Top Activities For Spanish Water Dogs

Introduction

The Spanish Water Dog is a highly active breed that was created to heard and protect livestock. This friendly dog is what many term a 'high energy' pooch, requiring mental and physical stimulation to be happy and productive. This outgoing breed is not a good choice for an apartment dweller who lives a sedentary lifestyle. If you own a Spanish Water Dog, the chances are good that you are always looking for fun activities to keep your canine companion happy. One of the great things about the breed is that this dog is highly intelligent and will quickly grasp any new task.

Obedience

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Treats

Activity description

The Spanish Water Dog is a highly intelligent breed who excels at obedience. This dog should be started as a puppy in basic obedience classes and as the dog matures it will go on to higher and higher obedience tasks. Many owners mistakenly believe that taking their dog to obedience classes is almost like enrolling their pooch in school and fear they will quickly become bored with the classes. However, with the Spanish Water Dog this is rarely the case. This dog wants to please their owner, use their mind, and remain physically active. Obedience is not only a fun activity but a mandatory part of owning such an amazing canine.

Step

1

Enroll

If your canine has never been to an obedience class then you will want to enroll in an entry level class. If your pooch is a puppy then focus on a socialization class that lets the puppy get used to being around other dogs. However, if your dog is an older pooch, you are going to want to enter them in an entry level class for older puppies or young adults.

Step

2

Introductions

When you first arrive at obedience class your dog is going to be excited, especially if your canine has never experienced such an activity. Give your pooch time to settle down. Keep your dog on the leash and avoid letting them sniff other classmates. Now, it's time to start listening to the instructor.

Step

3

Learning

Most obedience classes are held once a week for six to eight weeks. During that time, your dog will learn the basics such as heel, sit, come, and lay down. All of these classes will be taken with your pup on a leash. You will not only work with your dog during the class but also every day you will perform the various homework exercises for an hour. This will ensure your dog masters all of the steps. Once you have completed all of the classes of entry level obedience work then you can move on to more complicated obedience classes that involve off leash work. If your dog really enjoys the classes then you might want to consider trying obedience competitions.

Swimming

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Doggy Life Vest

Leash

Collar

Activity description

Historically, the Spanish Water Dog was bred to herd and guard livestock but they are also a water dog. Their feet are webbed to make swimming a breeze. However, not all dogs learn how to swim first try so you will want to take things slow until your dog gets the hang of it. Swimming is a fun activity that you can do at the beach, a lake, a mellow river, or even a pool. It's a great way for you to both exercise together. Once a Spanish Water Dog starts swimming they typically adore the sport.

Step

1

Wading

A few days before the swimming venture, put the life vest on your dog and let them get used to the feel of it. Offer lots of encouragement and maybe a few treats. Once your dog has settled down and accepted the life vest, it is time to try swimming. First, wade in together. Keep the leash on your dog and wade in right beside them.

Step

2

Swimming

As you wade deeper, your dog will usually start to try to swim. The life vest will also lift your pooch up and provide buoyancy so your dog does not have to work so hard at swimming. Remember to heap on the praise for a job well down when they start to kick their paws and actually swim.

Step

3

Mastering the activity

Once your dog has mastered swimming you can decide if you want to take the life vest off for good or make your canine wear it every time they are in the water. Many owners simply feel safer having their dog keep the vest on in case the animal should experience a cramp or become overly tired. Other pet parents are confident in their dog's swimming ability and opt to forego the vest.

Boating

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Boat

Doggy Life Vest

Leash

Collar

Activity description

Since most Spanish Water Dogs enjoy swimming and other activities that involve H2O why not take your pooch boating? Don't despair if you don't own a boat of your own because there are options. You can head to a lake and rent a boat, or you can take a boat charter that welcomes pets. Once you choose the venue and decide to get out on the water; the chances are good that your dog is going to love the experience. Most canines love the feel of the wind in their faces as the boat zips across the water's surface.

Step

1

Boarding the boat

Typically, to board a boat you must walk across a dock. Many dogs balk at the feel of the dock beneath their paws. The swaying movement scares them and they are unsure if they are stable. Obviously, you cannot easily carry a Spanish Water Dog across a dock so you are going to have to offer words of encouragement. Soon, your pooch will take the first tentative steps.

Step

2

Boarding

Prior to boarding, make sure your dog has their life vest on. When you first board the boat you will probably have to coax your dog onto the craft if it is a small boat and a new experience for them. Most Spanish Water Dogs want to be close to their beloved human so will eventually board the boat.

Step

3

Hold on

Once you are in the boat skimming across the water's surface keep a firm grip on your dog's leash because your pooch might want to lean over the boat's edge and try to nip at the water. This could put your dog in jeopardy of falling overboard. Keep your boating buddy firmly seated at your side by maintaining a secure hold on their leash.

More Fun Ideas...

Road Trip Adventures

Something as simple as an hour long road trip is often enough to break up the monotony of the day and get your dog out in the fresh air. If your dog rides in a crate in the car be sure to roll the windows down so they can feel the wind blowing into the vehicle. Some dogs are held in the seat with a specialized leash that is like a car seat or a safety harness for an auto.

Dog Park Adventures

As the owner of a high strung Spanish Water Dog you should never underestimate the magic of a dog park. Most canines love to run free and socialize at such locations. Your pooch will be able to get ample exercise, soak up some sun, meet other dogs, and maybe even play a few games of fetch with you. Most towns and cities have fully fenced in dog parks where your pooch can enjoy true freedom in an open outdoor setting. Dog parks are a great way to exercise a large, rambunctious dog like the Spanish Water Dog.

Conclusion

Owning a Spanish Water Dog can be a thrilling experience, but it is not for everyone due to the dog's high strung nature and constant need to participate in a bevy of activities. However, for the owners who decide the breed is a perfect fit they are an excellent, intelligent companion. You will just need to regularly think up fun adventures to enjoy with your canine partner to prevent boredom and make sure your dog receives adequate exercise. Any of the above choices are great options to get out and enjoy fun with your pooch. The two of you will bond while participating together and enjoy the great outdoors at the same time.