Top Activities For Salukis

Introduction

Salukis are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a history that is masked with mystery. The breed was believed to be a gift from Allah and was nicknamed “The Noble” by most Arab breeders. Not to be fooled by its elegant and reserved look, the Saluki is a fast-moving dog with an instinct to chase. The breed’s exotic appearance, athleticism and devotion has helped gradually turn the Saluki into a popular pet choice. One thing to note about Salukis, however, is that they are quite vigorous and need to be active for most of the time. If you are a Saluki owner who is looking for ideas on what to do with your dog, then look no further. Below are a number of activities for this wonderful breed.

Agility Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Materials for agility course

Food

Water

Treats

Activity description

Agility training is a fast-paced and constantly moving sport, which makes it a great activity option for Salukis. In fact, the primary elements of agility training, namely jumping, running and climbing, are tailor made for the active breed. With this activity, positivity is required. This means that instead of correcting your dog, you should instead give motivation and affirmation whenever possible. Aside from stimulation, agility training also helps your dog become more obedient and alert. Although it is possible to get a professional to train your dog in agility, there are many ways to do it on your own for a fraction of the cost. What you will need are some equipment and plenty of patience. Treats for your dog can be an added incentive. Agility courses are best created in a spacious area such as your backyard, although it is also possible to create one indoors.

Step

1

Do your research

Research is an important part of any process, and it is no different when it comes to agility training. Search for do-it-yourself agility courses and find out which obstacles you would want to include. The type of course you will be building highly depends on a number of factors such as the space you have and what your dog is capable of doing.

Step

2

Create your own agility course

After you have gathered all the necessary information, you need to bring it to fruition. Start with the materials needed. Most of the stuff needed for creating a makeshift agility course are available at your local hardware store (PVC pipes, collapsible toy tunnels).When you have all the materials needed, you would then have to spend some time in building the course.

Step

3

Train your dog

Once everything is set up and you have built the course, the last thing to do is to start the agility training. Use food or treats as a way to reward your dog after going through the course. Also, do not forget to keep your dog hydrated after doing some training. Most importantly, have lots of patience throughout the process. Remember that not all dogs will get it right the first time, so be gentle with your dog and always give them positive affirmation.

Lure Coursing

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Fishing line

Lightweight toy

Food

Water

Treats

Activity description

One sport that most Saluki lovers know is lure coursing. A popular canine sport, especially for hound-type dogs, lure coursing involves a plastic lure that is attached to a motor-operated line. The objective of the sport is to get the dog to chase the lure, which moves quickly and irregularly. Judges will then assign scores to each participating dog based on numerous factors such as speed, agility and other attributes. Salukis are well-known for excelling in lure coursing and some owners of the breed love to join competitive lure coursing. However, for those who just want to keep their Salukis stimulated and entertained, a cheaper, DIY version of the sport is possible. You can use this as a stepping stone for your dog in case you want to take it to a competitive level in the future.

Step

1

Find a spot to play in

For lure coursing, you will need a wide and open space where your dog can run some distance freely without bumping into any obstacles, since this could be damaging to your dog. A large backyard or a dog park are some of your options for this game. If you choose the latter, however, you still need to watch out for other dogs in the area.

Step

2

Watch your dog run

Once you find the spot to do lure coursing in, you would have to set up the equipment. Creating your own lure course is simple. All you have to do is get your dog to stay at one end of your “course”. Then, tie the toy to the end of the fishing line and leave the toy in front of your dog. Slowly move away from your dog while releasing the fishing line bit by bit until you reach the other end of your “course”. Whenever you’re ready, simply reel in the toy while moving it in various directions to challenge your dog. Don’t forget to give your dog some treats after they capture the lure.

Tracking

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Harness

Articles to track

Track markers

Activity description

Tracking is an activity that is built for Salukis. This activity lets them channel their hound qualities. It is also a great boost of confidence not only for your dog but also for you as an owner. What’s more, tracking is easy, cheap and can be executed practically anytime and anywhere. With tracking, you will need to put your faith in your dog. Remember, Salukis have a keen sense of smell and you need to trust that they will be able to find your item. The lack of “corrections” and competition make tracking a great choice of activity for a Saluki and also facilitates mutual trust and respect between you and your dog.

Step

1

Find a tracking area

Before you can get on with tracking part, you first have to find a good place to do the tracking in. The area for tracking will depend on how seasoned your dog is. Considering that this is your dog’s first time, find a small, easy track to follow. A good example would be a hiking trail without too many obstacles or hindrances along the path.

Step

2

Start searching!

When you find a spot, you would then have to set up the track. “Lay” a track for your dog by leaving certain articles for your Saluki to find. The most common types of articles used for tracking are wallets or leather gloves. Before you leave the items behind, make sure that your dog has had a good whiff of them. Over time, once your Saluki gets more and more experienced, you may start to increase the distance of your track.

More Fun Ideas...

Go for a run

With an active dog like a Saluki, you will have to keep your dog well-exercised. A good way to burn off some extra energy and bond at the same time is to go for a run. All you have to do is put your Saluki on a leash and run around your neighborhood or at the park. This activity gives you and your dog a chance to exercise.

Visit a dog park

The dog park is a great place for you and your dog to spend some quality time together while also interacting with other dogs and owners. Your Saluki will definitely enjoy running around off-leash in a space made especially for dogs.

Conclusion

The Saluki is a truly special breed that requires constant stimulation and exercise. The aforementioned activities are great for keeping your dog active and for honing the innate skills that they possess. Being a Saluki owner may be a bit challenging at times, but this breed is definitely worth it.