The Schipperke may be small but it possesses a high intelligence. Many owners assume that all they need to do is give their Schipperke plenty of space and attention and all will be well between them. However, a breed as smart as the Schipperke needs an owner who will also make stimulating their dog's intelligence as much a part of their routine as feeding. Without much devotion to this, the Schipperke is likely to become frustrated; communicating their anxiety through relentless barking and destructive chewing. This can be avoided with not only daily sessions of play but with fun and innovative dog toys. A dog that has plenty of toys to keep him or her busy during the day is not likely to bother chewing household items.
One of the most popular toys for highly intelligent breeds is the Kong. The Kong is a treat dispensing toy that allows one to insert treats or food in the middle and then let the dog figure how to get it out. These toys are made of the safest non toxic but sturdy rubber. This allows the dog to chew and work its jaws while solving the puzzle of how to get their treat. A Kong comes in many sizes to accommodate various size dog breeds. One can insert their own favorite treat or use one of the many cheese or liver flavored pastes. A Kong can easily be washed by hand or in a dishwasher. Since they are easily affordable, many Schipperke owners often invest in more than one.
The Schipperke is a high energy breed that loves staying busy with a challenge. One of the best ways to do this is with an agility course. When these types of settings are not readily available at a local dog park, Schipperke owners can easily set up their own course in their yard or any other relatively small space. By going online one can find a number of websites offering everything from tunnels to A frames for agility course practice. Beginner's courses are readily available, consisting of smaller less complicated versions of an agility course that helps dogs learn the basics.
As the breed's basic tendency is to chase things that scurry, one of the most essential toys in any Schipperke's toybox should be an ordinary ball. A simple game of fetch is one of the most stimulating activities that one can participate in with their Schipperke. The breed loves to run, loves to chase and loves to interact with their owner. Using a ball of different sizes and textures can also be fun for the Schipperke; however, owners should refrain from using any type of small sized ball that could accidentally get lodged in the dog's throat.
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