Activities For Shollies

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Activities For Shollies

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Introduction

Shollies are a hybrid breed of German Shepherds and Border Collies. Because of their parentage, they are renowned for their energy, dominance, intelligence, and obedience. Border Collies have long been known as a sheep farmer’s best friend, while German Shepherds are often found serving in the military and police forces. As a result, when you mix these breeds, you get a beautiful and loyal dog who will go to the end of the earth if that’s what you asked of them. However, their parentage also means that you always need to give them a job to do. Shollies aren’t happy to sit idle and do nothing if there’s something else they can be doing with their time. While you will have no trouble integrating them into family life, you may need a helping hand with their activity needs.

Obedience Training

Most Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Expensive

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Treat

Activity description

Both Collies and German Shepherds thrive on commands. They love having a job to do, doing what you say, then getting rewarded for it. Therefore, the best activity you can undertake with your Shollie is obedience training. Whether they are learning essential skills such as sit and stay, or more complex ones, you will find they love the opportunity to learn with you by their side. While obedience training can be a little bit expensive, it can be well worth it. Your dog can learn how to behave, get on with other dogs, and do as you tell them – all in a safe all-weather facility. Obedience training is an activity that takes around an hour a week and, for the Shollie breed, is straightforward.

Step

Brainstorm

Before you start looking for training facilities, think about what you want to teach your dog. As they are intelligent, the sky’s the limit for what you can show them. What’s more, they pick every task up so quickly that you will unlikely have any problems. If they are a puppy, you can start with the easy commands, but then write down other things you want to change or learn such as breaking a bad habit or learning to beg.

Step

Enroll

Knowing what you want to learn, you can now enroll your pampered pooch in obedience training classes. Here, they get to spend an hour or more a week with other dogs learning a range of new skills. They will thrive on the education, as well as getting the opportunity to spend more time with you in a different setting.

Step

Practice

Once you have picked up the basics in a controlled environment, you can then carry on learning your newfound skills at home. Remember, practice makes perfect, and if you don’t keep practicing what you’re learning, your dog (and you) are likely to forget it. Take every opportunity at home to integrate what you’re learning into your home life. Before long, they will be the most well-behaved pooch on the block.

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The Snoot Game

Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Free

Easy

5 min

Items needed

Treats

Activity description

The Snoot game is a relatively new phenomenon which is sweeping through social media. It involves your dog, your hands, and a lot of laughter. The Snoot game is perfect for dogs who know how to do nose work, but also dogs who don’t mind playing rough and tumble with their owner on occasion. This quick game is also a great distraction for your dog who may be barking at someone walking past, or taking part in naughty behavior. It takes only five minutes, the use of your hands, and you can do it inside, outside, or anywhere. You may not be able to do it more than a few times every day though without losing your dog’s interest.

Step

Form a shape

Using your hands, you need to form a circle. The size of it ultimately depends on the size of your dog’s nose. You may be able to use one hand and put your finger and thumb into an “okay” gesture or use both of your hands together to create a circle. When you have developed the round shape, place it in front of you, away from your chest.

Step

Show the dog

For some reason, when your dog sees you form this circle, no matter what they’re doing, they have a sudden urge to see you and place their head through the shape you created. That’s why the Snoot game makes such a good activity for distraction. If your Shollie is doing something they shouldn’t, form the circle then wait for them to come inquisitively and put their head through it. It’s an odd concept, but it makes any dog excited and ready for play. You have the option of giving them a treat after they comply as well.

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Dog Park

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Doggy waste bag

Toy

Activity description

Shollies are high-energy dogs that require a lot of physical activity every day. If you think you’ll struggle to fulfill that need through walks and attention at home, then a dog park visit can fill the gap. When you give your furry friend free reign through a dog enclosure with their best buddies, your hard work is complete. You can then take them home after an hour, and they’ll be ready for a nap. Trips to the dog park are the best activities for dogs, and they require minimal effort. You have to pack a leash, a toy, a waste bag and your dog, and you can then have fun at your local park for as long as you want.

Step

Choose a park

There are so many dog parks throughout the United States that it can be hard to pick only one. However, if you stick to a few criteria, you can choose the best one for both you and your dog’s needs. Firstly, take a look at the proximity. Which is the closest to your home? For convenience, it’s going to be your first choice. However, pay attention to the quality as well. Where do your friends and family take theirs, and is it fully enclosed and safe? While being near to your home is convenient, your dog’s safety is more important.

Step

Take it slow

With German Shepherd parentage, your Shollie can be quite protective of you – even in a public setting. When you arrive at the park, and there are people everywhere, your dog can quickly think they pose a threat and can stick close to you. Therefore, rather than put them in the enclosure and make it impossible for them to “protect” you, let them get used to their surroundings so they know they’re not threatened. Walk around the enclosure, let them smell all the scents, then slowly integrate them inside the pen with the big dogs. Before you know it, they’ll be ready for fun with their pals.

Step

Play

With the toy you brought with you, you can now play with your silly Shollie and have a lot of fun. Throw the ball, frisbee, or another toy you brought with you, and maybe see if other dogs want to join in as well. The goal is to tire your pup out, so you don’t need to put in as much effort at home for that day. You also benefit from frequent socialization for your puppy which is crucial.

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More Fun Ideas...

Obstacle Course

Shollies are exceptionally agile, so why not use that to your advantage and create an obstacle course for them? You can set one up at your house with poles, tunnels, tables, and steps, or ask your local dog club if there is one nearby. Given your Shollies’ parentage, they are bound to be masters of agility courses in no time.

Swimming

Whether you take your dog to a proper swimming pool for dogs or the beach, you will find they love getting their fur wet. All you need is a hot day, a few hours up your sleeve and a toy, and your dog is ready for fun in the sun. However, don’t forget your towel as they are likely to drip water everywhere!

Conclusion

Shollies are one of the most pawesome family pets you can own. They are loving, loyal, fiercely protective, and very intelligent as well. For everything they offer you, make sure you give it back ten-fold by giving them plenty to do. Your Shollie needs a job to do, and it’s up to you to provide them with enough to cater to their physical and mental requirements.