Activities For Irish Doodles
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Introduction
Irish Doodles are wonderful family dogs that combine the hypoallergenic coat and intelligence of the Poodle with the friendly, goofy, and high spirited nature of the Irish Settler. If you're the lucky owner of one of these sweet companions, you know how important it is to keep them working both their bodies and their minds. They were bred to move, and it's important to have a host of activities for Irish Doodles to keep them from getting into mischief. A bored Irish Doodle is likely to become destructive if they don't get an hour of activity each day.
Hiking
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water and bowl
Treats or snacks
Dog backpack
Activity description
If you love to get out into the mountains in the summer for a beautiful and challenging hike, your Irish Doodle is the perfect companion to keep you company on mountain trails and peaks. Irish Setters were built to run and Poodles are also known for their stamina, so hiking is one of the best activities for Irish Doodles that combines both of these traits. Your dog will happily hike along next to you for miles, chasing smells and checking out the new scenery. Seeing how happy your dog is out in the wilderness is a good reminder to stop and appreciate the simple things.
Step
1
Find a trail
Whether you live in the mountainous west surrounded by lots of trails, or you're in a city environment, you'll want to do some research to find trails. In summer, it's nice to hike along streams. This way your dog (and you) can cool off in the stream anytime they get too hot. You want to know where you're going; do some research to see how long you expect to be out and how difficult the trail is.
Step
2
Pack up
It doesn't matter if you plan to be outside for just a few hours or all day, you'll want to pack a bag with all the essentials. Make sure you bring layers, especially if you're climbing in elevation, as well as plenty of water and snacks. Your dog should also have some treats and fresh water and a bowl in case there isn't water along the trail for them to drink. You can buy them their own backpack so they can carry their own weight. You'll also want to have a map and a first aid kit fit for a dog and a human for emergencies.
Step
3
Hit the trail
When you're ready, hit the trail and get ready for a fun day or adventure and exploration with your four-legged best friend. Make sure you practice proper trail etiquette and keep your dog under control at all times. Never let them chase wildlife or cattle if you are traveling through rangeland. Yield to uphill traffic, and never let your dog jump or bark at people. Enjoy the day and have fun on your hike.
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Rally Trial
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Any Day
Expensive
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
leash
Obstacle instructions
Treats or other incentives
Activity description
Competing in Rally is a real test of teamwork between a dog and their owner. This new event created by the American Kennel Club combines the speed of agility with the concentration of obedience competitions. Your Irish Doodle is the perfect mix of fast and smart to excel at rally trials. Though, natural ability will only get you so far. It takes dedication and many hours of training and practice for you and your dog to develop the skills and the intense bond needed to perform complex tasks that change each trial you try. If you're looking for the perfect hobby for you and your dog, give Rally a try.
Step
1
Join a class
One of the best ways to learn Rally is to take a class from an experienced Rally competition trainer. You can ask at your local AKC chapter or do a quick internet search. During the class, you'll learn the rules and regulations for Rally and you'll run through many of the basic commands and obstacles you could run into during the course. Your instructor will show you how to perform each task you might be challenged with during a competition.
Step
2
Hone your skills
Carve out time each day to work with your dog on Rally training. It will take many hours of concentration and practice to master not only the tasks you might be asked to do during a trial but also the transitions and following the path in a fast and effective way between the challenges and obstacles. You can form practice groups with other teams from your class or look for practice times posted by Rally clubs. Part of the fun is joining the community and finding new friends for you and your dog.
Step
3
Enter a trial
After you've been practicing for a while, it's time to challenge your teamwork by entering a Rally Trial. There are many different categories, including novice categories, to make it friendly and challenging for all levels. You can sign up for a Rally that fits your level, and learn even more by watching other more advanced teams. It's a wonderful opportunity to test yourself and get some new ideas for future training days.
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Dog Park Fun
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Whistle
Doggy waste bags
Activity description
Your Irish Doodle has a lot of energy to burn, and they also need proper socialization to learn to play nicely with other dogs. One of the best activities for Irish Doodles that ticks both these boxes is to take them to the local dog park to play with other dogs. Dog parks are great because, not only do dogs learn to interact with each other and play well, but there is no activity that can tire one dog out more than playing with another dog. At the dog park your Irish Doodle can run, chase, and wrestle for hours with many different dogs until they are good and tired.
Step
1
Find a dog park
Take some time to look into the local dog parks to find your best fit. You'll want one that has lots of space to run and ideally grass or turf. You can search the internet for reviews or chat with someone at your local pet supply store or outdoor store. Make sure you know the rules before you go. Some parks are only for small dogs while others are only open during certain times of the day.
Step
2
Make some friends
When you decide on the perfect park, it's time to head out for some dog-centric fun with your Irish Doodle. Pick a time when you know your pup will have plenty of other dogs to play with, like before or after work. As soon as they get in the fenced area, they will happily find the nearest dog to say hello to. If the dog park has a nice trail to walk, you can spend the next hour walking as your dog runs miles, chasing and wrestling with new friends.
Step
3
Know the rules
It's important to know and follow the rules for each dog park you take your pup to. Generally, there is a double fence to get in and out. Don't take your leash off your dog until they are safely in the first fence, and be mindful of other dogs trying to get out. When your dog is off leash, they should come when you call them or blow your whistle. Dogs that fight with other dogs are not permitted. Remember to pick up your dog's poop to keep things clean and you will have a great time.
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More Fun Ideas...
Bird Hunting
Both Poodles and Irish Setters are excellent bird hunting dogs. It's no wonder that Irish Doodles follow in their parent's pawprints when it comes to finding game birds and retrieving them.
Running
Whether you're just getting into running or training for a big race, your Irish Doodle is the perfect running partner to keep you motivated. These dogs need at least an hour of exercise a day, and running will keep you in top shape.
Conclusion
There are many activities for Irish Doodles that challenge their strong intellect and energizer bunny-like battery. Whether you're more into endurance sports like runs or long hikes or you enjoy the connection that comes from intense training like Rally trials, your Irish Doodle is the perfect teammate. These dogs are wonderful family dogs and can keep up with the kids as they wrestle and play. Their sweet and funny demeanor make them easy to take anywhere, and their low-shedding hair means most people can enjoy their wonderful energy. Keeping your Irish Doodle exercised may be the hardest part of owning one of these dogs, but it's the perfect motivation on days when you'd rather stay on the couch.