Activities For New Sheps
1k Views
0 Comments
0 Votes
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
If you are the owner of a New Shep then you know that this big dog needs to stay busy in order to be happy. That is not a problem when you are armed with the proper fun activities and games directed toward your New Shep specifically! Your designer cross between the Newfoundland Dog and the German Shepherd is going to love these games that are easy to play and speak to their natural breed needs. Get ready to see your New Shep happier than they have ever been!
Swimming
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Towel
Collar
Treats
Doggy Life Vest
Activity description
New Sheps are a cross breed of a Newfoundland and a German Shepherd. The Newfoundland side of your dog's genetic makeup is one that loves to swim and could spend the day in the water. So why not appease your dog and bring them somewhere that they can swim all day?! Sounds ideal! This activity is perfect for hot days when you may want to jump in the water as well but also great for early fall or late spring when the water may be too cool for you but won’t phase your New Shep at all - their big bodies will keep them warm while they swim!
Step
1
Beach
If you live near a dog-friendly ocean beach, this is the perfect place to bring your New Shep. Not only will your pup get to run down the beach but they will also be able to jump in the water whenever they like. If your dog is not yet an avid, strong swimmer, be sure to have them wear a doggy life vest. Keep in mind that a dog-friendly beach will likely have other off-leash dogs! Be sure your New Shep is properly trained and friendly with new dog friends.
Step
2
Pool
If you don’t live close to a beach, don’t worry, your New Shep will love a pool as well! Find a friend with a pool or if you’re lucky enough to have your own pool, just head to your yard with your dog! Make sure your New Shep can get in and out of the pool easily and know where the steps are for when they need a break from swimming.
Step
3
Dock Jumping
Bring your New Shep to a dog dock jumping competition. Dock jumping is a competitive dogs sport where dogs run to the end of a dock and jump as far as possible before hitting the water. Whichever dog goes the furthest is the winner! While your New Shep has a slight disadvantage due to their large size, they will still have fun jumping into the water and swimming around!
Love this activity?
Toy Clean Up
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
20 min
Items needed
Treats
Toys
Activity description
New Sheps are very playful dogs and that means that they love toys. While you may have given your dog lots of toys to play with and they had a blast, chances are those toys are still on the floor. A dog who has lots of toys also means a house that is cluttered with dog toys laying all around, waiting for you to pick up. Wouldn’t it be nice if your dog could put their own toys away? Well, guess what? They can! The fact that your New Shep is an incredibly smart dog makes this an activity that is easy to teach your pup.
Step
1
Demonstrate and teach
Begin by demonstrating toy clean up to your dog. Say “toy” as you pick up a toy from the floor and then say “away” as you put the toy in its designated spot. Continue doing these commands as you pick up all of your dog's toys. Make sure your dog is following you and consider giving them a treat after you put each toy “away” to get them more excited about the clean up process.
Step
2
Help clean
Give your dog one of their toys from the floor and then lead them with a treat to the toys designated area. Take the toy out of their mouth and say “away” as you help them put it in the spot. Repeat this step until your dog has assisted in putting all of the toys away.
Step
3
Independent clean
Have your New Shep put away the toys on their own. Grab a bunch of treats and use your commands to instruct your dog to pick up a toy and then carry it to its designated spot. Reward your pup with every toy they put away. Soon, all you’ll need to say to your New Shep is “toys, away” and your living room will be clean!
Love this activity?
Protector
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Newfoundland’s and also German Shepherds are breeds that are very protective of their owners. It goes without saying that your New Shep is also very fond of protecting you. This is a skill that you can definitely take advantage of and train your dog to use properly. Of course, you don’t want your dog to bark constantly at any new person in the house or at a neighbor who gives you a hug when passing by. That is why it is important to teach your New Shep when it is okay to be the protector and when they should be the gentle friendly dog that you know they can be!
Step
1
Determine commands
Before you begin training, you should decide how you want your New Shep to act in certain situations and what you would like them to protect you from. Do you want your New Shep to bark at the doorbell, growl on command or sit in front of you when a new “stranger” approaches? Once you decide this, it is time to train!
Step
2
Commands and action
Pick the command that you want your dog to respond to in situations when you want them to act protectively. Teach your dog to associate this command with the action you want. For example, if you want your dog to bark on cue, start saying “bark” anytime they naturally do so and then give them a reward. Soon, your New Shep will naturally associate the action with the command.
Step
3
Practice often
Set up practice scenarios for your dog to try protecting you. Have a “stranger” come up to you and command your dog to bark then reward them. Instruct someone to ring your doorbell and have your dog react appropriately. Keep practicing frequently so that you know your New Shep is ready to protect whenever needed!
Love this activity?
More Fun Ideas...
Pulling
New Sheps are powerhouse dogs with an ability to pull a great deal of weight - they are a working breed after all! Teach your dog to pull a sled or try skijoring when the weather gets cold!
Hide Treats
German Shepherds love to sniff out treats and your New Shep surely does as well! Hide your dog's favorite treats in your house and see if your New Shep can use their nose to find them!
Conclusion
A New Shep is a smart, playful and powerful breed of dog that will love having activities and games set up for them to play. As a dog who loves to learn, being taught new skills will prevent them from being bored and help keep that little dog brain moving! Pick one of these fun activities to do with your New Shep and see which they like best - it may surprise you to find your New Shep would rather clean up their toys than lay around on the couch!