Activities For Shel-Aussies
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Introduction
Shel-Aussies are a unique designer dog breed with an equally distinct pedigree and appearance to match; these cuddly critters descend from two dogs breeds that both possess a lot of natural charm in their own right - the Shetland Sheepdog and the Australian Shepherd. Shel-Aussies can also result from a Shetland Sheepdog with a miniature Australian Shepherd, technically giving you a Mini Shel-Aussie, in case you were looking for a more compact version of these lovable dogs. Shel-Aussies are a very well mannered and even tempered breed regardless of their size, so you can try out a wide array of activities with these pups and they'll approach them with an open mind and a positive attitude.
Jumping Jacks
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 - 45 min
Items needed
Dog Toys
Water
Activity description
Jumping jacks are really simple and easy to get into, while also serving as a great way to get your dog to participate and be active with you by playing on their instincts; many dogs have the tendency to try and do what they see their family members doing - whether they be their canine family members or their human companions. If you were to start doing jumping jacks right in front of your Shel-Aussie, chances are that they'd eventually start jumping up and down you. Jumping exercises are great ways to train your dog's leg strength, so also try mixing in some squats if you'd like the both of you to get more challenge out of this activity.
Step
1
Develop a rhythm
Usually, we recommend that you do a few warm-ups before getting too deep into any physical activities but we figure that it wouldn't really be necessary this time around because jumping jacks are a warm-up activity in and of themselves. So if this is your first time doing jumping jacks (or if this is your first time doing them in a while) we recommend that you try to develop a rhythm while jumping - try counting your jacks in a "1-and-2" cadence.
Step
2
Lead by example
Once your dog sees you jumping up and down in rhythm, they'll likely start jumping up and down in order to get in on the fun. Another great way to get your dog to start jumping with you is to maintain eye contact with your pup while you do jumping jacks with a couple of your Shel-Aussie's favorite toys in either hand.
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Trick Training
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 - 40 min
Items needed
Treats
Toys
Activity description
This next activity will tap into your Shel-Aussie's incredible ability to understand and follow directions while also teaching them a few moves that will help them build their confidence in themselves. As you may have guessed from the name of this activity, trick training involves the process of teaching both old and young dogs new tricks. Many people who've cared for dogs before may have been a bit discouraged when they've tried to teach their dog a trick only for the trick not to stick. We can assure you that a dog can learn how to sit, stay, or lay down as long as the method is sound.
Step
1
Getting your dog's attention
This is both the most important part of teaching a dog a new trick while also being one of the hardest parts. We've found that one of the best ways to hold your dog's attention while trying to teach them a new trick is to hold a treat that they love in front of their faces but not giving it to them until after they've successfully completed a specific task.
Step
2
Show them the moves
Dogs are often considered to be some of nature's most visual learners, so when you're teaching them a trick do it slowly and help them assume certain positions manually if need be. The idea is that you'll hold the treat in front of your dog while lowering it to the ground and saying "lay down" to teach them that trick. Gently positioning the hind end towards a sit and holding the reward above their head while saying "sit" will teach them that position.
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Canicross
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Any Day
Cheap
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Canicross lead, belt and harness
Doggy Waste Bags
Leash
Water and Food
Activity description
Bringing things full circle with another physical activity, Canicross is a relatively new sport that mixes in elements of cross country running and jogging. If this activity sounds a bit intense that's because it is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the toughest things you could ever try to do with your Shel-Aussie. Canicross demands a lot of discipline and endurance from both the human runner and their dog, which is why we feel it is the hardest activity on this list. Indeed, Canicross may not be everyone's cup of tea but the challenge and thrill of this activity are unparalleled by any other.
Step
1
Getting in shape
Canicross is an incredibly challenging and physically demanding activity but it can be done if you and your dog train for it; try jogging around town with your Shel-Aussie or even participating in a few marathons before attempting Canicross as these two aforementioned activities will help both you and your dog build up your stamina and endurance.
Step
2
Learning the ropes
Both you and your pup are now in shape due to the jogging practice. It's time to try a canicross run. You will have to purchase a waist belt with the bungee line attachment that you hook on to your dog; the attachment is made of a padded harness and line. Getting your dog used to running as a unit with you is essential as is the learning of directional commands, so that the run goes smoothly and there are no injuries. Joining a club is a fun way to make this all happen.
Step
3
Go the distance
We feel that we can't emphasize the "cross country" part of Canicross enough; even more so than during a marathon, Canicross runners will really have to dig in deep to successfully make it through this challenging activity. It'll be tough, but we feel that you and your dog can do it so long as the both of you have trained enough for this.
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More Fun Ideas...
Rubber Ducky Hunting
This activity will tap into your dog's "prey drive" (their innate need to chase down animals and objects smaller than them in order to capture and bring their trophies back to their pack leaders) without the need of actually harming any animals at all. The idea is that you get your dog to chase after a rubber duck so that they won't feel as compelled to chase after live ducks.
Ring Stacking
One of the shared abilities that allows Australian Shepherds and Shetland Sheepdogs to do such a great job at herding other animals is their intellect; these two dogs are not only great at taking commands but are just really smart on the whole and can learn new things relatively quickly. Consider introducing your Shel-Aussie to a ring stacking game; your dog will have to think about how they can move one ring from one pole to another as well as which order the rings need to be stacked.
Hula Hoop
This activity is a lot more playful in nature - it's more of a way to reward your Shel-Aussie being such an awesome dog rather than teach them any new skills in particular. Either way, the next time you feel that your Shel-Aussie deserves a reward, let them play with a hula hoop for a bit and watch in delight as your puppy goes round and round while they play with their new toy.
Conclusion
Though both of the Shel-Aussie's parents were bred for the express purpose of helping around farms, the Shel-Aussie can learn to do more activities than herding sheep if you teach them. The activities we've listed in this article are just some of the things Shel-Aussies can do to subvert expectations and learn to become more well rounded dogs as a whole. We encourage you to keep searching for things that you can do with a Shel-Aussie that will help build up their agility, mental acuity, and confidence so that the both of you can form a richer bond and experience a more robust life together.