Activities For Saint Berneses

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Activities For Saint Berneses

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Introduction

The Saint Bernese is a mixed canine species, being the product of the breeding of the heavily coated Saint Bernard and a Bernese Mountain Dog. They are perfect for the colder and less friendly climates of the western Alps of the Italian and Swiss border and the Swiss farmlands. While the gentle, loving and calm traits may seem to make this canine species look like a couch potato, nothing could be farther from the truth, with this pup having the energy to spare. Because this canine is a giant-sized one, be sure to exercise care when around small children who can be injured accidentally by the sheer size of them. This extra large size requires early socialization if you're raising a puppy, and we've got some activities which will help utilize all of that energy with an eye toward socialization as well.

Tracking Events

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Collar or halter

Leash

Drinking water

Good running or walking shoes

Activity description

Tracking events are activities which play directly into the background and training of both parent breeds. Their extremely sensitive noses seek and search out both prey as well as humans as they've historically searched and rescued animals and humans lost in the far reaches of those frozen heights from which they come. This hybrid is ingenious as well as talented in their tracking expertise, so it is vital to keep them appropriately physically exercised and mentally challenged. These moderately priced events which involve tracking are only some of the ways to use up those high energy levels possessed by your dog. There are other ways to necessarily stimulate the problem solving or scent following instincts of this family-sized furry friend. And, we might add, you will be in awe as you watch your precious pet do what they were bred to do.

Step

Locate local tracking events

Your first step in any activity is always to ascertain the facilities or organizations offering it in your area. You need to know if the driving distance is preemptive for you. Sources that you can utilize for this step include the phone book, the internet, your veterinary professional's office, your groomer and word of mouth from family, friends, and acquaintances. Talking to others also presents a great review of a training facility.

Step

Gather, confirm, compare notes

Your next step is to compare and confirm some essential details, like pricing, event schedules, the time needed to complete, what the event consists of, any special personal equipment required, health and immunization records for your dog, age requirements or restrictions for your dog and handler, and forms of identification for you or your dog's handler. Having the details ironed out will make for an easy transition into the world of tracking.

Step

Track onward and upward

Now, you're ready to go tracking! Be sure to gather all of the necessary documents and forms of identification for appropriate registration of your dog. Bring along plenty of drinking water for both of you as well as your dog's collar and leash. Your good running or walking shoes are vital for your comfort and safety while you accompany your playful pet. Travel to your chosen location, register your pet, if not already done, and prepare yourself for some much-needed activity as you watch in amazement as your precious pet performs some very instinctive tasks.

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Rally Obedience

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Collar or harness

Leash

Good running or walking shoes

Activity description

Rally obedience is similar to regular obedience in that there is a formal course in which you and your dog must demonstrate compliance with specific commands. While some of the basics may be similar between the two activities, Rally-O differs a great deal. When you and your dog are participating in Rally-O, you don't have to wait for instructions from the teacher or facilitator to begin or circumvent the course. In this dog sport, your dog can earn titles on several different levels of competition. The canine participants can achieve the levels of Novice, Advanced and Excellent with some entities even adding a Master level. Exercise opportunities abound as you learn and practice the various commands and gaits taught in this setting. While the financial costs involved with this activity fall into the moderate category, the intrinsic value of the training for both you and your dog is priceless.

Step

Check availability

Check for the availability of rally courses in your area. Availability is always your first step, ascertaining if the distance you must drive is preemptive. There are a variety of ways to find these locations: look in the phone book, ask at your local veterinary office or groomer, or be directed there by word of mouth from your family, friends, and acquaintances.

Step

Research the details

Confirm and compare things like pricing, course schedules, types of facilities available, performance level options, length of time to complete each round, ages requirements of dog and human participants, needed health and immunization records as well as what each facility wants to confirm your identity. Be sure to ascertain the distance of the facility from your home, getting any directions needed to get you there.

Step

Rally O!

On to your Rally experience! Be sure to gather all of the documentation requested by the facility for appropriate registration of your dog and handler. Put on your dog's collar and leash, holding tightly, because of these actions they will know that something fun is coming, creating copious amounts of excitement and energy. Drive to the facility and rally onward to active play and learning.

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Obedience Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Good pair of running shoes

Activity description

Obedience training is one of the excellent ways for you, as the pet parent and handler, to learn how to manage your new family-sized puppy. Because they are of greater size than most dog breeds, it is essential to teach them how to behave and respond to commands. This activity also provides many opportunities for socialization, another recommendation for canines of this size. The class time, as well as the practice time, also enables you to exercise your furry family member properly, potentially avoiding issues stemming from the use of their energy in less appropriate ways. Though the financial costs range from cheap to moderate depending on your area and the entity providing the service, the value of the training is unlimited as you teach them "puppy manners" and bond with your precious pup.

Step

Check for availability in your area

Check for availability of the classes in your area. Be sure to determine the distance from your house to assure an easy drive. You can look up the training in your local telephone book, or you can boot up your computer and check online. Other places from which you could gain information are your veterinary office or groomer or word of mouth from friends and acquaintances.

Step

Do the prep

Confirm and compare the prices for the training, the location, and its distance from your home, the schedules available for the training classes, the facility type for the session, equipment required from you for participation, needed health and immunization documentation and any necessary identification items for you or the handler who is working with your dog.

Step

Enjoy the training

Drive to the facility of your choice. Register your dog, if not already done, and provide the necessary dog health and immunization records and the requested identification for you or your handler. Collar and leash your furry friend and wait for further instructions from the teacher. Once the class begins, prepare yourself for some fun and exciting interaction between you, your dog and others who are also participating in the class. Patience and a positive outlook are key every step of the way. A dog who feels encouraged and proud will excel in class. Remember to practice what is learned each week before attending the next class!

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More Fun Ideas...

Problem-solving Fun

Your Saint Bernese is a canine species who has instincts for hunting, tracking and problem-solving. There are many of these types of games available online that you can do with your dog. Trip your imagination triggers as you research them.

Hide and Seek With Toys

Here is something that you can do with your dog that will encourage them to use their natural tracking and hunting instincts by locating and retrieving toys that you have previously hidden. Your dog will entertain you as you watch them do what they were designed to do.

Agility training

This type of activity requires the dog to run a course which is replete with a variety of obstacles for them to traverse by circling, jumping, climbing or even swimming to return to the starting point. The event is competitive and watching your dog improve the time to run the route is part of the fun.

Flyball

This activity involves your dog racing down a lane, toward a mechanism which holds a tennis type of ball. The dog is trained to jump on a spring-loaded surface, which releases the ball so that the dog can retrieve it and return it to the starting point. This game provides plenty of opportunities to burn energy and move around.

Conclusion

Are those imaginative juices flowing yet? The purpose of this guide is to help provide you with ideas for activities that are healthy and fun for you and your dog. Our goal is to guide you toward more quality time with your beloved pet, perhaps bounding in ways you have never imagined. Are you up to the task?