Top Activities For Norwegian Elkhounds

Introduction

Norwegian Elkhound owners know that they are a bundle of energy and need a lot of exercise to keep them from climbing the walls and driving their families crazy. The Norwegian Elkhound is a medium-sized fluff ball that makes an excellent companion for families that are active. They are not ideal for apartment living or sedentary people. Due to their high energy levels, the Norwegian Elkhound is not recommended for new dog owners. Expect to take them on several daily walks and also at least one long run each day. The Norwegian Elkhound can become hyperactive and will become a problematic chewer if left alone with no outlet for their energy.

Camping

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

24 hrs

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Lunge Line

Backpacks

Camping Supplies

First Aid Kit

Activity description

It can be great fun to gather up the entire family for a camping trip, whether it is only an overnight trip or a week-long adventure, your Norwegian Elkhound will enjoy spending time outdoors exploring the campgrounds. Since your Norwegian Elkhound is a higher energy dog, you may consider hiking into your campsite to help wear them down. If you are spending a few days at the campsite, plan activities that allow your dog a chance to expel their energy so they do not become problematic for you and other campers. It is, of course, best to camp in sunny, warm weather. Camping can be expensive if you do not already have the necessary equipment such as tent, backpacks, cook stove, first aid kit, and chairs. You will probably need to invest in a backpack for your Norwegian Elkhound, a long lunge line to help keep your dog from wandering too far, and dog food and fresh water along with collapsible bowls.

Step

1

Plan the trip

A camping trip is not usually a spur of the moment decision, especially if you are planning on camping with your Norwegian Elkhound. You need to take the time to plan where you are going to set up camp and make any necessary reservations. You will then need to start making lists of the equipment and supplies needed for your trip. An extended camping trip will obviously require more detailed planning.

Step

2

Pack the equipment

It can be cumbersome to pack all the things required for a long camping trip, especially when you are planning on camping with your canine companion. Luckily, the Norwegian Elkhound is sturdy enough to help carry some of the equipment. Fit them with a backpack that will be comfortable for them and allows them to carry some of their items such as lunge line, collapsible bowls, dog food, treats, and any other small, lightweight items. Do not overload their pack; you do not want to overtax them while heading to the campsite. If you are driving to your campsite, you can obviously pack more of the comforts you are accustomed to. Be sure to pack plenty of supplies and a first aid kit for you and your dog.

Step

3

Set up campsite

Once you have arrived at your designated campsite, take some time to scout out the area and decide how best to set up your lodging and an area for your Norwegian Elkhound to spend some time nosing around. Stake down the lunge line for your dog, but make certain it is far enough away from your foodstuff and the fire pit. Make certain you look closely at the area and avoid any foliage that could be poisonous for your dog.

Snow Play

Popular

0 Votes

Cold Day

Free

Easy

30 - 45 min

Items needed

Toys

Treats

Activity description

Being a Nordic breed, the Norwegian Elkhound loves cold weather and being in the snow. Next time the weatherman is predicting snow for your area, get ready to spend time outside tossing snowballs and making snow angels with your dog. They will love wallowing in the powdery white stuff and expelling some of their pent up energy. Be sure to keep your phone handy to snap some cute photos of your Norwegian Elkhound playing in the snow to post to your social media account. It is free and easy to play in the snow, you just need to bundle up tightly and drag out some toys your dog loves.

Step

1

Watch the weather

If you live in an area where snow is in the forecast often, keep a watch on the weather and make note of when snow is predicted. Flurries or a dusting of snow really would not be much fun, so you will probably be watching for a significant amount of snow or at least a few inches. When snow is in the forecast, gather up some toys that are snow friendly or you do not mind getting dirty and wet and put them in a bucket by the door.

Step

2

Bundle up

Once the snow has arrived and there is enough on the ground to play in, pull out your warmest coat and gloves and bundle up. Your Norwegian Elkhound has a natural coat and does not need a man-made one to stay warm in the snow. Your dog will probably be wondering where you are going when you start bundling up! Head outside with your dog, if your yard is fenced you guys can enjoy time off leash while playing.

Step

3

Have a blast

Dump out the toys you had gathered in your bucket and then scoop some snow up in the empty bucket and toss it onto your Norwegian Elkhound. They will love bounding through the snow and having you toss snowballs at them or pour loose snow over them. While enjoying time outside with your Norwegian Elkhound snap some photos of them burying their heads in the snow or lunging at snowballs you toss. Your Norwegian Elkhound can stay outside for hours, but make sure you practice safety and only stay out in the cold for short periods of time.

Beach Visit

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Collar and Leash

Fresh Water

Collapsible Bowl

Shade

Towels

Activity description

Who does not enjoy spending time at the beach and soaking up the sunshine? Even Nordic breeds such as the Norwegian Elkhound can find the beach entertaining. However, since they do have a double coat, playing in the sun can be dangerous if they are not closely monitored. The beach is best enjoyed in sunny weather; however, your Norwegian Elkhound may find an overcast day more to their liking. It is cheap and easy to spend time with your dog at the beach. Make sure you pack a care package for your dog for their beach visit including fresh water, a collapsible bowl, and toweling. If you know there will be no shade available for your dog be sure to bring an umbrella or some type of shade covering.

Step

1

Research the beach

Some beaches are dog-friendly and some are not. If you are not familiar with the beaches in your area, do a little research so you know if your Norwegian Elkhound is welcome and the leash requirements for the beach. Also, check to make sure the beach you want to visit is a public beach or you have permission to use the beach if it is a private beach.

Step

2

Pack for the visit

A quick trip to the beach should not be a harrowing experience but it is always best to be prepared, especially when you are planning on taking your Norwegian Elkhound along for the company. Pack a beach bag of essentials for you such as water, sunscreen, towels, and sunglasses. You also want to pack a beach bag for your Norwegian Elkhound including treats, water, collapsible bowl, towel, and shade.

Step

3

Set up shade

When you arrive at the beach, take a few minutes to scout out the area and look for shade for your Norwegian Elkhound to relax after playing in the surf. If there is no shade readily available, find an area where you can set up a sun umbrella or other type of shade. While enjoying the sun, make sure you keep a close watch on your Norwegian Elkhound. They can quickly become overheated on hot days or when they spend too much time in the sunshine. If you notice they are becoming overheated, quickly get them into air conditioning to cool them off.

More Fun Ideas...

Trick Training

Norwegian Elkhounds are high energy and very smart dogs that need an outlet for all that energy. They also need a way to work their minds and keep them sharp. Trick training is a way for them to work their minds, perform tasks for you, and expel some of their energy. Even though the Norwegian Elkhound can be a stubborn dog, they do still want to please their owner and will work for their favorite treat. Start slow and be consistent when doing trick training and before long you will be wowing your family and friends with the neat tricks your dog can do.

Therapy Dog

Therapy work is different from service work. A therapy dog is providing comfort whereas a service dog is performing a specific service for a person. It is easy to train your Norwegian Elkhound to be a therapy dog, they just need to know basic obedience and be calm enough to sit and let people pet them. Some people will want to hug your fur ball so be sure you have worked with them to allow strangers to hug them. The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a therapy dog program and your dog can earn titles in therapy work depending on the number of visits they make.

Conclusion

A Norwegian Elkhound must have a lot of daily interaction with people and have plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs and run. If you have a fenced yard, spend time in the yard with your Norwegian Elkhound tossing a ball and having them run and play. You should also take several short walks with your Norwegian Elkhound each day to help wear them out. Inactive Norwegian Elkhounds can become a huge problem for their owners. They will become chewers and will become unmanageable with severe behavior problems.