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A Schnairedale is a cross between a Schnauzer and an Airedale Terrier. While both breeds are loving and loyal family pets, when combined, they are a high-energy, playful and excitable pup that requires exercise and entertainment on a regular basis. However, more than that, your Schnairedale needs someone with a firm hand who can establish themselves as the leader. Failure to take charge will see your Schnairedale lead the pack, rather than yourself. Schnairedales love to play and spend time with their family, but if you aren’t giving them enough attention, you will soon learn about it. They can plan elaborate escape routes from your yard and can dig and chew. Therefore, if you work a lot or no one is ever home, you may find a Schnairedale is not the right dog for you. Stuck for ideas on how to entertain them? Here are a few below.
Schnairedales love to go for walks. In fact, the longer, the better. Going for a walk offers your pup the chance to see new things, experience nature, and put their nose to good use. The best place to walk your Schnairedale, however, is on a nature trail or forest walk. In these environments, your pup thrives, especially when they’re able to enjoy all those natural smells up close. On a sunny day, gather your dog’s leash and a waste bag and arrange to go for a walk out in nature. Both you and your doggo will benefit from the experience. The best part about a forest walk is it doesn’t cost a thing!
Schnairedales are challenging dogs to train. In fact, if you haven’t first established yourself as the pack leader, they will almost be insulted by the very thought of you telling them to do something. However, training is necessary for this breed as it helps them to socialize, learn correct behaviors, and even reduce the instance of barking. Other training opportunities your pup may benefit from are agility training and behavioral training. Agility training will enable your dog to burn off energy with a series of obstacles, while behavioral training helps to stop bad behavior such as chewing or aggression. When you bring your puppy home for the first time, look at your options and get started. It can be moderately expensive, but it only takes an hour out of your week in any weather.
Early socialization for a Schnairedale is essential. While they are friendly and loving dogs to most people, they are prone to barking when strangers enter your property and become unfriendly toward other dogs as well. One way in which to counteract this behavior is by making trips to the dog park a regular part of your routine. On a sunny day, set aside an hour, and notice how many benefits there are for both you and your dog. What’s more, it’s an easy and free activity that only requires you to have a few toys, a waste bag, and your dog’s leash.
When the weather isn’t playing ball, your dog can be. If your pampered pooch has a toy box full of goodies, set aside half an hour to play with them. The running, excitement and stimulation are all it takes to bring your pup’s exercise meter to capacity. What’s more, it gives you an opportunity to try out tricks and skills you may have learned through obedience training.
Schnairedales can be inquisitive. They are often the first to discover any escape routes in your yard merely by hunting them out. To cater to this curious streak, purchase or create food puzzles and challenge them. Make them work to get the food out of a ball, or dried sweet potato from a rope. There are so many options and ways to get creative that will entertain your pup for hours.
If your Schnairedale is furever getting into trouble, they’re not a bad dog – they’re just bored. Put your thinking cap on or consider trying any of these activities above. Walks, trips to the dog park, food puzzles, and training can all be the gateway to a well-behaved pup that continues to surprise you on a regular basis.