Activities For Westiepoos
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The cutest of puppies, the Westiepoo is a combination of the West Highland White Terrier and the Toy or Miniature Poodle. They are small, loving, sociable, and always ready to join in family adventures and activities. This sweet dog with their little button nose doesn't seem to realize how small they are. They will be a starter for any game and will no doubt be the last standing! Don't be scared to give this little pooch plenty to do. If you don't, they may find their own entertainment such as destroying your new pair of shoes, or seeing how far they can get with the toilet paper before it runs out! They love attention and if training is done in a positive manner it will seem like a game to them and they will learn quickly. Check out our list of activities that will appeal to your delightful little dog.
Flyball
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Hard
30 min
Items needed
Tennis balls
Four hurdles
Flyball box
Activity description
Flyball is a fun game for active dogs like your Westipoo, plus it provides an opportunity for socialization and allows for advancement of basic training. It is best to enroll your dog in a class that is taught by a professional dog trainer, just to get started. Although there will be a cost for lessons, the fun experience is worth millions! Flyball involves one dog in a team of four, starting the game by racing over the four hurdles. Then, they have to catch a tennis ball that has been released from a spring-loaded launcher, and finally, they have to run back over the hurdles to home base. After this, the next dog heads out and does the same. There are several teams of dogs competing against each other. The team who finishes first is the winner. It is an energetic game and the dogs should be graded to size. Your dog will have a fun time and use up some of the abundant energy that they have.
Step
1
Learn from a professional pet trainer
The first step is to enroll your dog in a class with a good dog trainer who teaches this game. They will teach you how to motivate and handle your dog so they don't run too soon, or get distracted and chase after the dog running. Your dog will learn to wait their turn, before they race to the end and come flying back. You will probably have to run with them as they learn the rules of the game. They will get so excited waiting for their turn. Your Westipoo will just want to keep playing!
Step
2
Be guided by the trainer
At first, the game will be quite slow as your dog and the others on their team learn what they have to do. It is a great activity for them to learn to focus, to forget about the other dog teams, and just concentrate on their own game. As they sit and stay waiting on their turn, give them encouragement and hold them steady with some calm orders. You will be guided by the trainer as to what is the best way to teach your dog the skills they need to excel at this game. Your friendly Westiepoo will love meeting other dogs and interacting with them. After all, dogs are a pack animal; they love to gather and play together.
Step
3
How fit is your dog
You must take into consideration the fitness of your dog. Some take a bit of time to get into condition for a game like this. Breaks will be needed to allow them to regain their breath. Your dog will work their heart out for you, so make them stop and rest. The trainer will advise on how long to play at first. As your dog's fitness grows, they will enjoy longer and faster games. Then, when they get home after a practice, they will be as quiet as a mouse - that's because they will probably want a sleep!
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Garden Wonderland
Popular
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Plants and garden obstacles
Water feature
Hammock
Shade Sail
Activity description
Your Westipoo will love time in the garden, it is a great place for smells and exploring. With a few minor alterations, you can make your yard a haven for your dog. Create a play area and use non-toxic plants and homemade obstacles to weave through, tunnel under or balance and walk upon. Add a shaded retreat or two (perhaps a new modern kennel and a shade sail). A small water feature where your dog always has constant clean, fresh water is another great addition. A dog hammock and a few toys can be added as a bonus. Converting your yard to suit your pet doesn't have to be expensive; it can be amazing what you can do with things you already have around the home.
Step
1
A garden redesign
First of all, take the time to have a close look at your garden and see what changes are needed. Put some pebble paths around and through the garden for your dog to 'patrol'. Plan areas of bushy plants but check first which plants are not toxic to your dog. If your dog is outside for some time while you do yard work, they may need shelter from the rain, or even the hot sun. What area would suit a shade sail? Go around and make plans before getting down to work.
Step
2
Gather supplies
The next thing on your list is to go and get the things you need to redo the garden. Your Westipoo would love to come for a car ride with you as you go to get the materials you need. Once you get home, place the materials in the area where you are going to plant or build up. You will find your Westipoo will want to help - they can help carry a bit of rope or maybe even help drag a plant to you. They will love this activity and will help you dig whether you need their help or not!
Step
3
The finishing touches
After all the plantings, the hanging of the shade sail, and the placing of small obstacles and ropes to tug on, it is time to add in a few fun things like a water fountain and a selection of large and small balls. Careful placement of a dog hammock snoozing bed, a tunnel to explore, or a rock pool at home to play in round out the finishing touches. Just make sure any water features are not too deep and your dog can get out easily if they slip in. Of course, supervision is a must at all times. Other than that, let your Westiepoo go and explore - see if they find that treat you left on a rock!
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Ball Pit
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Kiddie pool
colored balls
Activity description
Dogs love balls - they go together like hot chocolate and marshmallows! If your Westipoo is looking for some fun, purchase a kiddie pool. But instead of filling it with water, fill it with a range of brightly colored balls. Then invite them to pile in and have a burrow amongst all the balls. You could really give them a challenge and throw in a drab-colored ball to find amongst the bright colors. This activity can be played inside on wet, cold days. It does take a lot of balls to fill a paddling pool, but the fun your dog has will be worth it. Start collecting balls when you are at the markets or at garage sales. Often you can get them for just a dollar or two. Before long you will have an impressive collection.
Step
1
Purchase the fun
This activity is good for any weather as it does not take up much room inside and yet on a hot day, you can take the pool outside and add water to cool your pet down. Children's paddling pools are inexpensive, and the pet barn stores often have a big bag of balls on for a special deal. Make sure any balls you get are soft and flexible but not easy to swallow or destroy! It is just a matter of sourcing the material you need at the price you want to pay.
Step
2
Set up
Your dog will be intrigued when they see the pool and may hop inside as soon as you put it on the floor. When you add the balls they won't even need an invitation - they will bounce right on in. As they burrow, roll and pounce on the balls, they will use up their abundant energy and enjoy a workout while having fun. Remember to take some photos - it will brighten your friend's day when you post these cute photos on social media!
Step
3
Toss and retrieve
Toss in a favorite toy for your dog to find amongst the mass of balls! This will increase their focus as they try find the toy. A food dispensing ball can come in handy at lunchtime. Throw the treat ball in as well and your Westiepoo will put their tracking skills to work. On a hot day, you can play outside and add water to the pool, placed in a shaded area of the yard. Your Westipoo loves water and balls so it may become their favorite game. As they clown around, they will get not only exercise but playing in the water will prevent your dog from overheating in the hot summer sun. When the game is finished, and at the end of the day, pack the game up and put it away. By doing this, you will always have a fun activity to pull out when you need it.
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More Fun Ideas...
Rocky Beach Wander
There is nothing quite so relaxing as a wander along a rocky beach to check out all the little rock pools to see what you can find. Your Westipoo will love wandering with you, they may even try their paw at 'fishing' for some of those tiny fishlings. The waves lapping around them will keep them cool, and a good roll in the sand is like a back massage for a dog. Enjoy the time you have with your dog. Then teach your dog to 'rock hop' all the way back to the car!
Tether Tug
For times when you just want to relax but your pup is full of energy, take a sturdy pole outside and push it into the ground. The pole needs to be approximately 5 feet in height. Tie on a long tether toy or piece of plaited rope that has been attached to a slightly stretchy cord. Then, let your dog get to work trying to pull the toy free. This activity is like a 'do-it-yourself' game of tug of war. Each time they let go, the tether bounces away and they have to try to catch it!
Pet Snuffle Mat
A pet Snuffle Mat is like a small dense rug, often filled with long bits of material closely tied together. The idea is to hide a small treat in the dense mat and get your dog to find it. They will have to use their nose to 'dig' through the mat, to find the treat. This activity works on your dog's focus and teaches them patience to solve a problem. Your Westipoo will do almost anything for food, so they will play this game as long as you let them! The game takes advantage of the dog's natural nose workability.
Conclusion
The Westiepoo gets on well with other animals and children and has such a happy nature! If you allow them to help you carry in the mail they will take this job seriously and perform the task proudly. They can be taught to go and get their lead before a walk, and the basics such as sit and stay will be learned quickly. Tricks like learning to beg, drop and roll over, or shaking hands can be easily learned by this eager beaver. They love to please but can be opinionated and let you know what they think. Tire these little balls of energy out and you will have the perfect pup snuggled on your lap reliving the day's activities with little yips and muffled barks in their dreams.