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Traditionally, the Segugio Italiano was primarily a working dog in the hunting field, but they are now becoming more and more popular as common pets. While they still have a high prey drive and love every opportunity to get out and enjoy the thrill of the hunt, they also enjoy human company, including children. What’s more, they’re happy to fit seamlessly into your family environment as long as you dedicate at least one or two hours per day to their exercise and stimulation. If you own a Segugio Italiano but you’re not sure how to entertain and exercise them, we’ve included some excellent options below.
If you’re an avid fitness fan with love for long-distance running, then there’s every reason to believe a Segugio Italiano was the right breed of dog for you. Not only do they enjoy burning off energy, but they also love running – a lot. They are more than happy to jog alongside you for as long as you want them to, but be sure to run them on a leash. You will soon learn that your pampered pooch’s high prey drive will see them bound off in a heartbeat as soon as they see the quick feet of a small creature. Therefore, when you do plan on going running on a sunny day, make sure you carry not only a doggy waste bag but a leash or harness.
In recent years, Segugio Italianos are beginning to feature more dominantly as family pets. However, traditionally, there were only working dogs designed to hunt rabbits, hares, boar, and other similar-sized creatures. Given that they don’t lose their instincts all that quickly, you may find that your furry friend is a natural when it comes to being your companion in the great outdoors. Therefore, if you are planning a day hunt, don’t forget to include your dog. They will love the experience just as much as you will. However, remember to prepare. Always carry plenty of high-energy food and water for your dog, as well as a GPS collar to know where they are at all times.
When the sun is shining, and your Segugio Italiano is beginning to get a little destructive, you may find you need to address their boredom. A bored Segugio Italiano is one that can create havoc in your home, so why not treat them to a trip to the dog park? In most cases, this breed is quite sociable with other dogs, but you can also train them from a young age to get on well with most dogs as well. Because they need at least one or two hours of exercise per day, there’s every reason to gather their leash and a favorite toy and head down to the park for an hour of fun.
Segugio Italianos naturally like to fetch and retrieve. People bred them for this very reason, so it’s safe to assume it’s a task they are confident with and one that tires them out as well. If you don’t have much spare time yet you know your pup is beginning to get bored, take them outside with their favorite toy and dedicate 15 minutes to a game. The endless backward and forward running is bound to tire them out for the rest of the day.
Because of your dog’s naturally-born high prey drive, which is why you can’t own them with other small animals, you will most likely find they love playing with laser light. In poor weather conditions, bringing out the laser and running it along the floor will provide hours of entertainment for your pup. What’s more, it’s an affordable toy that tires them out effectively.
If your pup is feeling a little ruff because you’re running out of stimulation ideas, it’s time to lift your game. Put your best paw forward and try any of these activities above. They will appeal to both their mental and physical senses, ensuring they keep active and entertained for the entirety of the game or exercise.