Activities For Silkshunds

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Activities For Silkshunds

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Book Dog Walk Book Dog Walk

Introduction

The Silkshund is a small dog and is a cross between the Silky Terrier and the Dachshund. Feisty, active, curious and lively describe this little powerhouse. This pup doesn't seem to realize they are small in size, as they have a ton of courage and may task themselves as your protector! This dog requires a lot of interaction with their human and needs variety and stimulation. Work this little pooch and give them important jobs to do. Don't think because they are small they can't complete tasks! Keep them busy which will make them feel important. Get them to work for their dinner by hiding handfuls of kibble from them, letting them work out where dinner is hidden. When you wash their blankets and toys, take them off the clothesline and get your little helper to put them in the basket. They can carry one end of the basket to help you with the load. Train your dog to wear a backpack - they come in all shapes and sizes for dogs. Then they can carry their own toys and water bottle when going out for the day. But don't make it all work and no play, have fun with this lovely dog. The Silkshund also likes a cuddle so don't be stingy - lavish them with the attention they deserve.

Bike Ride

Popular

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Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Bike with a basket attached

Dog harness and leash

Activity description

For longer excursions where you just want to get out and ride your bike, remember you can still take your dog with you. The Silkshund may not be able to run ten or twenty miles, so here is an alternative. Get a sturdy basket for your bike, secure it really well and then train your dog to sit in the basket and to stay as you move the bike around. Only go out in public when you are sure your dog will obey your commands and when they are confident. Once your dog completes their first trip, they will be hooked. They will have the wind in their face, see many places, smell great scents in the air, and will love overtaking some of the bigger dogs who are slogging it out running by their master's side. During your bike ride you can stop occasionally at the park, beach or riverside. Your dog will learn to be obedient to get such a treat. They will develop confidence, but even better, they can accompany you when you want to go further than your dog's legs can take them.

Step

Set up your bike

Purchase a basket that is made for bikes, and attach it solidly to your bike - always in front of you. You want it to feel sturdy and to not move around which may upset your dog. Make sure that the basket has room for your pup to feel as if they have the space to be comfortable and secure.

Step

Train your dog at home

Start training your dog at home first, where they feel safe and can get used to this new activity. Place them gently in the basket while you get someone to hold the bike steady. Just let them sit there and get used to it. Reward them for staying put. Move the bike a little, forward and back. Get them used to the movement.

Step

Start riding and enjoy

Repeat the trials at home over several days before you go public. When you go out for the first time, make it a short trip. You don't want your dog to panic and jump out - they may hurt themselves. Once your dog has their confidence, you will have a lot of fun and catch a lot of people's attention as you and your dog cycle along!

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Halloween Trick or Treating

Popular

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Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Costume

Dog leash

Special dog treats

Activity description

Halloween is a fun time for families. Don't forget about your dog though, they can be dressed up in costume and will get you more treats than anything else! Your Silkshund will really enjoy being part of the team, plus they can fulfill the role of your 'bodyguard' while you are out knocking on doors. While not many people will have treats suitable for a dog, take your own along and when you get some treats, give your dog one of theirs. This activity is a great opportunity to socialize your dog and to test their skills in behavior and obedience. Don't overdo the dressing up, they need to be able to move freely. But how cute is your Silkshund going to look all decked out as a skeleton? Or maybe a ghost? Perhaps they would make a great pumpkin! Go ahead and have a hilarious night but you may have to carry your pooch home after so much fun!

Step

Choose an outfit

While you can buy a costume for your pup, you can easily make one at home making use of a tee-shirt and a small hat while doing some creative sewing. Make sure your dog feels comfortable in the outfit and maybe you can even train them to carry a small basket for the treats.

Step

Try this at home first

Prepare your dog for the Halloween noises by practicing at home first. Give plenty of praise to your pal for being so good and brave. You don't want them to be frightened. Try this out a few times before the big night to get them used to the 'surprises' that occur.

Step

Halloween fun

Getting ready is all part of the fun. Your canine buddy will sense your excitement and will get excited too. Be prepared for them to steal the show. Who can resist a Halloween Silkshund? It will be a big night out for your dog, and they may need you to carry them home with along with all the 'treats' you get.

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Family Pool Party

Popular

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Hot Day

Cheap

Normal

1 - 3 hrs

Items needed

Floating toys/ball

Activity description

A hot day provides the perfect opportunity to get in the pool and enjoy the cooling water. If you are lucky enough to have a pool, it is easy to plan. If you don't have a pool, consider getting a large kiddie paddling pool so that everyone can enjoy a day of fun. Get out in the sun with your friends (including your Silkshund) and enjoy splashing around. Put up a few sun umbrellas for shade, and have fresh water on hand for your dog to drink. A few games splashing around will soon cool everyone down. Afterward, relax on some sunchairs and just chill out. Take care of your canine as they are just a small dog; no dive bombing or dunking under the dog! Make sure children and friends understand that rule as you don't want to frighten your dog. You can play fetch with a floating toy or ball which gives your dog some training. Dogs can overheat quite easily, so cool them down with a pool party.

Step

Hot weather solution

The hot summer weather can get to everyone, your dog included. If you have a pool it is easy to plan a pool party and cool off. If you don't have a pool, some of the blow-up paddling pools are for adults as well as children these days. However, many pet owners opt for a hard sided pool as canine claws may tear a blow-up pool. It depends on how much you are prepared to pay for the pool. Failing all the above, con a friend with a pool into a party!

Step

Remember - safety first!

Always be aware of safety first. Water fun is a good social event but keep the fun safe. This is important for children and pets. It is easy to overlook how small they can be and accidents can happen. Having said that, enjoy the water - it's a great way to cool down.

Step

Water fun

Once everyone is over the initial excitement of the pool, play some games with your dog by throwing their toy into the pool and getting them to fetch it. All but a few dogs will love this game. It is a great way to cool down, include some training, and have fun all at the same time.

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More Fun Ideas...

Sled or Cart Riding

Here is a twist on a popular dog activity. Instead of your dog pulling you along, why not train your dog to be pulled along on a little sled or cart on wheels? If you have two dogs, they could be trained to pull the other dog along and then swap places. This is a great activity if you want to go for a long walk but worry your dog might tire. Rather than just carry them, make or purchase a small sled that they can stand or sit on and train them to be pulled along. It is good practice for balance, and teaches your Silkshund to obey your commands. They will love this activity, especially all the attention they will get, and they may not ever want to walk anywhere again!

Explore a New City or Town

Sometimes, you just have to get out and explore new territory. There are often areas around your home base that you haven't been to. Choose a town near you, pack up your pooch, and go out for the day to explore the sights and attractions of a new city. Go online first and pinpoint a few activities to start with, for example, a market that may be happening on the day, a park to explore, or maybe a river or lakeside frontage to check out. A bit of a walk here, a chat with the locals there, interspersed with maybe a coffee break or two. Get to know this new area, it can be a lot of fun. It is good socializing and behavior training for your dog. They will get to meet new canine friends and to discover new parks to explore. You could even plan to have lunch in the park. Your dog will love that!

Autumn Leaf Fun

As the seasons change, don't let the cooler air keep you trapped indoors. Take your dog out to the park and have a game of 'bury the dog in leaves'! All those piles of leaves make for an ideal game with your dog. You can bury a toy and get them to find it, or you could partially bury them and film them exploding out of the pile! Before long they will be tunneling through the leaves and entertaining everyone who walks by. The crunching of the leaves appeals to dogs, they seem to enjoy the sound. This activity is ideal for autumn. It is an easy way to get your dog to exercise as well as giving them a whole lot of fun.

Conclusion

After trying some of these activities your Silkshund may just want a snooze to regain some energy. Remember to vary activity levels. Don't go from one high energy activity to another; be sure to let them catch their breath. In other words, it's snuggle time! Read a book to your dog while you both relax in the sun. Watch a dog cartoon while snuggled together inside on a bleak wet day. Or, if you are out and about stop for a rest at a pet-friendly café. While you recover over a latte, think of your pet and give them a treat. Starbucks is famous for their Puppucino pet drinks. Dogs are part of many owner's lives and the café owners are catching on to the trend. Include the dog and you get more customers! After a brisk walk in the park, treat your Silkshund to a café experience and watch as their tail nearly wags off in their excitement!