Whether it's mental stimulation or physical, the American Eskimo is a breed that requires, as well as enjoys, a high level of activity. In nearly every picture of an Eskie, they are seen in an outdoor setting. They thoroughly take pleasure in being out and about, interacting and regularly expecting to be included in daily household activites. While they are forgiving of the occasional rainy day, being stuck indoors on a consistent basis is a recipe for disaster. They are commonly referred to as a bouncy type of breed that needs to get all its energy out in order to be healthy. They are a perfect breed for the active individual or family.
The personality of an Eskie can run from serious to silly. They can be gregarious or rather reserved. Interacting extensively with this breed is not only necessary but, over a period of time, will reveal what activities they are or are not comfortable with. Most Eskies enjoy any activity that allows them to bond with their owners. It furthers communication and respect as well. This can be a simple game of fetch or an episode of hide and seek. It can involve one on one play time or engage the entire family. Most Eskies are not terribly picky. As long as there is interaction and a chance to have fun, they're all for the program.
A number of Eskies are regularly found at obstacle and agility competitions. Their intelligence allows them to focus quite well on staying the course and completing each task. Many observers are rather impressed on what the Eskie is able to do in comparison to other breeds. Their ability along with their eagerness to perform is what made them the popular circus dogs of long ago. Whether it's climbing the ramp or maneuvering the weave poles, the breed's enthusiasm generally translates into incredible record breaking times. It is not only a good way to expend energy but also to build self confidence. A confident Eskie is one that stays healthier and lives longer.
To keep an Eskie busy, one can create their own agility course in their backyard using a few simple items. These items can be made by hand or they can be bought in agility course supply stores. These agility course supply stores can be found online and offer everything from open ended tunnels to hurdles. To begin, many professionals recommend starting with a simple dog walk or A frame ramp. Unless and until the dog indicates that they are eager to move forward, precision items such as tire jumps are not always completely necessary. Many supply stores offer beginners kits consisting of a small tunnel, weave poles and a simple hurdle for teaching the basics.
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