Top Activities For Saint Bernards

Introduction

One thing is true about Saint Bernards and that is that they are big, big dogs. However, as the proud owner of a Saint Bernard, you already know this and you also know that finding activities for such a big pup can be difficult. Size can put a damper on some activities but the fun ideas here are perfect for big dogs and also catered specifically toward Saint Bernards and what they inherently enjoy. So look no further Saint Bernard owner, here are some perfect activities for you and your pup!

Just Relax

Most Popular

2 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Pillows

Treats

Blankets

Activity description

While many people think that they need to constantly entertain their pup, this is not true at all. In fact, your dog can benefit from some scheduled downtime. Saint Bernards definitely need to have some relaxing moments worked into their day especially because this breed frequently has joint and muscle issues as they get older. Carrying all that weight around isn't easy and it can take a toll on your pup's body! You want to be sure to allow your dog plenty of time to rest their joints and not push them into too many strenuous activities. However, relaxing can be an activity in and of itself! Here's how.

Step

1

Cuddle

Find a spot that Is big enough for you and your dog to cuddle. The couch is a great place and your bed is even better! However, if your Saint Bernard is not allowed on either of these, pick a nice spot on the floor and make it cozy with a few blankets and pillows. Cuddle your big dog as long as you'd like!

Step

2

Movie night

Plan a nice quiet night at home, just you and your pup. Watch a movie with your Saint Bernard and try to pick on that has dogs in it. You'd be surprised how excited a dog will get when they see another dog on the TV screen. It may inspire your dog to become a dog actor….

Step

3

Feed that pup

What is more relaxing than a nice homemade snack? A Saint Bernard will eat about six and a half cups of food each day so it is safe to assume that your pup is frequently hungry! Fix your dog their favorite snack and then make one for yourself as well!

Beach Day

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Cheap

Easy

2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Fetch Toy

Water Bowl and Water

Umbrella

Towel

Activity description

Did you know that your Saint Bernard's coat is waterproof? That's right! It has an oily coating that will help your dog dry off after a quick dip in the water. This is perfect as most Saint Bernard's love to swim! Another little fact is that Saint Bernard's do not do well with extreme changes in temperature so it is important to keep them cool in the hot summer months. Time to combine all of these facts about your Saint Bernard with a trip to the beach! Pack your beach bag, grab a lot of fresh water for you and your pup and head to the shore!

Step

1

Get settled

Set up an umbrella and towel for your dog. It is important that you have a nice shady spot for your Saint Bernard to rest away from the direct sun. Also be sure to put down a big water bowl as drooly Saint Bernard's drink more water than an average dog.

Step

2

Water play

Start a game of water fetch with your dog. Throw a ball or toy into the water and have your pup retrieve it. While Saint Bernards love to swim, they are not distance swimmers. A short dip into the water is all your pup will want so don't throw that ball too far out into the ocean!

Step

3

Easy walking

Go for a walk down the sandy shore and let your pup go in and out of the cool water as desired. The soft sand and ease of swimming are perfect for a Saint Bernard as the breed tends to have joint issues - these soft surfaces are easy on a big dog's joints!

Professional Tracker

Least Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Treats

Toys

Activity description

Saint Bernards have a history of being used for tracking. In the Swiss Alps, a Saint Bernard would be employed to seek out lost travelers. Needless to say, if they can find a missing person in many feet of snow, your dog can surely use their nose to search for treats and toys! However, you can even take this skill to a more extreme level and enter your dog in canine tracking competitions. Your Saint Bernard will most likely be the biggest dog at the competition but wait until everyone sees how well they can track! Time to start training!

Step

1

Track on command

Your dog will already instinctually know how to use their nose to search for treats and toys but they will need to learn how to do this on command. Begin by grabbing your dog's favorite toy, having your pup sit and stay while you place the toy a few feet ahead of them. Release your dog and tell them to "go get it" and excitedly praise your Saint Bernard when they retrieve the toy. Repeat this step and set the toy further and further away.

Step

2

Challenge that nose

Once your dog has mastered the basic retrieval, bring them to a place that has a lot of smells and action to fine tune their tracking skills. A park is a perfect place to begin. Continue to have your dog sit while you hide a toy or treat then let them seek their prize!

Step

3

Sign up

Now that your Saint Bernard is trained to track, find a local competition and enter your pup. Canine tracking competitions will bring out the best dog noses around so make sure your Saint Bernard does their ancestors proud and is ready to track with the best of them!

More Fun Ideas...

Chew Toys

Saint Bernards are known to be chewers, especially as puppies. Feed your dog's desire to chew by giving them a sturdy, hard chew toy to gnaw on rather than your favorite pair of shoes.

Field Trip

Saint Bernards are gentle giants. They are patient, loving and calm so why not share this amazing demeanor with the world! Plan trips with your dog to schools, hospitals and nursing homes to spread the Saint Bernard love.

Conclusion

A Saint Bernard is such a unique dog and there are so many things that you can enjoy doing with your dog. Their big build, paired with a soft, kind personality makes them a perfect companion. So, teach your pup to use their nose for tracking, bring them for a quick dip in the ocean or just cuddle up with your big cozy dog. Anything you do with your Saint Bernard is sure to be a memorable adventure.