Activities For Sheltie Pugs
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
What could be cuter than a hybrid cross of the Shetland Sheepdog and a Pug? These adorable dogs come with a playful nature and they make ideal pets and companions for families with children. They have average energy needs that can be easily met with walks or a romp with the family. But you can offer them more than the usual walk around the block and game of chase. While they will love both of these activities, you can vary your dog's day by adding in a variety of games, mind puzzles and fun things that will keep them happy and out of mischief. Turn the sprinkler on for some wild and wet fun, or maybe take them as well as the family on a day-long hike to a mountain lookout. Or perhaps hire a sailboat and go cruising in the canals. Use your imagination to make not only your dog's life more entertaining, but the family's as well!
The Busy Bucket
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Heavy duty bucket
Selection of treats
A toy or two
hand towels
Activity description
This activity is ideal for those dull, boring days when your dog is at loose ends which usually comes to a close with them getting into trouble. Fill a bucket with layers of treats, a favorite toy or two that they haven't seen for a while (because you had it on a rotation of toys plan) and some old but clean hand towels. Pack the layers so it's not easy to get them out; your dog will have to solve this problem to get to the bottom of the bucket. Your Sheltie Pug's curiosity will get to them and they will spend quite some time sorting the bucket, even when they have gone through it once already. Designed to keep your dog thinking, the activity will test your dog's problem-solving skills while being fun at the same time. Plus it will keep your pup out of trouble by being productively busy!
Step
1
Prep the bucket
Get your bucket ready in advance. Put a few treats in the bottom of the bucket then cover with handtowels. Then, put a toy or two, more towels and another layer of hand towels. Really pack the items and the towels in tight so your dog has to work hard to get to the bottom of the bucket.
Step
2
Continue stuffing
Use as many hand towels as you need to fill the bucket firmly. Make the top layer easy to get the treats so your dog gets the idea of what to do. As they haul out each towel they will hunt through it to see if there are any goodies.
Step
3
At the end
On the final row, put some extra treats and a very special toy. Even when your dog has emptied the bucket, they will still keep checking to see they didn't miss anything. Then they will settle down to play with the toy. Ideally, a chew toy would fit in well here.
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Obstacle Course
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Sturdy containers, ramps or tunnels
Jumps or portable steps
Treats and fresh water
Activity description
Set up an obstacle course for your dog in your backyard. A combination of sturdy containers, tunnels or ramps will all be useful; include a set of portable stairs or whatever you can find to make an interesting course to challenge your dog. There are many things that you can use from around the home without having to go and buy supplies. Even boxes can be used creatively. The aim behind this activity is to give your dog a good physical and mental workout, as well as teach them how to follow orders and listen to your commands. While you can sign up for a local agility training course, why not try it at home first and see if your dog enjoys this sport? Allow for water breaks on hot days, as dogs can overheat easily. But most of all, all fun!
Step
1
Getting set up
It will take a bit of time to set up the obstacle course. You only need a few items like the tunnel, a ramp, or even a few sturdy containers to sit on, jump over or to go around. A few portable weaving posts would be ideal as well.
Step
2
Train your dog
This is where you teach your dog what you want them to do. Use consistent commands so you don't confuse them. Call them through the tunnel and reward them when they pop out the other end. It may take some time if this is new to your dog, so be patient. Some owners will traverse the course with their pup, giving them hands-on instruction. Others will run alongside their active pal, coaching them step by step and offering the occasional treat.
Step
3
The entire course
Teach your dog one obstacle at a time, and when they have conquered that, get them to do the whole course. Run with them and direct them where you want them to go. Give a reward and a lot of praise for a job well done. Don't overdo the game, you want your pal to play again sometime with gusto and enthusiasm.
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Canoe Adventure
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Canoe
Life jacket
Doggy Life Vest
Activity description
A nice sunny day seems a perfect excuse to get yourself organized to hop in the car and invite your dog along for the ride. Your Sheltie Pug will enjoy the car ride and then you can introduce them to the idea of a canoe ride. Most dogs adapt well to sitting in the navigator's position on the canoe and guiding the boat along. The sights, the smells, and the companionship will all make your dog's day. This outing will test their obedience skills, and their ability to listen to your commands. In case your pup gets excited and attempts to jump out of the boat into deep water, always have them wear a doggy life vest. Once you get going and they start to enjoy the motion of the canoe, they should be happy.
Step
1
Riverside fun
There are often riverside companies that hire out canoes by the hour or even a day. If you don't have the experience, it may pay to go out with the instructor for the first trip and bring your dog along the next time. But if you do bring them the first time around, keep to shallow water and don't head out into the river mouth. You and pup should be fine; go slowly and stick to shallow areas.
Step
2
Teach your pup
Spend a bit of time getting your dog used to this new form of transport. With the life vest on your Sheltie Pug, a mistaken trip overboard can be remedied by picking them up by the vest handle. Move the canoe slowly, cruising in the shallows. Most likely, your pup will stay put and close to you.
Step
3
Relax and enjoy
Once your dog settles, then you can quietly paddle out along the coastline. Keep away from the river mouth which is for experienced people only. Just cruise the river, talking to your dog, stopping at a bay or two, and generally having a great time. Your dog will love the experience and will be a sure starter for the next trip.
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More Fun Ideas...
Sandcastles on the Beach
If you have a beach nearby, what better way to spend a weekend than to go and have a day with your dog on the beach? At first, they will just want to run around and meet the other dogs, but after a while, you can start building a sandcastle. Your dog will soon be at your side, their curiosity running wild. What are you doing? Have you lost something? Let them help you dig out all the sand and shape it into a castle. Then sit back and enjoy your creation before giving the 'destroy' command, whereby your dog can have a ball totally smashing your castle. After this, it will be time for a water break before heading home for a snooze.
Wind Up Toy
These days the toys are endless that you can purchase for your dog. If you want to spend a bit more on a toy you could purchase a toy on a timer, one that moves around, clicks as it turns around, and wobbles. This will have your dog lost for woofs. At first, they may keep their distance, but then your Sheltie Pug may try to herd it. A nudge here before they leap away, then back again to growl at the toy but the toy isn't listening! This game is a ton of fun when you are stuck for fun ideas. Just don't let your dog totally destroy it! This activity provides a mental and physical workout for your dog as they try to work out what this thing is!
Wet Day Fun
Don't let the weather stop you from going out and enjoying a walk with your dog. As long as the temperature isn't freezing, grab an umbrella, a coat for you and one for your dog if you think they need it and head out. Go a different route and let your dog splash in the puddles. Actually, if the children want to tag along, you could have a lot of wet weather fun. So what if you all end up soaked, when you get home you can have a shower and get fresh clothes. Your dog can be dried off. Wet days you will often have the park all to yourselves. Or the beaches are near deserted. So pull on the rain boots, clip your leash on the dog, and head out for some wet day fun.
Conclusion
Like most dogs, the Sheltie Pug loves variety. You don't have to do something every day, but it would be nice to vary the route you walk or the parks you take your dog to. A variety offers mental stimulation for your dog, as well as strengthens your bond as you go adventuring together. Use your dog's natural talents to conjure up games that will test their skills. The Sheltie Pug has herding in their genetic makeup so try to get them to herd a group of large rolling balls - that will test their ability. Sign them up to learn lure coursing. Or maybe teach them how to surf as a random activity. Train them to help you at home. They could bring in the paper when its delivered, or help you by picking up the pegs you drop at the clothesline.