Activities For Pugshires
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Arguably one of the cutest dogs in existence, the Pugshire is a delightful breed mixed from the Pug and the Yorkshire Terrier. Toy breeds themselves, their offspring stay tiny but mighty. These little pups average less than 12 pounds and no more than 15 inches in height.
Pugshires are perfectly happy being your permanent lap dog, but it's important to get them exercise as they have a tendency to become lazy and overweight. Like their parents, Pugshires are prone to patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, and other breathing conditions, so the exercise you provide them has to be planned and well-supervised.
Pugshires are also better in homes without little curious hands that might accidentally be too rough.
Photo Shoot
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Camera
Doggy dress-up outfits
Props
Activity description
You now have one of the cutest dogs on the planet - it's time to show Fido off and make "furrever" memories! Your pup has to stay active without overdoing it, so hitting the spotlight and striking a pose as you move them from place to place to get the perfect shot is a good balance of activity and rest. Pugshires love to be the center of attention wherever you go and will enjoy showing off while you take pictures - but getting Fido to "sit" and "stay" might be a test of how good your obedience training pays off with all of the distractions!
Step
1
Find a venue
You've probably scrolled through social media and seen puppy photo shoots. These can give you some ideas for venue options you may have in your area. You shouldn't have to pay to have a photo shoot with Fido unless there's an area you absolutely are panting to have your dog's picture taken in and it is fee-based. If you are crafty, you can use the same venue and set up different backgrounds with props to make the scene unique.
Step
2
Play dress-up!
How fun it is to find cute outfits for your pup, especially in tiny sizes! You can match the props to the outfits, choose one or all, and go wild and crazy or subtle and classic.
Not all dogs like to play dress-up, though. If your dog balks at being changed multiple times, try one cute outfit or just add a bow or handkerchief. Don't stress your pup out just for a cute picture.
Step
3
Be the "pup"perazzi!
Now that you've secured the venue, set up the props, and designed your dog, it's time to take the pictures! If you're not a professional photographer, don't worry - Fido is cute enough that you'll still get great shots. However, you can find tips on amateur photography online so you can angle your camera for the best views, check the optimal lighting times if you are outside or the lighting angles if you are inside, and be an informed "pup"perazzi expert!
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Stay at a Hotel
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Easy
1 day
Items needed
Leash and harness
Food and water and bowls
Doggy bed
Activity description
Some dogs are just homebodies and are perfectly content snuggled up on your lap, but others love to travel and explore with their family. If you've got a travel companion, why not take a break for the two of you and visit a pet-friendly hotel or bed and breakfast? How long you want to travel to get there is up to you - you can stay in your own town or hit the road and go somewhere brand new, but Fido will follow you loyally wherever you head! Take time to stop and smell the roses (bushes, weeds, dirt, and everything else) along the drive, too!
Step
1
Find a pet-friendly place to stay
Maybe you don't want to travel too far, or maybe you're ready for a road trip! Whatever you decide, it's important to plan ahead with dogs. Not all hotels are pet-friendly, and those that are often have restrictions on breeds or quantity. If it's just you and your Pugshire, you can expect to pay a small pet deposit, but the breed and quantity restrictions won't matter. Don't forget to check the reviews - you want to get away and relax, not stress about a bad neighborhood or unclean room! Once you've chosen your location, scout around for pet-friendly places you can bring Fido to shop, play, and eat.
Step
2
Pack for the trip
You'll need all of Fido's favorite toys - every single one because if you forget one, that's the one your pup will want. Don't forget the dog food and water bowl, Fido's favorite treats, the leash and harness, and doggy clean-up bags. Now that you've packed for your pup, you can go pack for yourself!
Step
3
Time for your trip!
Whether it's a short or long road trip, be sure Fido is secure in your vehicle and you have the leash and harness on hand to stop for potty breaks. When you get to your destination, let your pup get used to the new room at their own pace. Some dogs will take to new places easily, while others are more cautious. Once Fido is settled in, head outside for a brisk walk around the area to explore and find all of the dog-friendly places you mapped out during your planning!
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Play Outside
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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Kiddie pool
Sprinklers
Toys for fetch
Activity description
It's great to plan days out with your Pugshire, but sometimes the simple things are the best. Take some time out of the day to go outside with Fido for no more than half an hour as long as it isn't too hot. Since Pugshires can have trouble breathing with their predisposition to Brachycephalic Syndrome, humidity and heat can be dangerous to their sensitive noses. Playing in water on a hot day sounds cool and refreshing, but plan ahead so Fido isn't wet for too long. That can cause serious health issues for your sensitive pup. Whatever you do, just being with you and interacting together is enough to keep your Pughsire happy!
Step
1
Check the weather
It may look like a gorgeous sunny day for you, but to Fido it could be a danger zone. Dogs with brachycephalic syndome can't handle humidity or too much exercise and have a low heat tolerance. What you think is just right may be too much for your pup. When you head out to play, watch Fido carefully for any signs of heavy breathing or exertion.
Step
2
Find an activity
Good old-fashioned games like Tug of Rope, Hide and Seek, or Fetch are enough to keep your pup occupied and active for 15 to 30 minutes, but you can always improvise to cool you both down on a hot day with a kiddie pool or sprinklers! Don't forget to plan ahead with a towel to dry Fido off quickly when you are done playing.
Step
3
Play!
If the weather is good to go and you have the activity prepared, head outside with Fido! Never leave your little Pugshire outside on a hot day by themselves. Not only is the heat a potential problem, but as little as your pup is, they are a prime target for birds of prey and other predators. Plus, Fido's favorite playtime is when you are there playing, too!
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More Fun Ideas...
Go Shopping
If your pup loves people as much as most Pugshires do, they'll be excited to go to the store with you! Your little dog can fit in a small carrying bag or a doggy stroller. Some stores will let dogs walk on leashes, but remember to always use a harness, not a neck collar, to avoid trachea collapse. Even this little bit of exercise is enough to tucker out your tiny toy dog, so be careful not to overdo a shopping trip with too many stores and keep Fido hydrated in between shops. Don't forget your doggy clean-up bag for potty stops!
Take a Walk
On cooler days, early in the morning, or late in the evening, Fido can go for short walks. Try to avoid hard, cracked, or unstable pavement along the way and use a harness and leash. Keep an eye on Fido's exertion levels as you walk. Go at your pup's pace (minus a few tugs to drag them out of the bushes) and stop for water as necessary. Never go too far if you plan Fido to walk the entire time. If you hear heavy breathing or panting, you should carry your pup the rest of the way home.
Conclusion
With great cuteness comes great responsibility, and being the proud owner of a Pugshire puts that responsibility on you. As adorable and lovable as these pups are, they require a lot of healthcare and maintenance that you can't slack on. Keep their activities to low-impact and low-intensity workouts, watch for signs of breathing distress, and always keep up regularly scheduled vet appointments. Pugshires are wonderful family pets since they love everyone, but their sensitive stature and bone structure requires them to be in homes without rough play or little children or bigger animals that might accidentally harm them. Enjoy your adorable furry family member and all of the love and attention Fido brings!