Activities For Shepradors
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
When you combine the intelligence of a German Shepherd with the playful friendliness of a Labrador Retriever, you wind up with the sweet, loyal, and fun-loving Sheprador. This hybrid dog is perfect for active families who dream of daily playtime, walks, and hikes with a four-legged friend who will also keep an eye on the family and alert them when strangers are around. While these dogs aren't known to be high-energy, they still require daily activity that challenges their physical and mental aptitudes. Activities for Shepradors should consist of more than just a quick game of fetch in the yard and make them think.
Family Walk
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Lease
Treats.
Water
Activity description
When you plan activities for Shepradors it's a good idea to include daily walks into your schedule. These dogs benefit from being outside the home and checking out the neighborhood. They can quickly be trained to walk well on the leash for any member of the family, so bringing the kids for a family walk can easily become important family bonding time as well as playtime for the dog. Going on a family walk is free and can be done right from your front door or at a local park where your family and your dog can enjoy beautiful trails and even wildlife.
Step
1
Plan the walk
As you know, when you want to do anything with the family and your dog it's a good idea to make a plan. Pick a nice spot to walk that has wide sidewalks or trails to fit strollers, dogs, and kids. Choose a trail that is varied or has attractions along the way to keep children entertained. If the walk includes some off-leash space for your Sheprador to run, that makes it all the better.
Step
2
Gather your things
Any outing with the whole family requires a host of items. When you add in the dog, it's a good idea to make a list or plan beforehand. Your dog will only need a leash and water if there isn't any available on the walk. You can also pack treats so the kids can have fun rewarding the dog for sitting or walking on a loose leash. Gather anything the kids need like snacks, water, and any important toys or traveling companions. Make your list and check it twice to ensure a great time out.
Step
3
Enjoy the walk
With enough planning, your walk should be a fun bonding and memory making experience for everyone. Stop along the way to check out the scenery or play games with the children. Let them take turns holding the leash or asking the dog to sit for a treat, and take a few photos. These walks will become an important part of their childhood and will be one of your dog's favorite activities with their family.
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Swimming
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Hot Day
Free
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Tennis ball or water toys
Towel
Doggy Life Vest
Activity description
Labrador Retrievers are known to be avid water dogs so there is a good chance your Sheprador is a big fan of lakes and streams. This is why swimming is one of the best activities for Shepradors on steamy days. Whether you have a pond nearby or travel to a lake for vacation, your Sheprador might be the most excited member of the family for a dip. These dogs are usually great swimmers, and with a gentle introduction to the water, they can become experts at the doggy paddle and deftly retrieve sticks and balls. They are happy to join you for a regular swim any time.
Step
1
The swimming hole
It's imperative that you find the best swimming hole for your Sheprador. It can be the lake your family where your family has a cabin, the local pond with a dock for jumping, the beach, or the secret swimming holes made by streams dammed by rocks. Just make sure off-leash dogs are allowed in the water and you've found yourself a winning spot. Shepradors aren't picky; they just want to swim!
Step
2
Introduce them to water
Even though Shepradors have the genes of great water dogs, if they've never been around water, they may be tentative at first. New swimmers may appreciate the doggy life vest. Make sure you introduce your dog to water and swimming at their own pace. While some dogs will jump right in for a dip, others may be more tentative. There is nothing worse than throwing a dog into the water when they aren't ready. Toss a ball or stick a little ways into the water and let them ease in if they are nervous. There is plenty of time for them to swim once they get their confidence.
Step
3
Summer swimtime
Once your dog is confident in the water, swimming will become their top activity on hot summer days. Plan to let your dog swim regularly. This activity is easy on their joints but packs a great workout. They will love jumping into the water to retrieve sticks or balls and will find joy in jumping into every body of water. If they are very confident, you may even introduce them to dock diving or other water sports.
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Search and Rescue
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Any Day
Expensive
Hard
6 hrs
Items needed
Long leash
Training vest
Treats
Activity description
Shepradors make excellent working dogs. They have a keen sense of smell and do best when they have a purpose. If you are an avid outdoors person yourself, why not train your dog for work in volunteer Search and Rescue? Search and Rescue dogs provide an important service to their communities and help save lives. It takes a lot of dedication from both owner and four-legged participants to attend classes and practice skills. Days working can be long and arduous while searching off trail for lost hikers, but the satisfaction of a job well done will make all the hard work worth it.
Step
1
Basic obedience
Before you enroll in a search and rescue program, your Sheprador needs to master basic and advanced obedience. There will be many distractions during a search and rescue mission, and your dog needs to learn to focus. Teaching them when it's time to work and when it's time to play through obedience will create the foundation for a good search and rescue dog.
Step
2
Find a program
While Shepradors have the natural abilities to be working dogs, there is a lot of training involved in becoming a search and rescue dog. They will need hundreds of hours of training and simulations before they are ready to join a team. Find a program that will work with you and your dog to give you all the skills you need. Search and rescue dogs need to learn how to track on the ground and in the air in difficult conditions. A good program will work with both of you to grow your partnership and focus on the important task at hand.
Step
3
Find lost hikers
After you've put in the time and effort and your dog has received their official search and rescue vest, it's time to start helping lost hikers in need. Pack your bags and have them easily accessible. You never know when a call will come in and you'll be needed in a hurry. During your first mission remember to focus on everything you learned and trust your dog. The relief on the face of the lost hiker when you find them will be worth all the hard work.
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More Fun Ideas...
Fetch
Your Sheprador is most likely a ball fiend. They love nothing more than chasing a ball, stick, or frisbee and bringing it back. A game of backyard fetch is a great way to start the day or wind down before bed.
Obedience Training
Obedience is one of the best activities for Shepradors to keep their mental stimulation high. They are very quick learners and will pick up on cues quickly. They love learning new skills and will happily work hard for a treat.
Conclusion
You're a lucky dog family if your pup is a Sheprador. These sweet, loyal, and active dogs are happy to hang with you all day. They don't mind walking with even the youngest member of the family and will chase, wrestle and play with the older kids. Activities for Shepradors should keep them challenged and tire out their minds and bodies. These wonderful dogs will add joy, laughter, and physical activity to your life. Take them with you for anything from the family hike to the family picnic and watch as they find fun and happiness in every situation they are faced with.