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Knowing how to entertain and stimulate a Schnottie can be a challenge because they are a rare dog breed that you don’t often see. They are a mix of a standard Schnauzer and a Rottweiler, creating a medium to large dog that can end up weighing as much as 65 pounds. Because both parent breeds are dogs of guarding and protecting capabilities, you will find they offer unparalleled protection and loyalty to their owners. However, without correct socialization and training, this can equate to a nervous, shy, or aggressive dog that cannot live harmoniously with other pets and children. As a result, early interaction and socialization are crucial. You will also find that Schnotties are dogs that require plenty of physical and mental stimulation. If you’re stuck for ideas, try these below.
One of the most necessary activities to carry out with your Schnottie, and one that will provide plenty of stimulation, is obedience training. While it can be quite an expensive activity, it’s one that only takes up an hour of your time per week but can have the most significant impact on your life. At a training facility, your Schnottie will learn how to socialize and interact with other dogs. However, you too learn some valuable skills such as how to handle your Schnottie. Obedience training is an activity you can do in any weather and for a Schnottie is a moderately difficult task. Grab a leash and treat, enroll and get started today.
If you are looking for an affordable activity to strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend, then a game of Tug of War is an excellent idea. You can play it outside on a sunny day when you have 20 minutes to spare, and it only takes a quick trip to the pet store to buy a rope. What’s more, it offers your dog the opportunity to burn off all that pent-up energy, while also testing your strength limits at the same time. Given the strength of the breed and the strong jaw, you are sure to find that a round of Tug of War with your furry friend will be more of a challenge than you think!
Schnotties are not naturally drawn to other dogs and can sometimes be aggressive. Therefore, finding activities they can do with you or by themselves is essential. Agility courses are a moderately tricky activity that your pup can carry out with your help, while also being affordable to put together and rewarding when they get it right. What’s more, it can use up all their energy in an hour or less. When the sun’s shining and you’ve cleared some room in your backyard, begin setting up an agility course for your furry friend. You will find that this activity is one that will be rewarding for you both!
If you want to burn off your dog’s energy quickly while getting much-needed physical activity for yourself as well, then a run is an excellent activity option. Half an hour is enough to wear your dog out while giving them the opportunity to see their neighborhood or local park. Make sure you have them wear a harness or leash and take a doggy waste bag with you.
If it’s a rainy, wintry day, or you don’t feel like heading out with your furry friend, make sure you have plenty of chew toys on hand – the stronger, the better. Because Schnotties are relatively large dogs, you are going to need thick, robust, and durable chew toys that won’t end up like rubber confetti in five seconds. Fortunately, there are many such options on the market from which to choose.
Schnotties aren’t dogs you see every day, but that doesn’t make them any less rewarding to own. They are loving, loyal, and exceptionally protective dogs. However, given their general dislike for other dogs, they require you to get more creative with physical activity. If you try any of these activities, a few of your own, and put your best paw forward, you will find that there are several ways you can cater to your dog’s need for stimulation while having a lot of fun yourself.