Activities For A Gerberian Shepsky
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The adorable and energetic Gerberian Shepsky breed is a mixture of two courageous working breeds, the Siberian Husky and the German Shepherd. This hybrid breed is known for its endurance, strength, and energy, which can cause them to be destructive and develop unhealthy habits like herding children and excessive grooming if they are not stimulated both mentally and physically. Read on to find some exciting and creative ways to keep your Gerberian Shepsky active and happy year-round!
Urban Mushing
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Cold Day
Expensive
Hard
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Tug line
Harness
Cart
Activity description
The practice of dog sledding has been used by rural civilizations for more than a thousand years as a way to relay information and move about in harsh weather. The Siberian Husky, from whom the Gerberian Shepsky is descended, is a top dog for this sport. Urban mushing is the same concept as dog sledding, with one exception: it isn't practiced in the snow! Most urban mushing teams use a tug line that clips to a special doggy harness and attaches to a cart, scooter, bike, or sled at the other end. This activity is a fantastic way to get in touch with your pooch's natural instincts and bond as a doggy duo -- not to mention it can be quite a workout for both paw-ties involved! The equipment required for urban mushing can get pretty expensive, so this activity isn't for everyone!
Step
1
Increase the load
Over time, you should increase the pulling load; this should be a very gradual process to avoid putting too much physical strain on your dog. Your Gerberian Shepsky should be fully grown before they start pulling heavy loads. It is recommended you start early with small loads like a gallon of water or a couple of bricks -- just like humans, dogs have to build their strength and endurance!
Step
2
Learning directions
The second step to teaching your dog to be an urban mushing pro is to practice training with directional commands. This step should not be practiced until your dog has shown the desire to mush. Working on directional commands too soon can make your dog not want to participate in the activity.
Step
3
Practice, practice, practice
As with any training exercise, practice makes pawfect! Treats, praise, and encouragement go a long way in getting your pup to perform to their best abilities. Don't overwhelm your dog with very intensive training. Try to keep the activity fun and lighthearted! Gerberian Shepskies are very intelligent, so your pup will catch on in no time at all!
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Go for a Swim
Popular
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Hot Day
Free
Normal
30 - 60 mins
Items needed
Towel
Doggy life jacket
Activity description
The dog days of summer can be extra unpleasant for the long-haired, double-coated Gerberian Shepsky. Make those hot months a little more pleasant with a relaxing swim at the lake! Even if your pups haven't quite gotten the hang of the doggy paddle, we are sure they will enjoy just chillaxing in the cool water! Swimming is a great summertime activity for all doggy duos since it is usually a cheap to totally free activity. It's best to bring a few dollars in cash if you have never been to the park before, just in case there is an admission fee. Not sure if your pup can swim? Invest in a doggy life jacket just to be safe!
Step
1
Start slow
Some dogs are not sure about large bodies of water at first. It is best to encourage your dog to test the water on their own terms rather than throwing them in. Bring along some tasty treats and reward your pups with praise when they explore the water's edge.
Step
2
Do your research
Before heading off to the local state park, do a quick internet search to see if the park and body of water are pet-friendly. Some parks are pet-friendly but restrict the swimming areas to humans. You don't want to get all the way to the park to find out the lake is a Fido-free area -- what a bummer!
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Agility Training
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
treats
leash
Activity description
Agility training is a very gratifying skill for dogs such as the Gerberian Shepsky, who take pride in having a job. Professional dog trainers praise this sport as a way to bond, fulfill your dog's natural instincts, and get fit while you're at it! Additionally, agility training is a great outlet for hyperactive dogs, since they can practice their "zoomies" on the obstacle course, rather than in the living room where they put the lamps at risk! Agility training is the paw-fect sunny day activity for doggy duos on a budget since lots of community dog parks have agility equipment available. Be sure you bring along plenty of treats to encourage your pup while they learn the ropes!
Step
1
Practice on-leash
Once you've mastered the basic commands, the next step is to practice running the course with your dog leashed. This will help guide your dog and show them what is expected. Make this step fun and exciting by using a happy, high-pitched tone. Be sure to praise and treat your dog for successful completion of each obstacle.
Step
2
Practice basic commands
For your dog to be a true agility pro, they will need to learn a few basic commands. Practice "sit", "stay","go", and "heel" before hitting the doggy park. This is the hardest part of agility training, so be patient, especially with excitable puppies. Lots of treats and praise will help reinforce the "pawsitive" behavior!
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More Fun Ideas...
Hide-and-seek
Hide-and-seek is a paw-tastic indoor (or outdoor!) activity that is suitable for any weather and budget. Grab a few of your pup's favorite treats and hide them around the house for a fun and tasty game that stimulates their brain.
Hiking
Spice up your typical walking routine through the neighborhood with a hike at the local state park. Your Gerberian Shepsky will love exploring new surroundings and making fur-iends along the way!
Conclusion
The lovable Gerberian Shepsky is a fantastic working dog and companion but succumbs to boredom and destructive tendencies easily. Fortunately, with the right activities, your dog will be too busy (or tired) to even think about ripping into those new decorative pillows! A fun-filled schedule of urban mushing, swimming, hiking, and agility training is sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky fit as a fiddle and happy as a lark, and an indoor game of hide-and-seek will keep them entertained on those rainy days.