Activities For Irish Setters
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Irish Setter is a flashy gundog with a long, silky mahogany coat and a fiery spirit. They are known for their inquisitive nature and friendly disposition. The Irish Setter is a high-energy pup that is always ready for an active adventure. They are built for speed and very agile with a nimble-footedness that lets them tear across uneven terrain with confidence. The Irish Setter has been a top sporting breed for over 200 years and continues to be a favorite not only for hunters but also pet owners who are looking for an active dog to share their lives.
Fetch
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Ball
Treats
Activity description
An Irish Setter naturally wants to hunt. It is in their very DNA to search and retrieve, making one of the best activities you can play with this sporting dog a simple game of fetch. The Irish Setter excels at chasing a ball and bringing it back. You will be amazed at how happy your dog will become at the very sight of a ball or frisbee after only a few games. Many people even invest in a specially designed dog toy known as the "Chuck It" which enables them to throw the ball an even greater distance to please their dog.
Step
1
Show the ball
If this the first time that you have ever played a game of fetch with your Irish Setter then you will need to familiarize your pooch with the ball. Hold it in your hand and let them smell the ball. Maybe even give them a few words of encouragement to let them know that the ball going to be the focus of fun.
Step
2
Toss it
Throw the ball and tell your Irish Setter to go get it. At first, do not throw the ball a great distance. Most Irish Setters will quickly run after it. However, if your dog does not pursue it or seems confused, then walk with them and show them the ball. After a few throws, you will be able to toss the ball even further.
Step
3
Encouragement and treats
After your dog runs out to grab the ball call them back to you with lots of words of encouragement and exuberance. Let your lanky dog know that you are extremely happy every time they return the ball to you and release it into your hand. At first, each time your dog gives you the ball you must give them a treat. Let your dog know how proud you are that they retrieved the ball and brought it back. Continue the throw, retrieve, and treat cycle for fifteen minutes. Within a week, your Irish Setter will probably be a professional at the game of fetch.
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Bikejoring
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
2 hrs
Items needed
Bike
Biking harness
Biking lead with bungee
Activity description
The Irish Setter is a breed that was designed to run alongside a horse through the rough terrain of Ireland in search of prey. The owner would ride the horse, and the dog would trot along beside as they hunted together. The Irish Setter can easily traverse miles each day. Their body is built for speed and endurance. Such a supreme athlete loves to run, so why not take your beloved pooch bikejoring? Your companion will be able to run right in front of your bike just as their ancestors did hunting throughout Ireland. Just remember to always ride with your dog on a trail and not across the pavement as the hard surface can tear up their pads. This moderately priced activity will give your Irish Setter the variety and energy expenditure they crave.
Step
1
Harness comfort
Choose a harness that is comfortable for your dog and that does not restrict them. Place the harness on your dog and walk them around with the harness and a leash. Once your pal has a feel for the harness. you can hook up them up to the bike using the bungee and lead. The bungee lead is specially designed to give as your dog pulls ahead of the bike. Do not ride the bike at this point. Just walk with your dog and the bike so they get used to everything.
Step
2
Commands are important
Prior to riding with your dog, you should work with them on the commands needed to direct your dog when they are in front of your bike pulling. Many people use commands similar to those used for sled dogs. However, you can also use phrases such as, 'right' or 'left' or 'stop'. Once your dog has a basic understand of the commands simply by walking beside you then its time to try out your pooch's skills while you ride the bike.
Step
3
Partner up
The first time that you take your Irish Setter bikejoring you should have a friend ride their bike in front of you. Have your friend encourage the dog to follow them while you ride behind. Remember, when bikejoring, the dog runs in front of the bike. Always provide your dog with ample praise.
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Wading
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Doggy Life Vest
Activity description
If it is a hot summer day, you may want to consider taking your Irish Setter to a local lake that has a dog- friendly beach. At the shore's edge, you can both wade in the cold, refreshing water together. Most Irish Setters enjoy the water, and they are ideal swimmers. However, for this simple and free outing, you don't have to swim. Just wade together. Maybe even play a game of fetch in the water. At first, your pooch might hesitate, but with ample encouragement, your dog will soon be willing to dip a paw in the water.
Step
1
Leash or no leash
A lot of dog-friendly lakes have beach areas set aside that do not require dogs to wear a leash. Even if the lake you are visiting allows your dog to run free, you should still take keep a leash on them until you have introduced your dog to the water. Additionally, excellent recall skills are a must.
Step
2
Water introductions
If your dog hesitates going out into the water, you should walk out first and encourage them to follow you. An Irish Setter has a very strong need to please their owner so they will probably readily follow you into the shallows.
Step
3
Going deeper
Once your Irish Setter is in the water, don't be surprised if they want to plunge deeper. This breed is known to love water and once they get their feet wet, they are going to want to try to swim. Keep encouraging your pup and keep your dog beside you while you both get used to the feel of the lake's water. A doggy life vest is a good idea if your little swimmer is of the adventurous type.
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More Fun Ideas...
Enjoy Halloween Together
Many pumpkin patch farms welcome dogs during October. It can be a fun outing for your outdoor-loving Irish Setter. Just be sure to keep your pooch on a leash while you walk the rows of pumpkins and pick out the perfect gourd. On the actual day of Halloween, you could always dress your pooch up in a canine tailored costume and hit the streets trick or treating together. Most Irish Setters love children, so another option is to have your costumed pup greet children as they come to your door for a candy treat.
Head for a Pet Store
It might seem like a clich to take your dog to a pet store, but the Irish Setter is an outgoing breed that will love walking the aisles of one of the large retailers. This amicable breed tends to get along well with other dogs so rarely causes any trouble in public. Browsing is a great way to spend a cold winter afternoon or a rainy day. You can even let your pooch pick out a toy or a tasty doggy treat from one of the many bins that most of the retailers have available.
Conclusion
The Irish Setter is a people dog. This affectionate pup loves to be with their owners. If you are looking for a canine that has a high activity level, then this might be the pooch for you. Their regal appearance always draws much admiration from onlookers as well. Many people mistakenly believe that the Irish Setter should only be owned by hunters, but this is a misnomer. With adequate activities to keep your dog busy, the Irish Setter will thrive in a family home. If you want a family dog that enjoys sharing every aspect of your life, this is the perfect breed for you. Any of the above activities are sure to make the Irish Setter happy and they are all an excellent way to spend time with your beloved four-legged friend.