Activities For Schipperkes
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Schipperkes are small hunting dogs that also make for great watchdogs. This breed has powerful jaws, necks, and forequarters, which make them skillful rat hunters. This hunting ability means that these dogs are bred to work. They need a lot of physical exercise to stay happy and healthy. Without proper activity, these dogs can become depressed, so it is important that you provide your Schipperke with lots of fun activities that will challenge them both mentally and physically.
Learn to Surf
Popular
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Sunny Day
Expensive
Hard
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Surfboard
Leash
Treats
Life jacket
Activity description
If you live near the beach, surfing is a fun activity that you can take on with your Schipperke. As long as your pooch is comfortable in the water, you can plop them on a surfboard and start doing some surfing training. Surfing is a difficult activity. It helps if you also know how to surf, so you should either be an experienced surfer or become one before you attempt to take your dog out surfing with you. You can also decide whether you want to allow your dog to surf solo or if you want them to share your board with you. If you want to get them their own surfboard, remember that it will be a much pricier activity. Only surf with your dog in ideal conditions. It should be sunny with moderate waves as big waves could be dangerous and scary for your dog.
Step
1
Find the surf and the board
The first thing that you will need to do is find a place to take your dog surfing. Not all beaches allow dogs, so you might need to do a fair amount of research. As well, if you are going to get your dog their own surfboard, you should consider a foam board. These boards are easier for humans to hold on to while the dog is learning. Small dogs can get six-foot surfboards, while large dogs will probably need eight-foot boards. Once you have the board and have found a surfing spot that is suitable for both you and your Schipperke, load up your board and your pup!
Step
2
Introduce the board
The first thing you want to do is let your dog get comfortable with the board. Allow them to explore the board. Reward them with a treat when they get on the board for the first time. Anytime they get on the board again, reward them with praise and a treat. You can let them sit, stand, lie, or walk on the board at this point. Once they are okay getting on the board, you should put a treat at the back of the board, because that is where you will want them to stand when they are surfing. You want your dog to get on the board, not off. Never give your dog a treat for getting off the board. The next step is teaching your dog to stay on the board. You might want to use the "stay" or "wait" command. Use the "release" cue when it is okay for your dog to get off the surfboard. These commands will help your dog surf forward instead of backward. When you are done training, put the surfboard away so that your dog is excited about seeing the board.
Step
3
Test the waters
Not all dogs like water. Additionally, some dogs are afraid of water. The waves can also be scary for dogs, so make sure that you don't push your Schipperke to get into the water if they don't feel comfortable. Make sure that they are wearing a life jacket at all times as well. If your dog is comfortable in the water, you can try to get them on the surfboard in the water. You might want to start with the leash on during this training. You want to start off near the shore. This will help your dog get used to the unsteady nature of surfing. They will need to work on their balance before getting out on the waves. You should hold the board steady as your dog gets on the board. If your dog falls, give them a treat to make it a happy experience. If your dog needs to move more slowly, start in a pool or at a lake with fewer waves. When you think your dog is ready, Let them surf! Surfing dogs enjoy being out on the water, but you can also take it a step further by entering your pooch in a dog surfing competition. These competitions are a great way to let your dog enjoy themselves while also pushing toward a new goal. Only enter competitions if your dog is comfortable surfing and being around other dogs, because it can be overwhelming for some, including Schipperkes.
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Doga
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Yoga mat
Water bottle
Small towel
Leash
Activity description
Yoga offers relaxation and physical activity for humans, but that doesn't mean that dogs can't also benefit from this unique practice. With more and more places offering Doga at least occasionally, many humans are bringing their furry friends into the practice with them. There are two different fields of Doga. In one, dogs are used more like a prop for added difficulty. In the other, dogs are considered a partner in the practice, and both dog and owner will work together to complete poses. With a few Doga sessions, you and your dog will further bond, and you will both take part in a relaxing activity together. Doing this activity at home will be of no expense; however, the cost of a class outside the home is well worth the minimal cost as the socialization benefits are great!
Step
1
Find a class
While Doga is very popular in some parts of the United States, it isn't an easy practice to find everywhere. You may have to do a little research to find an appropriate dog-friendly class to attend. If you can find one, even one that is just a one-time offering, feel free to sign up. Even if you are new to yoga, many of these classes are beginner friendly and will be easy for both you and your dog.
Make sure that the class you are taking doesn't have any breed or size restrictions.
Step
2
Get involved
At the class, you will be asked to perform various poses. You should do your best to follow the instructor, who will demonstrate the poses and help those who are unsure or struggling through the class. Keep your dog on a leash to make it easier to keep your dog close to you during the class. Let your dog rest with you during quiet, relaxing poses. If you have a small dog, use them as a weight during certain poses. You may also want to just have your dog close to you during some poses.
Step
3
Practice at home
While you may not have many opportunities for a Doga class in your area, you and your Schipperke can practice anytime in your own home. You can take a few minutes every day to practice with your dog in any way that you see fit. Do what is best for you and your dog, and never force anything. You don't want your dog to feel uncomfortable during the practice, so take it easy and slow.
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Doggy Massage
Popular
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Any Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Towel or blanket
Water
Activity description
Everyone loves a good massage! Let your pup enjoy the relaxation and soothing benefits of a massage in the comfort of home. All you need to give your dog a massage are a clear space for them to lie down and perhaps a towel or blanket for comfort. You will also need to provide water for them after the massage to prevent any issues with dehydration. The best part about giving your Schipperke a massage is that it is easy and free. You don't need to stress about leaving your home either. Plus, by the end of the massage, both you and your pooch will feel more relaxed.
Step
1
Calm your dog
The first step to any canine massage is to make sure that your dog is calm and comfortable. You will want them to lie down in a position that gives you good access for a massage, but that also makes them feel comfortable. Never force your dog to lie in a certain way just to perform a canine massage. To start, you will just want to pet your Schipperke normally. You can speak softly to your dog to make them feel more relaxed. If your dog wants to leave, let them.
Step
2
Start the massage
Start the massage on your dog's neck. Schipperkes have a lot of fur, so be sure that you are giving enough pressure for your dog to feel it without causing them any pain. Use a circular motion while massaging your dog's neck. Work your way to your dog's shoulders, keeping in mind that this isn't an area that is easy for them to reach, so you can take extra time for this part of the body. After you hit the shoulders, go down to the chest and front legs. Remember that if your dog doesn't enjoy having their feet or legs touched, you should move on. However, some dogs may really enjoy a good foot massage. Next, focus on your dog's back using the same circular motions that you were using on the neck as you move up and down the spine. Lastly, you will want to do the back legs and tail area. If your dog doesn't want you to touch their tail, avoid that area.
Step
3
Ending the massage
End the activity with a little extra petting, and maybe even a treat or two to make it a happy experience. You should also be sure that your Schipperke is drinking water after a massage. Just like humans, dogs can get a little dehydrated following a good massage. It is also important to remember that you should never use human massage oils or lotions on your dog. They often contain essential oils that can make your dog very sick.
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More Fun Ideas...
Have a Photo Shoot
We all love to take pictures of our dogs. Take it a step further by finding a pretty place and getting fun props to use with your pooch. At the end of your photo shoot, you can either print off photos or show them off on your social media accounts. Maybe you want to do both!
Learn to Give a High Five
Everyone needs a little encouragement from time-to-time. Teach your dog to give high fives, and you will have a personal hype buddy in your own home.
Conclusion
These activities are a great way to keep your dog entertained for hours. At the end of the day, both you and your Schipperke are going to be tired if you engage in some of these activities. Don't forget to relax with a massage or yoga session, however. If you need more ideas, check out some of our other articles about activities for dogs.