Activities For Swiss Bernese Mountain Dogs
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, muscular dog that is always happy to embark on an adventure with their beloved owner. A hybrid mix of the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog and the Bernese Mountain Dog, this affectionate canine is known for their great love of people. This dog usually only wants to be with their human family, so any activity is a fulfilling experience for this big lover. One thing to remember about this breed is that they are not a breed suited to hot weather. This hard working pup was created to withstand the mountain storms of Switzerland, so they excel in cooler or cold weather. Avoid activities during the hottest part of the day unless the dog has access to water or air conditioning.
Beach Escape
Popular
0 Votes
Hot Day
Cheap
Normal
4 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Collar
Ball
Towels
Activity description
The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog is not tolerable of hot days so if the mercury has started to rise, it's time to escape to the cool respite of the beach. Make sure you pick a beach where dogs are welcome. Most Swissie hybrids love the water so a beach day is a great adventure for both of you. This big lumbering giant is going to have a blast running in the surf, searching for sea life, and maybe even playing a game of ball or frisbee. Most dog-friendly beaches are full of families accompanied by their dogs so your pooch might even have canine company and the opportunity to make friends.
Step
1
Walking to the surf
If this is the first time you have ever been to the beach with your Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog, your big dog might hesitate at the sight of the waves and the sound of the surf. It's only natural. Even the cawing of the seagulls might scare your dog. However, your pup wants to please you more than anything in the world so with a bit of encouragement your dog will readily follow you to the water's edge.
Step
2
Fun in the water
Once your pal feels the cool water hit their toes, your dog will be hooked. Before you know it, your pooch is going to be running in the waves and having a great time. Most Swiss Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy the water and might even venture out for a swim if you accompany them. If your pup is just learning to swim, a life vest is in order. Keep them close to you as well, hindering them from venturing out into deep water.
Step
3
Digging in the sand
Swiss Bernese Mountain Dogs enjoy digging so why not encourage your pooch to dig in the sand? The two of you can build your own form of sand castles together. Your dog is going to love digging right along side of you. Maybe the two of you will find treasure if you dig deep enough! Its also fun to dig a hole, fill it with water, and watch your dog look on in amazement as the water disappears into the sand. Such an activity usually spurs your dog to dig even deeper into the sand to find the lost water. Next, it's time to have fun in the sand with a game of fetch. Most dog-friendly beaches allow canines to run loose but if the beach is a leash only beach then you can always use an expandable lead for a bit of fun.
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Bakery Biscuits
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Collar
Activity description
Across America a phenomenon is taking place, bakeries are opening up that offer only yummy animal treats. Doggy baked goods and even feline delicacies are the norm at such locations. The beauty of the animal bakery is that it is a fun place to visit no matter what the weather. If it is hot, then you can escape the heat. If it's cold, you can duck into the warm confines of the bakery. Once in the location, you are free to let your Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog choose whatever tasty morsel catches their eye. Some bakeries even offer samples.
Step
1
Heading into the bakery
Just like a human bakery, a dog bakery smells yummy. In fact, you might be tempted to try some of the biscuits yourself because the place smells so tasty. Your dog is going be beset with so many yummy smells that they won't know what to do. It is not unusual for a canine to stop and inhale the aroma in pure joy.
Step
2
Ask for samples
If you really want to get your Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog's taste buds going then ask the bakery if they offer samples. Your dog is going to love tasting some of the products that are for sale. The samples will also give you an idea of what your dog likes and does not like before you make a purchase.
Step
3
Buy some treats
You can let your dog look at the baked goods that are usually on display. If the pooch takes an interest in a certain one then invest in the tasty morsel. After the purchase, you and your dog can head home or sit in the bakery to enjoy the treat together while you watch other dogs and patrons.
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Carting Fun
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Cart
Harness
Treats
Cardboard Box
Leash
Activity description
Even if the Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog is a hybrid, the animal's roots run deep. Most of the dogs enjoy carting as a fun activity. Teaching your pooch to pull a wagon is relatively easy and can even be beneficial. Your dog can pull your toddlers around in the carriage, help with yard work, or pull a cart on a hike. Virtually all Swiss Bernese Mountain Dogs love and excel at carting. When you first start to teach the skill of carting, you should only spend an hour a day on the activity, so the dog does not grow tired of the exercises. Remember, it is going to take a couple of weeks or more to teach your dog to cart successfully. However, the activity is fun and rewarding so it is a skill that your dog should possess.
Step
1
Harness your pooch
Your dog is going to need to get used to the feel of the harness if they have never worn one before. Harness up your dog and let them walk around the house or the yard for a while until your pooch gets used to the feel of the straps. Most dogs readily accept the harness. After a few practice sessions, your Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog will feel right at home in a harness.
Step
2
Commands are key
Hook a leash on the harness and start to teach your dog commands. 'Let's go', 'stop', 'whoa', and 'backup' are all necessary cart commands. Use treats to reward your dog every time they perform the function. Remember, your dog is not going to learn these commands in a day. It is going to take a week or more to learn the various commands. You will practice an hour per day until your clever canine has the commands mastered.
Step
3
Box Time
Attach a lightweight cardboard box to the harness. Teach your dog to pull the cardboard box around. Use ample treats and praise. The cardboard box lets the dog get used to the feel of something attached to the harness. It is lighter than a real cart and easier for your Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog to pull around. Some people even attach small wheels to the cardboard box to make it more cartlike. It is finally time to attach the real cart to the harness if your dog has been performing well pulling around the cardboard box. Most dogs readily accept the cart at this time. Offer ample encouragement and treats to motivate the dog to pull the cart. Always keep a leash attached to your pooch as you coax them to pull. You must work with your dog on a daily basis teaching the commands and the feel of the cart. Soon your carting dog will be an expert at cart pulling.
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More Fun Ideas...
Have a Doggy Playdate
The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog might be significant in size and a bit intimidating but most adore other dogs. Big or small, their gentle nature welcomes all canines as buddies. If your dog loves other pooches, why not plan a real doggy play date with your Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog and a friend and their pooch? You can take the dogs to the dog park or even for a walk around town. A doggy playdate can also be fun in your private backyard. The dogs will have a blast playing and wrestling with each other. You could even give them some toys to play tug-of-war.
Have a Snow Day
If you live in an area that snows a lot, don't hesitate to take your Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog for a walk in the white powder or to the park. Your dog was bred to brave the snowy mountains of Switzerland with ease so will flourish on any winter outing that you plan. Just remember to bundle up and then head out to the park. You might want to bring your camera along. The Swissie Bernese looks exceptionally beautiful when photographed in a winter wonderland setting. If you are really up for an outdoor adventure, then you could go hiking down a snowy trail in the woods with your trusty sidekick. A high-intensity hike across in snowy conditions is exactly what this Swissie hybrid was bred to do.
Conclusion
The Swiss Bernese Mountain Dog is a large, easy-going breed that is exceptionally easy to please. This family dog wants to spend all of their time with you. Although, they are an athletic animal, they still enjoy downtime lounging on the couch. However, to keep your dog in tip-top shape you will want to take them on many adventures where they can enjoy the fresh air while benefitting from some exercise. Activites are also a great way to bond with your pooch and establish a firm, unshakeable relationship. With a bit of planning and some free time, you can both have a blast.