The combination of a Siberian husky and a Golden Retriever yields a Goberian. It inherits both traits of its parents. Thus, it looks attractive, affectionate, and full of energy. If you ask pet owners, the answer would be unanimous: everyone is proud of their Goberians. So, if you are considering adopting one and introducing it to your family, you should be particularly aware of the breed’s exercise needs as it is an integral part of its daily routine.
Goberian dogs hardly prefer cuddling on the couch; instead, they thrive on activity, purpose, and companionship. Read on, as we take you on an exciting journey explaining the reasons that make them such energetic companions. Furthermore, you will also learn the ways to meet their unique fitness requirements.
Factors that make Goberians so energetic
If you are wondering about the reasons that emphasize Goberians to go for an exercise regimen, we must revisit its lineage. It is from the Siberian husky that the Goberians inherit endurance, speed, and fascination for running. If you do not know this already, huskies were bred to pull sledges on icy mountains. That energy is still very much present in the hybrid. Then again, from the Golden retriever, the Goberians inherit a strong liking for playing and remaining active. It also makes them love human interaction. Together, this combo results in a dog that is physically demanding and at the same time emotionally dependent. The more active it remains, the better it is for the owner.
Daily exercise needs aren’t limited to walking
If you thought a quick stroll around the block would be enough, then you are mistaken. To stay active, Goberians must engage in 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise. Some of them may need even longer hours. They have incredible stamina, and can go on and on. Thus, Goberians aren’t ideal for elderly people. Otherwise, they can be the ideal choice for active individuals or families.
Sets of exercises that suit Goberians the most
You can pick up from the forms of exercise mentioned below:
- Long walks or hikes: A Goberian can easily manage multiple miles. It loves exploring new places, forest trails, hills, and beaches. Thus, they will be at their best when you take them to the abovementioned places.
- Running or jogging: You can make the Goberian your jogging partners, and you will have no reason to complain. They will accompany you to any distance without showing any signs of tiredness.
- Fetch and Tug-of-War: By introducing such games, they will trigger the Golden retriever instincts in them, as it provides them with the right amount of physical and mental stimulation.
- Agility training: Along with exercising, Goberians love dealing with challenges and obstacles. Setting up a backyard obstacle course would thus be ideal for their physical stimulation.
Mental exercise is also important
As an owner of a Goberain dog, you must take its mental aspect seriously. Even if you fulfill its daily physical requirements, ignoring the mental aspect can lead to disastrous results. For the unversed, a bored Goberain can be destructive. Remember, Goberians inherit intellect from both sides of their parents, and you must do the needful to keep their minds busy, else they will display aggressive behavior.
- Some good options to try would include:
- Giving it to play with interactive puzzle toys.
- Scent games like hide-and-seek coupled with treats.
- Obedience and trick training.
- Advanced command games.
Each of these aforementioned activities will help them burn off energy and restrict any unwanted behavior like chewing, digging, or constant barking.
Make them socialize via exercises
By birth, Goberians tend to be social animals. Breeders in this case play a crucial role as they initiate their socialization training quite early. Therefore, group walks, dog parks, and doggy daycare sessions would not only help them fulfill their exercising needs, but they will also let them socialize with humans and other pets. However, you must exercise caution during the early days of introductions with unfamiliar dogs. Although Goberians are friendly and ideal pets for us, their energy can at times be overwhelming for others.
Breaking up the exercise needs by age:
It is important to understand that every Goberian is different, and their energy needs can change with their age. Follow the workout routine as mentioned below for the best results:
- Pups (0=12 months): Even at their early stages, Goberian pups can be referred to as pocket-sized powerhouses. During this stage, their bones are in the developmental stage. So, one should stick to short, gentle play sessions and not include any high-impact exercises. Of course, training and basic obedience should carry on as a part of their mental exercise.
- Adults (1-7 years): This is the stage when Goberians are at their prime. As mentioned here, daily walks, runs, play, and training sessions are vital. Keep varying the activities to keep them mentally stimulated and physically satisfied.
- Seniors (7+ years): As Goberians age, they will naturally tend to slow down; still, they would require daily exercise to remain in the best of health. At this stage, you should modify the activities to suit their joints. Gentle walks and light play, for instance, can be the best option. However, mental stimulation becomes more significant at this age.
Can you make Goberians do over-exercising?
The answer to the above question in most cases would be no, as they have great stamina. Still, it is possible to overdo it if the place of living experiences very hot weather. You will notice some signs when they overdo exercising, and these are:
- Heavy panting.
- They will limp and show signs of stiffness in their bodies.
- Not wanting to walk for longer periods.
- Experiencing lethargy after the exercising sessions are over.
In such cases, always provide water during and after activity. Your goal should be not to push them beyond a particular point so that they become exhausted. Keep an eye on them during summers, as neither Huskies nor Golden Retrievers can adjust to such weather conditions.
Make exercises an excuse to train them
While Goberains thrive when they engage in rigorous workouts, their owners might find the daily routine to be too overwhelming. A good way to meet your Goberian’s exercise needs is by initiating training sessions along with it. It will also help you to remain focused. Some commands that you can try, which would also help them remain physically active, include:
- Letting them find your hidden toys. It can be a great option as they have to unearth something.
- Let them learn the commands like up and over, which are basics for agility training.
- You can also make them learn about structured walking at this stage.
Lastly, fetch and drop with impulse control can also be a good alternative for training them while fulfilling their exercising needs. Over time, you will notice that it will build discipline, enhance bonding with you, and provide the necessary physical and mental stimulation.
Advice on leash training and recall
As you can understand, Goberians inherit the characteristics of their parents; they will be both friendly and have a knack for moving constantly. If they are not trained accurately, there is a chance that they will simply run away from you during the early days. Here is where leash training becomes crucial. To be precise, leash training and recall commands should be the way you need to train them.
Is the Goberian right for you?
If you are an elderly person, or a low-energy person, or live a sedentary lifestyle, Goberians wouldn’t be the best fit for you. They thrive best in active families who are ready to go to any extent to keep them happy. No surprises, Goberians will keep you moving along with them.
