spending a day out in the sun can be hard on a pup with all of their fur, but throw some water into the mix and everything will be fur-tastic!
Conclusion
Although the Miniature Golden Retriever is smaller than the common Golden, they certainly don't have a shortage of the same happy-go-lucky energy. Both the Poodle and the Golden Retriever breeds used to make the Mini Golden are dogs that love to be active, and were originally bred for performing outdoor activities (like hunting and swimming). All of the activities listed above are just a few of the many awesome adventures that you and your Miniature Golden can do together! One of the best things about Golden Retrievers in general (no matter their size) is how much they just want to spend time with their owners; they love them unconditionally. Because of that huge desire to be with you, it won't make any difference at all to your dog what activity you choose. Just getting to spend time with you and release some pent up energy will make that little golden dog happy as can be!