Activities For Saint Danes
Introduction
A Saint Dane is an amazing breed of dog especially if you like big dogs. A mix between a Saint Bernard and a Great Dane means that these pups are not only big but even-tempered and fairly protective of their people. So what type of games and activities are suitable for such a dog? Considering that Saint Danes love to eat, are very trainable, and need daily activity, there are plenty of things you can do with your pup!
Outdoor Excursions
While it is a great idea to give most dogs daily exercise, Saint Danes are prone to obesity which means you will need to exercise your pup even more frequently than any other breed. You don't want all those treats causing your pup problems! In fact, many people overlook potential weight issues with Saint Danes and just assume that they are just big dogs, not overweight. To keep your pooch from becoming obese, plan outdoor adventures as frequently as possible. These trips will be great for your pup's health and they will just love getting some outside quality time with you!
Get Social
Saint Danes are very docile and friendly dogs. They love being around other pups and are great socializers. However, you definitely need to socialize your Saint Dane early in their life, preferably when they are still small. Once a Saint Dane grows to be full size, they can be hard to control as they are quite large, heavy and strong. If a Saint Dane has not been socialized and develops aggressive tendencies toward other dogs and people, fixing this habit could pose a serious problem. Avoid this by doing a few of these activities to get your dog used to being around others. They will be the life of the party too as everyone loves a big friendly pup!
Tracking Games
Saint Bernard's were bred to be tracking dogs, helping search for lost hikers in the Alps. They have a terrific sense of smell and are excellent tracking dogs. Great Danes also love to sniff and track which means that Saint Danes have tracking in their blood from both sides of their heritage. Catering to this natural instinct will make for a fantastic way to spend the day playing with your pup. You can set up a few different tracking and searching games for your Saint Dane and make them as hard or easy as you like - give that dog a challenge!
More Fun Ideas...
Dog Spa
Saint Danes are known to shed and also to drool. A good spa day will help keep your pup's fur shiny, and clean away any leftover drool from their last good shake!
Treat in a Box
Place a treat or piece of food inside a box and close it up. Have your Saint Dane use those big paws and excellent sense of smell to find the treat and open the box.
Conclusion
Saint Danes are amazing dogs and perfect for anyone who likes big pups. They are sociable, good with other pets and kids and while they do require some exercise, they are not too high energy. These activities will keep you and your Saint Dane entertained. From outdoor excursions to play dates to learning how to track, your Saint Dane will love all of these games and the diversity in play will ensure that your pup is never bored.