Activities For Shih Apsos

Tug-of-war is such an oldie but a goodie - why wouldn't you include it in your Shih Apso's routine? While your Shih Apso is more bug-sized than brawn, and doesn't have the size to offer a serious challenge, it is still a great game to play with them. Don't always let them win, make them work for their success. Before starting, make sure your dog understands the release command such as "drop it" or something similar. Then tug away to your heart's desire. Another variation is to mark a line on the ground and the winner is the one who tugs their opponent over the line. You will have to let your earnest little pup win a few of these in all fairness. Give rewards for all their efforts or they may get disheartened and leave you to play on your own! This activity is always a good game as it gives your dog an outlet for their energy and their natural predatory instinct. Yes, even that cute little Shih Apso has the instinct buried deep within. So let the beast out! Let them tug, growl, and shuffle you across the line for a well deserved treat.

After a busy day, your dog will enjoy the ritual of having a special one on one time with you before bed. It is a great opportunity to calm your dog down, and get them ready for sleep. The last thing you want is a hyperactive dog on your hands at bedtime! An hour or so before you head to bed, settle down with your pooch and quietly and calmly speak to them and pat or brush their coat. This will have a calming effect. Your Shih Apso loves to have your attention, and this is one activity that you can make a daily routine. The secret here is everything should be calming. Soft music, soft voices, and no thundering television series that will keep them awake all night. Slow things down and work on relaxing your pup so that they won't want to be up playing all night. If you have worked them all day, it should be easy to get them to relax as they will be tired. They may even fall asleep and you can carry them to their doggie bed where they will fall into a deep sleep!

Even the fittest Shih Apso isn't going to be able to run for long beside you as you bike along. But you can buy a dog trailer that attaches to your bike, and your dog can be happily enclosed and pulled along for the ride. They will love the motion, the breeze in their face, and they will enjoy stopping occasionally at the parks to get out and run about. While a dog trailer is not cheap, they are a great asset if you love to go bike riding and would love your dog to join you. You may even be able to pick one up second hand which could save you the expensive outlay. Consider that your dog will be with you for a good twelve or so years, so over that period of time, the purchase of a trailer works out to be quite economical. Your dog can enjoy the fresh air and fun and still have the energy to play when you stop for a break.