Activities For Saint Bermastiffs

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Activities For Saint Bermastiffs

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Introduction

If you find yourself as the proud owner of a Saint Bermastiff, congratulations. You are going to quickly realize that they are a loyal and faithful companion for life. However, while a Saint Bermastiff is going to provide you with companionship for their 10-13-year existence, they also need something in return. The healthiest, most well-rounded Mastiff and Saint Bernard crossbreed is one that takes part in all manner of activities for both a healthy mind and body. If you’re stuck for ideas, why not take a look at these below?

Scent Games

Popular

0 Votes

Rainy Day

Free

Normal

20 min

Items needed

Treat

Hat

Activity description

With a keen nose thanks to its parentage of Saint Bernard, you are going to find that any game including scents will be a real winner. Not only does it tick the boxes for their physical needs – having them roam around the house and yard, but their mental stimulation requirements as well. Scent games make your Saint Bermastiff think, while also treating them at the same time. You will find scent games are perfect for rainy days and are a fun way to use up 30 minutes without spending a dime.

Step

Set up

The first step to a successful scent game with your Saint Bermastiff is locating a small item that will have your scent on it. Hats, socks, and similar items can all be useful in this game. You also need to make sure your property is clear of obstacles. The 175-pound build of your furry friend is bound to create a “bull in a China shop” situation you’d rather avoid. Therefore, put away expensive vases, ornaments, and even free-standing coat racks.

Step

Lay groundwork

To help your gentle giant understand how the game works, get them interested in the item you have. Let them take hold of it and carry it around, then take it back and hide it somewhere on your body. For a hat, you may find that up your shirt is the best place for it. Then, you need to excitedly ask your pup where the cap is – helping them find it and bring it out. Give them a pat or a treat, then repeat the process.

Step

Play

Now that your dog understands that when they find the hat, they get a reward, you can expand the game from hiding it on your body to around your house. Put it under a couch cushion or somewhere else in almost plain sight that they will be able to find. When they see it, reward them with a treat. Such a game is a lot of fun for a retrieving dog. As a result, you may find your Mastiff-Saint Bernard cross is more than happy to play for hours.

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Water Fetch

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Toy

Leash

Towel

Activity description

The Saint Bermastiff is a big dog which can struggle to cool off when the mercury rises. If they are battling to maintain their core temperature, a game of water fetch could help. It provides them with the opportunity for a refreshing dip, time to play with their toys, and is a fun and free activity that takes only an hour out of your day. Aside from the toy and leash, make sure you don’t forget a towel! A big, wet Saint Bermastiff can have a lot of fun drenching the back seat of your car! However, you are sure to forgive them when you see how much fun they’ve had.

Step

Choose a spot

Before you grab your togs and towel and head out, take a minute to research the best locations to take your dog swimming. A shaded, sparsely populated watering hole is going to be in your best interests. While the Saint Bermastiff breed is friendly, they don’t have manners and think nothing of shaking their wet fur all over a picnicking family. Therefore, to avoid a social faux pa, you may like to consider somewhere where fewer people are likely to venture.

Step

Play

Now that you’ve unloaded your pampered pooch and you’re ready for play, it’s time to get started! Because of your pup’s size, it’s crucial not to put too much pressure on their joints. Therefore, when you throw their toy into the water, make sure it’s not on a steep incline or decline that requires them to use full force on their knees. What’s more, remember to take breaks and let them cool down in the water to avoid them overheating.

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Sledding

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Hard

20 min

Items needed

Sled

Pulling Harness

Activity description

Because Saint Bernards are working dogs by classification, you will find a crossbreed Saint Bernard is equally as capable of sledding and pulling as a purebred. When the sun’s shining, take your dog to a local park or open area and begin trying out a wagon or sled. While it may take a bit of training, your dog will soon learn how to pull you around – ensuring you both have a lot of fun. Take 20 minutes out of your day, buy a necessary harness and sled, then get started! It may become your favorite activity to do together in no time.

Step

Buy items

Before you try out sledding and pulling with your Saint Bermastiff, you will need to buy the necessary equipment. If you already have a standard walking harness, then you will need to buy a side clip for each side. If you don’t have one, you can buy pulling harnesses for this very purpose. You then need to attach two ropes – one for each side – onto the clips, and then onto a sled or small wagon you own.

Step

Train

Your dog won’t know right away that you want them to pull the sled – and it may take a while for them to understand. Before you attach the wagon to the dog, get them used to the sight of the contraption. Walk them alongside it, pull it so they can see it, and fully accustom them to the sight of it. Once it does not phase them, attach it to them and lead them through the park with nothing on the back.

Step

Sledding

Once you have trained your dog to pull a sled, you can now add items or people to it. Start slowly in the beginning, and get your dog used to the experience. Over time, it will become a fun pastime for you both. However, it’s crucial also to never carry out this activity with a Saint Bermastiff under two years of age. As their bones are still developing, it can be detrimental to their growth.

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More Fun Ideas...

Walk

For all the fun activities available for a Saint Bermastiff, sometimes a walk is the most effective of them all. If you let your gentle giant walk at their pace, they can enjoy the outing, meander through your local neighborhood, and enjoy the smells, sights, and sounds. What’s more, a 30 minute or one-hour walk is all it takes to satisfy both their mental and physical requirements for that morning or afternoon.

Dog Park

As a whole, Saint Bermastiffs behave around most people, children, and dogs. However, it takes training and familiarization to get them to that point. From a young age, try to schedule regular dog park trips into your routine. There are many large dog enclosures available in the United States that will enable your pup to “hang out” with friends of his size.

Conclusion

Dogs are here for a good time, not a long time, so offering your Saint Bermastiff as many fun activities as possible is essential. For a well-rounded pup with mental and physical stimulation needs to be met, consider any of these activities above. You are sure to find the one or two hours you spend with them per day is going to provide you with long-lasting memories, and them the time of their lives.