Activities For Whippigs
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
If you like fast dogs then the Whippig is for you! A mix between an Italian Greyhound and a Whippet, this breed is pure speed. Thanks to that high energy drive, these pups love to partake in activities with their favorite person - you! Whippigs need a lot of exercise so planning games and activities is a must and the ones in this article are specially designed with your dog breed in mind. So get ready to go, go, go with this designer pup!
Running
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Tennis Ball Thrower
Tennis Ball
Leash
Collar
Activity description
With two parents built for speed, it is a given that Whippigs are runners. They stem from a long line of fast breeds with Whippets and Italian Greyhounds being two dogs who are known for their pure speed. Running is not only something that your Whippig is good at but also something that they need to do. When given the chance to run, a Whippig will be happier, healthier and a more pleasant pup. So get your running shoes on and get ready to see who is faster, you or your Whippig (don’t get too discouraged when your pup blows you out of the water!).
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1
Run together
If you are also a runner, then running with your Whippig is a no brainer. Next time you head out for an afternoon jog, bring your pup along with you! Keep in mind that Whippigs are speed dogs and not necessarily long distance runners. Keep your run short and focus on going fast with your dog.
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Ball thrower
If you don’t feel like lacing up your running shoes, simply entertain your Whippig with a game of far fetch. Invest in a tennis ball thrower which can hurl a tennis ball extreme distances, perfect for your Whippig to chase after. You’ll be amazed how quickly your pup takes off after you throw the ball for them!
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Race
If you think that you are faster than your Whipping, then it is time to test that theory. Head to your local track and have two friends join you. One friend can stand at the finish line while the other can let your Whippig off their leash when you say “go”! Run as fast as your legs can take you toward the finish line but don’t be surprised when your dog wins!
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Hunting
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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
20 min
Items needed
Treats
Mechanical Toy
Activity description
Whippigs are classified as prey seeking dogs since both Italian Greyhounds and Whippets fall into this category as well. Because of this, Whippigs love to hunt, track and chase any living thing or anything that may move quickly and catch their eye. Unfortunately, this means that Whippigs are not the best at a dog park with other small dogs or with smaller household pets. However, try to see the positive side and use your Whippig's instincts to play great games. There is plenty to do with a dog who loves to hunt that you can do in your own backyard that doesn’t involve live prey!
Step
1
Toy chase
If you have ever seen a dog race then you are familiar with the mechanical rabbit which leads the dogs down the race track. Purchase a remote controlled toy similar to this for your Whippig. Use the remote to make the toy go quickly forward, dart to the side or race around all while your Whippig tries to catch it!
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Lure coursing
To give your energetic Whippig a real workout, find a lure coursing establishment near you. These clubs will train your Whippig to chase a lure designed to look like prey and give them time to really use their natural instinct to hunt. This popular sport has rules and safety guidelines that must be followed; contact the club first so that you know what to expect before going.
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Hide and seek
Playing hide and seek with your dog is a very modest form of hunting. Have your dog sit in one room while you go hide. Call their name once and then see if they can find you. A Whippig will be likely to find you very quickly as they are keen hunters and also very loyal and loving toward their owners!
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Flyball
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0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Flyball Box
Treats
Hurdles
Activity description
If you are the owner of a high energy Whippig and you have never heard of flyball, it is about time you did! This game is fantastic for a dog who is agile, loves to run and has a playful demeanor. Sounds just like your Whippig, doesn’t it? Flyball is a great game for your dog as it is fairly simple to learn and it can be made into just a fun afternoon activity or you can enter competitions and try to win some medals for your pup. Whether you choose to be serious flyball competitors or just a dog and their owner having fun, flyball is a game you need to try with your Whippig.
Step
1
Hurdles and a box
To play flyball, you will need hurdles as well as a flyball box. While you can use almost anything as the hurdles, a flyball box is a necessity for the game as it is constructed to throw a tennis ball to your dog upon one press of a paw. Invest in some flyball equipment or look for a local dog club that may have equipment readily available.
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Training
Start by training your dog to jump over the hurdles. Begin with one hurdle, coaxing them over with treats and encouragement, and then have them jump two successive hurdles. Then three, then four and so on. Once you have mastered the hurdles, train your pup to pounce on the flyball box and catch the tennis ball that comes out.
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3
Faster!
After your dog has learned the necessary flyball skills (jumping, pouncing, grabbing a ball and running back over the hurdles to deliver the ball to you), it is time to time them! See how quickly your Whippig can run through the flyball course and then have them race with another pup. With lots of practice, your Whippig will be the fastest flyball player on the block!
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More Fun Ideas...
Hiking
Your active Whippig will love the challenge of an uphill hike. Take the trek together, keeping in mind that hiking can be strenuous. Gradually build up your hiking skills week after week.
Cuddle Time
While, yes, your Whippig loves to run and be on the go, they are also a very loving breed. Your pup will definitely enjoy having some one on one cuddle time with you so grab a good book and snuggle up with your pup!
Conclusion
Whippigs are a great breed of dog especially for an owner who is active and loves to play with their dog. Not only are they fast but they love learning a new game. Whether your take your pup hunting or just go for a quick run, play a game of flyball or try to beat them in a race, anytime you spend with your Whippig is time well spent. Now the only question is, which activity to try first!