Variety is the spice of life, and just like us, puppies and dogs will get bored doing the same thing day in day out. You will soon learn that there are certain types of games that your dog enjoys more than others – often this will relate to his breed, and what “type” of dog he is.
See if you recognize your dog here:
The Ball Hog – is obsessed with fetching and chasing just about anything. Often come from breeds that work with their mouth, such as retrievers and gun dogs.
The Athlete – has endless energy to burn – will run all day. Often dogs from herding or hunting breeds
The Nose Dog – loves nothing more than following his nose around and around. Often from breeds used to track scent, such as hounds, beagles
The Couch Potato – is the master of the “do we have to?” look, just love sitting in front of the fire Examples include greyhounds, basset hounds, and bulldog.
The Diggy Dog – just loves to dig and dig. Often also like to chase small animals, usually breeds such as terriers, or the dachshund.
The Smart Cookie – bored easily and loves to learn new things. Often from a breed used to performing work, such as herding livestock.
This week we will feature The Diggy Dog. Watch for the next one next week or let us know which one you like to see next.
In general, dogs love to have a morning and evening exercise session, with at least one session being dedicated to aerobic exercise. This is best performed in a fenced (safe) off lead area and can include running or playing with other dogs, swimming, playing fetch etc. If there is no safe area where your dog can be off lead, running beside a jogger or cycler are also good aerobic exercises for dogs. (But remember, as mentioned earlier, not for puppies!) Always ensure your dog is safe from traffic if biking or rollerblading with him.
You can even train a dog to run on a treadmill if he is confined to an apartment or small house. Aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which will have health benefits for your dog as well as have a calming effect on his behaviour.
The Diggy Dog
Really really loves to dig! Generally likes to chase other small animals. Most often from terrier or dachshund breeds.
Good Activities:
Earth-dog Trials. Courses designed to let these dogs do what they love best – run along “underground” tunnels in search of their prey (for example a rat). Usually dogs start with training tunnels made out of modular wooden boxes, then move up to buried tunnels and longer, more challenging courses. Contact your local breed club or kennel club for more information.
Earth-dog demonstration:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGbC379hVIQ
Good Games:
Digging Box.
Create a digging area in the yard such as a sandbox or other designated area that is just for your dog. Get your dog to sit–stay, then bury his toys or a treat. Let him loose to dig them up! As he gets better at the game, bury treasure for him when he’s not there to see it. Having his own digging box will give your dog a place to dig that is just for him, and help prevent destruction of the rest of your garden too.