Activities For Sheltie-Kees
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Sheltie-Kee is a mix between a Keeshond and a Shetland Sheepdog. Both are outgoing and friendly, with a hard working, herding breed attitude. This dog likes to help out, they are not content to just sit and look pretty. They want to help you carry things, or dig in the garden, and they will happily round up the cat or the kids for you! Don't leave them to sit and pine - add a bit of spice into their day with a few of the activities we have listed here. The Sheltie-Kee is a vocal dog and loves to talk and possibly sing along with you! They love interactive games and are keen to learn new tricks. Lots of praise and a few small rewards go a long way toward encouraging this dog. Use your imagination and make every day a fun day for you and your dog.
Herd Floating Balls
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Hot Day
Moderate
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
floating balls in different colors
Swimming pool
Activity description
Take advantage of your Sheltie-Kee's desire to herd by throwing a few floating balls into the pool. Teach your dog to go in and round up one at a time and 'herd' it back to you. This will test your dog's skill at listening to your instructions while rounding up the ball. The activity also cools your dog off and gives them a workout at the same time! As they swim, direct their efforts such as 'go right'. Teach them the colors of the balls so you can direct them to herd a certain colored ball. Not only is this giving your pup a physical workout, but it teaches them to focus and follow instructions. Take it easy at first, let them work at their own pace and stop the game for rests. Like any physical skill, it takes time to work up the endurance and speed.
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Start with the basics
Before you start this game, teach your dog the colors of the balls. Sit with your dog with the balls in front of you, and introduce them to the colors. Instruct them to go and touch the blue ball and follow with praise and a small treat when they get it right. Teach them to move the ball around by using their nose to nudge it along. When they understand the basics, it is time to take this game to a whole new level! It's pool time!
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Into the blue
Now its time to put what your Sheltie-Kee has learned on land, and make it work in the water! You may want to just start with one ball and when they bring it back to you, use another. After a few rounds they will be motoring around the pool and 'herding' those troublesome balls back home to you. Use the shallow end as the corral! Sit and direct your dog; first the blue ball, then another color. If they go for the wrong color, gently correct them and direct them back. Remember after each round to give them a break. And treats are to be small!
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Relax and rest
This game is high in the energy stakes, so allow plenty of rest between games. Once done and ready to move on, put the balls away which signals the game's end. Now you can give them an icy treat, prepared the night before. As they relax in the sun (or shade if it's a sweltering day) munching on their treat, provide a bowl of iced water. Keeping hydrated on hot days is vitally important for your canine pal.
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Interactive Toy Time
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Any Day
Moderate
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Interactive toys
Activity description
When you are stuck for ideas on how to entertain your dog, turn to some interactive toys to give your dog some fun. While the toys do involve a cost, these new toys are almost indestructible and will provide your dog with hours of entertainment. From wobbling egg-shaped toys that move or shoot away as your dog tries to grab them, to toys that wobble or make a noise when touched, to top of the line moving robotic toys - there is something for every pup. These mentally challenging toys will test your curious pup, providing much needed mental stimulation. The robotic toys are expensive but could be a treat you just bring out for those wet day activities.
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Try out an erratic ball
All dogs seem to love fetch! This game seems to be hot-wired into their DNA! While any old ball will do, consider trying one of the new balls that have sculptured sides which makes them erratic on landing. Rather than just bouncing in a straight line like a tennis ball, they can ping off in any direction including bouncing back! Your dog can't predict which way it is going to go, so it will challenge your feisty pup's imagination.
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Other fun toys
Another ball shaped toy is the talking ball or "Babble Ball". This ball makes a variety of sounds as your dog touches it. They can be so sensitive that just your dog walking past can trigger the babble! Other toys, like the Dog Pyramid Toy, can be filled with treats that your dog has to wiggle or wobble out. There are toys that spin when they are thrown and bounce erratically through the air. When you start looking at the toy options, your head will start to spin - there are just so many!
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Top of the line toy
Here is a top of the line toy (which means expensive) you may want to get for your dog. A robotic toy that moves on its own, it can beep or make other sounds, and will take your Sheltie-Kee by surprise. The robotic industry is increasing at a rapid rate and they now make toys for dogs (and their humans). Watch as your dog tries to figure out what this moving, beeping thing is. Is it a friend or a foe? It stops and starts at will; what is going on? Your dog will no longer be bored with their robotic friend around!
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Walking Challenge
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Any Day
Free
Normal
60 min
Items needed
Leash
Water Bottle
Waste Pick Up Bags
Activity description
While walking the dog is a standard practice with most owners, you can vary the walk by changing the pace. You could run to the park, play, then walk home with your dog. Or you could walk to the top of a steep street and run back down to home. If you are handy to a beach, a walk along the soft sand will provide an excellent workout for both human and pooch. Try to vary your dog's walk every once in a while - as they say, variety is the spice of life. This challenge to the routine will provide your dog with a new sensory workout. Stop often to let your dog read their newspaper (the bushes and trees) and see who else walked this way! Vary the time of the day too. If it is summer, then walk in the early morning or at dusk when it's cooler. If you usually walk in the morning, change it to an afternoon. Vary the parks you visit, the boardwalks, and the streets. You are only limited by your imagination.
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Having a plan
As for your daily walk, you can just wing it by heading out in a different direction and seeing what you can find. But it is easier to do a bit of research and find some fun new routes to walk. By going online you can check out the nearby hills, steep streets or even a new park. You can plan the quickest route to the beach, the most interesting river to follow, or local tourist trails that you can explore with your Sheltie-Kee. Having a plan means you don't get lost in a boring maze of streets instead of enjoying a pleasant stroll. With a smartphone, you can plan a route in advance, and then just follow the directions given.
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Time out
When you reach an interesting park or area of your walk, take time out to stop and let your dog explore the surroundings. Dogs love to follow their noses and check out new scents. It also allows a dog who is not quite as fit as they should be, time to catch their breath. If you find a neat outdoor café that welcomes your Shelti-Kee, why not stop for a latte (and a water for puppy)? This can be justified as socializing time for your dog where they meet lots of new people and other dogs. Then, wander on your way and see what else you can find before returning home.
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More Fun Ideas...
Charity walk
If you want to help the community in a fun way, check out your local community for events that are organized to raise funds for worthy causes. These events often welcome dogs and their owners; the more the merrier! What an ideal activity for your best buddy - they learn socializing skills and have fun at the same time. Often, it just costs a few dollars to join and if you can get sponsors to back you, so much the better. It is a great way to meet other dog owners and a way for your dog to make a new friend.
Run for Treats
This is an easy activity to set up at home in your yard. Make a long track that your dog has to run around, and reward the end of each dash with a treat. You may have to run with them the first time so they get the idea. Perhaps invent a new command so that they learn to run the course on their own. Then when you are short on time you can go out back and get your dog to run a few laps to wear off some energy. They learn, exercise and enjoy all at the same time.
Bobbing for Hot Dog Treats
A hot day is key to filling up that paddling pool for your dog to soak in. But that can get boring, so give your Sheltie-Kee a job to do at the same time. Cut off very slim slices of a hot dog and chuck it into the water for them to go in and fish it out. As most dogs are motivated by food, this will become a popular sport. You may need to cut the rations of their evening meal so they don't put on weight! But it will be a fun way to cool off.
Conclusion
Your Sheltie-Kee loves being with you and being part of your life. Rather than leaving them home alone, take them with you when you can. Even if that means you have to brush up on their social skills and manners, it will be well worth your effort. These days many establishments are extending the welcome mat to people and their pets. Accepting pets with their people is a way of increasing business! Always check before you go anywhere though, as it is better that your pet remain at home with a new toy, than to sit in a baking hot car in the sun while they wait for you to return.