Activities For Volpino Italianos
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Are you the proud owner of a Volpino Italiano? If so, consider yourself lucky as this breed can be hard to come by, being found mostly in Europe. However, despite being a rare dog and also a quite small dog, this pup has one big personality. Volpino Italianos tend to be the dog in charge, the pack leader and the one who does not want to meet anyone new. Keeping this dog happy can be a challenge but with these activities, you will do just that!
Get Social
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
2 - 3 hrs
Items needed
:Leash
Collar
Treats
Activity description
Volpino Italianos love to be the only dog in the room, keeping all the attention, praise and pats all to themselves. When another dog enters the scene, this breed can be aggressive, getting angry at the new addition. In fact, Volpino Italianos can even get upset when a new person is around. They are mainly comfortable with their own people, no other pets and no surprise guests. However, this seclusion can't always be maintained which is why it is important to keep your dog social from a young age. These steps can be done anytime, rain or shine and will only cost you a few treats yet the result will improve your life and that of your Volpino Italiano.
Step
1
Friends with dogs
One of the best ways to begin socializing your Volpino Italiano is to let them meet one other dog on neutral territory. Have a friend who owns a dog (preferably one with a calm demeanor) meet you at a park or other fenced in area. Have your dogs sniff each other while on the leash and then go for a walk as a "pack". Keep your dogs together but far enough away to snap at each other. Once the dogs have met a few times, they can start playing more freely.
Step
2
Playgroups
Sign up for a playgroup at a local dog training center. Many places will have "classes" where you can socialize your dog. Be upfront about any aggression your dog may have as this can help determine how your dog enters the class and how they are incorporated. Professionals, however, will do a great job easing your dog into the class and then allowing them to play with the other pups.
Step
3
Human friends
Since Volpino Italianos also tend to act aggressively toward strangers, teaching your dog how to meet new people is also important. Have a bowl of dog treats near your front door so when a new person enters, they can immediately grab a treat and become friends with your dog. Have the person take a treat and instruct your dog to sit. This will put the human in the position of dominance from the start and your Volpino Italiano will love getting treats whenever people visit!
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Indoor Obstacle Course
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Pillows
Couch
Table
Treats
Blankets
Chairs
Activity description
Volpino Italianos are very active dogs, needing a good deal of exercise every single day. So what are you suppose to do when the weather turns bad and your little dog won't go outside to play? Set up an indoor obstacle course! This is the perfect way to entertain your dog by having them run through obstacles as quickly as possible. It will also keep your Volpino Italiano's mind busy as they will be learning all new tricks. Of course, you can do this in any weather as you will be inside and the cost is very low - just the price of a few treats!
Step
1
Obstacles
Begin by setting up the obstacle course for your dog. Something you can do would be to use a couch and chair draped in a blanket as a tunnel, a few pillows as hurdles and a table as something to run around. Get creative and switch the obstacle course up every time you play.
Step
2
Teach each challenge
Teach your Volpino Italiano each individual obstacle so that they learn how to attack each challenge. Use treats and commands to train them on the tunnel then once they have mastered that, move on to jumping over hurdles and so on. Your smart pup will catch on quickly, especially when coaxed through each move by you holding their favorite snack!
Step
3
Whole course
After learning each trick, it's time to show your dog how to do the whole obstacle course together. Lead your dog through the whole course, doing one obstacle after another until they have finished and then celebrate! Once your dog has gotten sufficient praise, do the course again! See how quickly your dog can run through and if it gets too easy, change the order of the obstacles for a new challenge.
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Flyball
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Tennis Ball
Hurdles
Treats
Flyball Box
Activity description
As you likely already know, Volpino Italianos are very high energy and they need to burn out this energy each and every day or they can become aggressive and destructive. To curb this behavior, you just need to find a game or sport that your dog loves. Luckily, flyball is just the thing! Running and jumping, catching a tennis ball and being praised for their speed, flyball is something that this breed will love. It is best when played outside so look for a sunny day in the forecast! You will need to purchase a few hurdles and a flyball box but they are well worth the investment.
Step
1
Jump the hurdle
Train your Volpino Italiano to go over a hurdle by placing the hurdle in front of your dog, blocking both ways around the hurdle and giving your pup no choice but to go up and over. Stand on the opposite side of the hurdle and encourage them to jump. Once your dog has mastered one hurdle, set up two in a row and call them forward. After two comes three then four and so on until your Volpino Italiano is leaping over those hurdles with ease.
Step
2
Flyball box
A flyball box is a unique board that will shoot out a tennis ball when your dog pounces on it in just the right spot. Show your dog where to place their paws on the flyball box and watch as they jump with excitement when a tennis ball comes flying out! Show your dog again and again how to pounce on the box and then catch the tennis ball.
Step
3
Time to play
Line up the hurdles in front of the flyball box and then command your Volpino Italiano to run and jump all the way to the flyball box, jump on it, catch the ball and run back over the hurdles. While it sounds simple enough, this game will take a lot of training but is something your dog will love. The exercise your pup will get during this game is also amazing and will tire them right out - that means you should play every day!
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More Fun Ideas...
Run
If you are a runner or ever considered becoming an avid runner, now is the time to stretch those legs. Take your Volpino Italiano for a run with you and your runs will never be boring or lonely. This pup can run a good deal and will keep up for quite a few miles.
Never Alone
Volpino Italianos are not big fans of being let alone. Turn on a radio or TV for your dog to listen to when you need to leave the house. While it's not the same as having you around, the noise and voices may help your Volpino Italiano stay relaxed.
Conclusion
While it may not always be easy being the owner of a high energy Volpino Italiano, the love and affection that your dog will give to you at the end of a busy day are incomparable. So, in order to get this peaceful, tender moment with your dog, make sure they are active and happy throughout the day. These activities will keep you and your Volpino Italiano going, going, going and hopefully make your pup tired, tired, tired!