Activities For Shepherd Pits
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Introduction
While German Shepherds and American Pitbull Terriers both typically get a bad rap, often considered to be dangerous or unfriendly dogs, the Shepherd Pit is actually an amazing breed when trained correctly and treated well. These dogs are eager to please, loving and extremely loyal to their family. They also need a good deal of exercise and entertainment so plan on putting in some quality time with your dog! If you set up activities and games for your Shepherd Pit, it will keep them happy, busy and therefore, a well-adjusted dog.
Social Training
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Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Both German Shepherds and American Pitbull Terriers are not always the best around small children, other animals or people that they do not know. While they have a history of aggression, a lot of the fault can be put on the dog owner. When trained well and taught to behave properly, a Shepherd Pit will never have a problem when in social situations. You do need to put in the time to teach your dog properly and once you do, you will never have to worry! Your dog just loves you so much that they are trying to protect you from anyone that may intimidate them. Help them to learn the right way to behave.
Step
1
Be in control
The first thing you want to do when training your Shepherd Pit to be calm and relaxed around new people and animals is to teach them the commands “No” and “Relax” (or any form of relax you’d like). You can practice “no” with your dog throughout everyday life by having a bag of treats on hand at all times. When your dog misbehaves, say no, stop the action and give them a treat. They will pick up this word quickly and then stop the inappropriate behavior whenever you say no as they are excited for a treat!
Step
2
Relax
When meeting new people or animals you want your dog to be relaxed and calm. Teach your pup through practice (and of course treats) to lie down at your feet on command. You can say “relax” or “lie down” or whatever wording you would like. When your pup is trained to stop and lie down, they will be submissive and less likely to get into an altercation with another person or animal.
Step
3
Exposure
Exposure is also very important to making sure your dog is comfortable around people and pets. Bring your dog to a dog park often, have people over, let your dog make friends! Just being around others will calm your dog and help them learn that strangers are not dangerous.
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Clean Up
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Any Day
Free
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Toys
Treats
Activity description
Shepherd Pits are a breed that loves to play. While playing with toys can be a lot of fun, this also may mean that you have dog toys all over your house. What is not fun is, picking up dog toys all day! However, Shepherd Pits are very smart dogs who also do well when assigned a job. Giving your dog something important to do gives them a sense of purpose and helps them to stay calm. A dog with a job is a dog who feels fulfilled and therefore, more emotionally stable. So why not give your dog the super important job of cleaning up their own toys? It will help your dog feel useful and also help you not have to pick up that dog bone for the hundredth time!
Step
1
Toy names
Begin by teaching your dog the general term “toy. Show them that a ball, a bone and a rope are all “toy”. Use this work when referring to anything that is out on the floor. Then show your dog where all the toys go. If you have one bin or spot where toys live, give this a name too and teach it to your dog.
Step
2
Put away
Link the word “toy” with the spot you choose to put your Shepherd Pit's toys. Say “Toys, box” for example and as you say it, pick up a toy and put it in the box. Have your dog follow suit by placing a toy in their mouth then leading them to the box, taking the toy out of their mouth and putting it away.
Step
3
Time to clean
Have your dog clean up and put away their toys every day and every night. At first, you will need to help them by repeating your training. “Toy, box” over and over until they are grabbing each toy and bringing it to it’s home. Don’t forget to reward your pup as they clean so that they get excited about their nightly job and treat!
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Water Play
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Collar
Rings
Ball
Drinking Water
Towel
Activity description
Both German Shepherds and American Pitbull Terriers are known to have a natural love for the water. This trait most likely carried over to your Shepherd Pit. If your dog has already expressed their love of swimming, then you are ready to go with these fun water based games! If you are unsure if your Shepherd Pit is a water pup, bring them to a local swimming hole that allows dogs and introduce them to the water slowly. Bring your dog by the water’s edge and see how they react. Never force your pup into the water but allow them to go in on their own terms. If your Shepherd Pit turns away or acts scared, simply accept the fact that you may not have a water loving dog. If they jump right in, then continue on with these fun swimming activities.
Step
1
Water fetch
Get ready to play a game of water fetch with your Shepherd Pit by grabbing their favorite ball or toy and heading to the water. Make sure to bring a toy that floats so that your dog won’t have to dive down to get their toy. Throw the ball into the water and let your Shepherd Pit run in to fetch it.
Step
2
Dock jumping
If your dog proved to love water fetch, try throwing the ball off of a dock where your pup will have to run and jump into the water rather than walking in. Dock jumping is also a popular dog sport so if you feel like your Shepherd Pit is a natural jumper, you may want to enter them into some local dock diving competitions.
Step
3
Ring collection
Buy a few floating rings and throw them all into the water for your dog - about three to five rings would work Have your dog fetch and return them to you and time them to see how long it takes. Will your dog grab them all at the same time or do one ring and then go back for the next? Not matter what, they will be pretty tired after their day of swimming and need a nice long nap when they get home!
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More Fun Ideas...
Agility Course
Training your Shepherd Pit to run through an agility course is a great way for them to burn off energy. Keep in mind that your Shepherd Pit is a bigger dog so the smaller agility obstacles may get a little tricky!
Spring Pole
Set up a spring pole for your dog in your yard which is essentially a long pole that is secured to the group with a toy attached at the other end. Your Shepherd Pit can pull and tug at it all day long, getting out excess energy.
Conclusion
There are so many fun games and activities you can do with our Shepherd Pit and no matter what you choose to play, entertaining them and keeping them occupied will lead to a happier and healthier pup. If you want a well adjusted friendly Shepherd Pit then these energy releasing games are the place to start! So grab a ball, find a swimming hole and always have treats on hand for your Shepherd Pit!