Top Activities For Pitweilers

Introduction

Pitweilers are an increasingly "pawpular" mixed breed that combines the agility and intelligence of the American Pitbull Terrier and Rottweiler breeds into one powerful yet loyal companion. Although this hybrid's parent breeds are known for their strength and intimidating appearance, Pitweilers are affectionate, protective, and kind when it comes to their family members, including children and other household pets. This breed requires a minimum of one hour of daily physical exercise that works both their body and mind.

With sought-after parent breeds, it’s no wonder this combination is so popular. The Rottweiler is known for their guarding abilities, with a confident, bold, and somewhat imposing demeanor. They tend to be headstrong and stubborn, which is why a confident leader and early obedience training are important. The American Pit Bull Terrier is smaller than the Rottweiler but equally as strong, with a playful and tenacious personality. They tend to be wary of unknown dogs, however, so early socialization is crucial. Overall, the resulting combination makes for a powerful companion ready to be entertained!

Obedience Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Treats

Activity description

Obedience training is essential to begin with Pitweilers at a young age because, without it, their stubbornness will grow as they get older. Teaching your pup their place within your family's pack will promote the development of healthy social interactions with both humans and other pets.

Obedience training can be done at home or within a training facility. Whether you decide to involve outside resources is your choice, but it's recommended especially if your Pitweiler is your first pooch. Being a confident, knowledgeable, and strong leader is important when you take on a strong-willed dog. Though Pitweilers are intelligent and receptive to training, it's also important to be consistent so they can maintain the skills throughout their life.

Step

1

Picking your strategy

The first thing you want to do is decide if this is something you're going to do solo, or if you'd like to involve outside experts. Depending on your experience as a dog handler and with obedience training, you may want to combine the two strategies. Involving an outside training facility is not required, however, if you're a confident and consistent leader.

Step

2

Using positive reinforcement

Operant conditioning is the method of teaching through the use of rewards and punishments. Conditioning has been proven to increase or decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring. Using praise and treats is one way to encourage a behavior to continue, whereas you want to discourage unwanted behaviors by correcting them immediately. In order to be an effective trainer, familiarize yourself with the theories of conditioning and grab some healthy treats before getting started.

Step

3

Being consistent

Being consistent is an essential component of training -- if you do not practice regularly, your pooch will not retain the skill. It's a good idea to practice with your pup daily, or at least every other day. You want to visit learned commands continuously. Always couple your commands with visual signs or actions, so as the training progresses, your Pitweiler will be able to obey you without verbal commands!

Add your dog's photo

Laser Pointer Fun

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Laser Pointer

Drinking Water

Activity description

Have you ever tried using a laser pointer to get your Pitweiler's attention? Believe it or not, this tiny tool can be immensely useful in getting your pooch moving. How, you ask? Well, simply shoot the laser pointer around and watch as your pup pursues it. (Never shine the light directly in your pup's eyes, though!)

For this activity, the only tool you need is the laser pointer. Pointers can be found at most pet stores, online or in general stores. It's a good idea to give yourself lots of space when playing so that your Pitweiler can build up momentum when running to chase the laser. The activity is easy to do at home -- you can choose to do a quick workout with the laser for 15 minutes, or really get the heart pumping by playing for up to an hour.

Step

1

Purchase a pointer

To play the game, you will first need to purchase a laser pointer if you don't already own one. You can find a pointer in pet stores or general stores as well as online. Typically, they range in price depending on quality, but you won't need to shell out much for a basic laser pointer.

Step

2

Find a space

The next step for this activity is finding a space to play the game. When you're playing with the laser pointer, you can move it from side to side, encouraging your pooch to chase it. To do this, though, you need to find a location where they have lots of room to run. A back yard or spacious room free of breakable items is ideal.

Step

3

Get started

To maximize your enjoyment while playing with the pointer, play a game with your pup. Play keep away, where the goal is for your dog to touch the laser. Once your Pitweiler is finally successful at "catching" the laser, you can reward them. Rewarding the behavior will encourage it and likely further engage your pup.

Add your dog's photo

Hiking the Great Outdoors

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Drinking Water

Leash

Waste Bags

Activity description

Going for a hike is one way to upgrade your traditional walk with your Pitweiler. With a hike, you have the "oppawtunity" to explore different terrain while taking in the scenic outdoors. Hiking not only builds your pup's endurance, but it gives them access to fresh air and a variety of new stimuli to explore -- plus, it's a good antidote for boredom.

To go for a hike, locate hiking or walking paths nearby and prepare maps of where you would like to visit. The only other materials you need are a leash and waste bags. Water and snacks are recommended if you want to make a day of the activity. Keep in mind this activity can be done in any weather conditions, though it's best to walk on cool days to avoid overheating.

Step

1

Finding the right path

Begin planning your hike by considering your Pitweiler's ability level. If they're young or elderly, you'll want to pick a level path that isn't too strenuous or difficult. If your pup is in their prime, you may want to choose a path with a higher difficulty level to really reap the rewards of hiking. If you're a beginner, start easy and train with your Pitweiler. As you both improve, increase the difficulty of the terrain you explore.

Step

2

Packing for the hike

To pack for your hike, consider how long you plan to be out. An hour outdoors in the fresh air will suffice. You can, however, make a day trip of the hike by planning a route to include rest and food stops. Bring along refreshments for you and your pup. You will also want to bring a backpack with lots of water, a map, leash, possibly dog toys for your breaks and, of course, waste bags.

Step

3

Being in the moment

While you hike with your Pitweiler, be in the moment with them. This may mean putting away your cell phone (unless you're using it as a GPS in a remote area) so that you can pay attention to your pup's responses to the environment. Explore different paths together and try hiking a variety of trails as you become a more experienced hiker with your Pitweiler.

Add your dog's photo

More Fun Ideas...

Visit the Beach

Like most breeds, Pitweilers enjoy swimming on those hot summer days. Take advantage and use this activity both to cool down and to get moving. Swimming forces a dog to work their muscles as they make their way through the water, which is why it's an ideal physical workout.

Agility Training

As your Pitweiler is an agile and quick companion, testing their physical abilities using agility courses and training is a "pawfect" way to tire out their body and challenge their mind. You can visit a doggy agility course or build one in your backyard. Get creative and make your pooch their own course that they always have access to -- incorporate jumps, tunnels, A-frames and weave poles.

Conclusion

Pitweilers are an intelligent, energetic, and powerful breed that needs extensive physical activity to meet their needs and to stay happy. With the Rottweiler and American Pit Bull Terriers as parents, it's no wonder this pooch tends to be headstrong. Owners of this breed will need to possess strong leadership skills to teach obedience. To establish your Pitweiler's place within the pack, begin your obedience training at a young age. Use operant conditioning and lots of positive reinforcement to get the results you want.

You may also want to encourage your Pitweiler to move by using a laser pointer. Though it's a simple object, it is useful in getting their attention. Long outdoor hikes and agility training are other ways to meet your Pitweiler's physical needs. Finally, visiting the beach is a "grrr-eat" way to exercise and socialize with others.

Take advantage of your Pitweiler's agility, intelligence, and strength by exploring a variety of activities to exercise them daily!