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While a Schnekingese is not the most natural breed to say or spell, its complication ends with its name. The type of dog itself, a mixture of Pekingese and Schnauzer, is a loving, easy going and fun dog that will suit families with older children, or professional couples in apartment buildings. Growing no larger than 20 pounds, they are also suitable for owners who have time for activities but not for hours at a time. However, the interest and attention span of your Schnekingese will wane over time, which means you need to have new activity options up your sleeve continually. If you’re stuck for ideas, these below may be of assistance.
Obedience training is essential for Schnekingeses, not because they are naughty dogs, but because they are hard work with socialization. With a high prey drive and even higher stress levels, you need to be able to socialize your pampered pooch from a young age to ensure they will play nicely with both humans and dogs of all ages. As soon as you bring your Schnekingese puppy home, book them into a training facility or puppy school. This all-weather activity can be quite expensive, but as you only need a leash and treats to start, it’s a small price to pay for what can set your dog up for life with an even temperament. Take the time now to review your options and get training underway.
Fetch can be an excellent activity for a small dog such as a Schnekingese because it’s something they can play inside and outside. While you wouldn’t play Fetch inside with a Great Dane, it’s more of a valid option with a 20-pound dog. As a result, this game is an all-weather or rainy-day activity that is very affordable and only takes 20 minutes of your time. Purchase a cheap toy from the pet store, clear an area in your home or yard, and let them run amuck so that they can settle down and relax afterward while you carry on with errands and chores.
If you live in an apartment complex, have limited time, or it’s raining outside, then you will need to think outside the square when it comes to choosing activities to play with your Schnekingese. While they don’t need a lot of physical exertion, an hour broken into smaller increments per day is going to be a recommendation. Therefore, laser games can be of assistance. Schenkingeses have a high prey drive, which means that a small red light running across the floor is going to evoke a lot of excitement. It’s a fun, all-weather activity for your furry friend that won’t break the bank but will kill half an hour.
If you’re popping out to the shops or on a Sunday drive with your loved ones, don’t leave your dog at home. Schnekingeses love to hang out with their owners, and if it involves time in the car, then it’s a win-win. Clip on their seatbelt harness to keep them securely in place then take them on a journey with you. However, if you don’t have air conditioning and the temperatures are skyrocketing, leave them at home with shelter and fresh water instead.
A straightforward and effortless activity that will benefit both you and your pampered pooch is a walk. Whether it’s a quick 20-minute walk or one that takes an hour, both you and your dog will enjoy the time you spend together. Because of your pups’ high prey drive, however, make sure you walk them on a leash at all times.
Schnekingeses may be a challenging breed to say and spell, but they are going to become your best friend in no time – and are in no way as complicated as their name suggests. They may bark at strangers and have trouble with young children, but they are the perfect companion for older couples or families who don’t mind including them in their daily activities. And, if you include some pawesome activities such as these above, you will have no trouble keeping them entertained and out of trouble.