Activities For Shih-Poos
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
A ball of activity and a real clown best describes the loveable Shih-Poo dog. This hybrid cross between the Shih Tzu and the Poodle makes a great companion, being both affectionate and intelligent. Although they vary in size, their temperament is that of a happy pooch that is highly inquisitive. Keeping these sweet dogs entertained is easy; as long as they are with you they make their own fun. But it is good practice to vary their routine and add a bit of training to make them the best they can be. Obstacle training is good for following your instructions, while finding hidden articles (often a treat) is a way to test their powers of deduction. The Shih-Poo is an adaptable dog, happy to play your silly games as long as it is fun and pleases you. Don't try to protect them - let them work, hunt, seek and find things out for themselves.
Babysitting
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
leash
Activity description
If you are going to fill in and look after the children while a friend slips out to do some chores, why not take your dog with you to the house? Ask your friend if she minds of course, but it may be a way to keep the children enthralled as they pander to your little pooch. It is a good opportunity for your dog to socialize as well, just make sure they are well behaved enough and like children before you do this activity. Of course, if your friend already has a dog it may not be ideal to do this, as some dogs are very territorial. But for some families who are not in the position to have a dog, this is a lovely visit that will bring a lot of pleasure. You can teach the children a few games to play with your dog, and they can offer your pup a treat or two. Remember to let your Shih-Poo get used to these little beings first, before the children begin handling your pup or starting to play.
Step
1
Off on an adventure
Well for a start, your dog will be excited to be going out with you and will be keen to go. Some dogs are shy when they meet new people, others get right into it and play from the start. Let your dog do it their way and don't push. As the children are introduced to your dog, let them both size each other up and get acquainted. While the mother slips out the door, you can distract the children with this adorable fluffy dog! Have a treat or two that they can offer your dog, that is usually a good icebreaker and teaches the children to be calm and gentle with your dog so everyone can settle and get acquainted.
Step
2
Playtime fun
Introduce a game or two for the children to play with your dog. A game of fetch the ball or tug-of-war are fun. Always supervise the games to ensure there is no rough play by either party! If it is a warm sunny day, maybe you can turn the sprinklers on - children and dogs alike adore running in and out of the sprinklers. Have some bubble mixture on hand and have a bubble blowing event where children and dog can compete to pop the bubbles! Before long, your pup and the children will be firm friends.
Step
3
Wind the play down
It might be a good idea to calm the children and dog play down before the mum arrives home. You don't want to leave her with hyperactive children on her hands. Perhaps a bit of a snack for all and a story as they snuggle with your Shih-Poo will help wind everyone down. With your dog snuggled on their knees, a child won't want to move around in case they wake the 'baby'. Hopefully, their mum will come home to see a very happy and peaceful scene. Promise the children that you will visit again with your dog so that they don't get too upset when your dog has to leave. What a lovely way to spend some time socializing with your Shih-Poo pup.
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Sunny Day Hammock Fun
Popular
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Hot Day
Moderate
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Hammock
Soft music
Activity description
What could be better than relaxing in a hammock enjoying a cooling breeze on a hot summer day? If you haven't got a hammock, well best you go and get one! If you have a couple of trees in a convenient location you can utilize, then that's all well and good. If not, you may need to dig some holes and put a couple of posts up. Once done, time to try it out. As you disappear into the hammock, your Shih-Poo will be astounded. Where did you go? You can turn this into a game, and pop your head up and surprise them. Soon they will be running back and forth underneath you, trying to get at you. Finally, scoop them up to enjoy the hammock. Make sure they don't panic and leap out when the hammock swings and moves - they may hurt themselves.
Step
1
Lazy day fun
Getting your hammock hung up and ready takes some time. If it's been up since last year, best you check the cords to make sure it is safe. While you do this, toss a bit of rope to your dog to play with or even put it under your foot for your dog to try and free. Then when done, try putting your dog into the hammock but hold onto them in case they just want to jump out. Then put them back on the ground and disappear into it yourself. If your dog can reach the cords, you may find they start tugging on the rope and it will swing you! Well done puppy!
Step
2
Roll out and in again
Like a game of hide and seek, you can roll in and out of the hammock while your dog enjoys the excitement. They will run back and forth and you can try to catch them. As they leap away out of reach, flop back into the hammock and call them. They may even start barking at you in delight. Finally, grab them and bring them up onto the hammock with you. Turn on some soft music and pat them to calm them down. Let them get used to this new and unusual type of bed.
Step
3
Time to relax
After all the fun, it's time to relax and snooze. The sun will work its magic, as will the soft music. Gently pat your dog and talk to them softly so they start to nod off. Even a little dynamo dog needs a rest now and again. The gentle breeze will keep you cool enough, and time means nothing as you relax the week's tensions away. Time together with your dog is important. For a dog, you are their world, so the time they get to spend with you is valuable and treasured. Before long you will hear little woofs and yips coming from your dog as they dream about chasing rabbits and catching bears in their dreams.
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Walk to the Groomer
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
2 hrs
Items needed
Doggy Waste Bags
Leash
Toy
Activity description
In order to keep looking sharp, your Shih-Poo will need a visit to the groomer for a bit of styling and primping. Instead of calling the groomer to your home (as in mobile dog groomers), why not walk your dog to the doggy spa in town? A pleasant walk, a sumptuous session with the groomer as they wash, dry and trim your dog's coat, then afterward, a stop at the pet store for a reward - a new toy! What a fun way to wear off some energy and have them looking even more adorable than ever! This activity teaches your dog that all that primping can be worth it. They get to choose a new toy, and probably get a treat or two from the groomer for being so good. It's a win all the way for your Shih-Poo.
Step
1
Dog groomer date
The day has arrived for your dog to go and have a bit of a tidy up and pampering. Walking your dog to the groomer will get rid of their nervous energy and they will love the smells along the way and the people they meet. Then they get to meet the groomer, and it will dawn on them what you have planned! Stay with them as they get washed and dried and then as their coat is trimmed (just a little - not too much) they will relax. Some groomers are good at giving doggy back massages which will be a treat for your pooch.
Step
2
Stylish all the way
Wow, your dog will look so sweet and stylish. Of course, you have to go and show them off! Take a walk through the shops until you get to the pet store. Now you are talking, one whiff and your dog will be in heaven. If you can get them past the food section, take them to the toy area to see what attracts them. Like a child in a candy shop, it will be a hard choice. You may have to settle for a toy AND a treat - just so you can get out of the store. The business owners often make a fuss of their doggy guests, especially ones that are all done up and look amazing!
Step
3
Proudly walk home
Imagine the glances and smiles your dog will get as they proudly walk home looking like a million dollars, while they hold their new toy firmly in their mouth. What an afternoon it has been. A walk followed by a grooming session, which wasn't too bad, your dog may admit. Then a visit to the pet store - what dog can resist that! Treats, special attention, and finally a new squeaky rubbery toy play with. You won't have any trouble from this little trooper today. They will get home and spend the rest of the day playing with their orange squeaky toy before slinking into bed with it for a good night's sleep.
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More Fun Ideas...
Whistling Tennis Ball
Fetch has always been a popular activity between owners and their canine companion. Now, there is a tennis ball that whistles as it flies and one that glows in the dark. So if you want a bit of fun as the night draws in, try a game of fetch in the dark. Your Shih-Poo can see the light of the glow in the dark ball, but can only hear the whistle of the other type to hear where it is. Talk about having to concentrate! They will be listening intently to see where you have thrown the ball! Just playing fetch at night adds a new dimension to the game.
Icy Creamy Treat
What is better on a hot day than a walk to the park, picking up an ice cream to indulge in to help you and your dog keep cool? You shouldn't give your dog ice cream meant for humans but you can get frozen treats for your pooch these days. They are often frozen mixes of peanut butter and fruit and dogs LOVE them. You can even find Frosty Paws ice treats in the dessert aisle of the supermarkets these days. Resting in the shade of a tree as you gobble your treats will make your dog's day.
Cold Weather Cave
Cold wet days can be a problem; what do you and your pooch do to keep warm? Some days the only solution is to get your dog's help to make a big cave (pile) of blankets and pillows and snuggle in and ride the cold weather out. A good book for you, a puzzle treat toy for your Shih-Poo and spend the time just warming up and relaxing. Your dog will be a starter, and they may spend the time tunnelling in and out of the blankets, but given time they will soon be snoring away snuggled up to you.
Conclusion
The Shih-Poo is a brave dog that will readily take on most activities with a can-do mindset. They love to find things and find how things work. This is both good (they solve problems) or bad (they take apart your valuables to find out how they work). Good puzzles will keep this little Sherlock busy and out of trouble. They also love to chase bubbles, attack a stream of water, or chase after the children in a game of hide and seek. You will never be lonely, this dog will seek you out wherever you are in the house. But they do make a great companion, happy to accompany you to the store, the market or even to the outdoor movies. If you train them to wear a backpack, they can even help you carry your purchases - "pawblem" solved!