Activities For Dogs Who Like To Hunt
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Introduction
While all dogs descend from the wolf, an apex hunting predator, a majority of dog breeds have been developed for companionship or other activities. However, there do remain some dogs whose hunting instincts were developed and encouraged. These breeds generally possess the same type of personality characteristics - they have great stamina and endurance. They are highly intelligent and are often very courageous as well. Furthermore, while all dogs are superior to humans when it comes to scenting items, the hunting dog has an even more superior nose; in fact, their ability might be described as "uncanny." Hunting dogs do make great companions because they look to their humans as another hunting partner. They will follow the commands of their human partner into almost any situation. This group of dogs needs special activity due to their high energy and level of stamina.
Hide and Seek
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Normal
15 min
Items needed
treats
Activity description
One game that is great for scent hounds (and most hunting dogs have a superior sense of smell, even more so than other canines) is hide and seek. Generally, one would play this game by hiding a treat under pillows or blankets, under a cardboard box, or even, if you happen to be outdoors, on a patio step. However, this version of Hide and Seek has a different component - a human one. You will need to involve a partner, and you'll need to scent yourself the first few times that you play. You see, YOU are the target. Your human partner will hold or occupy your pup while you hide. Then, let the fun begin.
Step
1
Hide!
This activity works on your dog's instinct to scent and to track prey. For this version of Hide and Seek, YOU are the prey. While your human partner distracts the dog, get into a hiding place. You should be within earshot of the pup. In fact, the first few times that you perform this activity, it is probably a good idea to hide just a few feet away from your dog.
Step
2
Take it to the next level
The first few times that you carry out this activity, you will want to remain hidden in close proximity to your pup so that your dog can hear you and find you rather easily. As the dog becomes used to the game, change your location. This time, get further away from your first position. Move at least ten feet from your original hiding place.
Step
3
Ready or not!
As your dog becomes accustomed to the activity, change your location moving further away at times and then moving closer to the dog's proximity as you both play. Keep some treats handy so that you can reward your dog as they find you.
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Cup Game
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Yummy smelling treat
tennis ball
three plastic or solo-style cups
Activity description
This game not only works by employing your dog's sense of smell, but it also demands that your dog's recall work well also. To begin, you will need three cups and ONE smelly treat (this is not a treat that smells bad, just smells strongly). You will use the "smelly treat" as a training tool. Once your pup has become accustomed to choosing the cup hiding the smelly treat, switch to a scented tennis ball. (Scent the ball by slicing open a hot dog and rubbing the insides over the object.) Once the dog has picked up on the game, you won't need to make sure there's anything scented in order for your pup to enjoy the game.
Step
1
Ready
First, bring your dog into the kitchen (or any room with a tile floor). Command the dog to sit and stay. Have your dog watch you as you place the treat under one cup. You are now ready to start exercising your dog's recall.
Step
2
Set
Be sure to keep your dog's attention. Let the dog see you swap the cups around. Once you have rearranged the cups, command your dog to come to you. Tell your eager pal to find the treat. The first few runs you might have to assist your pup. Do this by showing a lot of enthusiasm when the dog sniffs the correct cup.
Step
3
Go
When you are sure that your dog has correctly scented the cup hiding the treat, turn the cup over, and give your dog the treat as a reward. Repeat a few more times, each time backing down on your prompting. Now, you can move to the scented ball. Once your dog catches on, your pup will know what's expected any time you bring the cups and ball out.
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Muffin Tin Puzzle Game
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
old muffin tin
treats
small ball that will fit in the empty tin
clear plastic wrap
parchment paper
Activity description
This game is great for hunters, and it can be played inside or outdoors! First, get an old muffin tin. The first few times that you play, you will want to place strong smelling treats inside the tins, then cover the tin with clear plastic wrap. You can tape the plastic wrap down, or you can simply wrap it around the edges of the tin. (It will cling  to the tin without tape. Just keep in mind how strong your pup is. You want to ensure that the pup can tear into the wrap without eating or swallowing any of it.) The dog will be able to see and smell the treats through the plastic wrap. The pup will have a great time tearing into the package.
Step
1
Prepare
Get a muffin tin. Place a treat inside several of the empty tins. Then, cover the tin with plastic wrap. Simply place it in the floor and tell your dog to "Find it."
Step
2
Add the balls
As your dog becomes used to the game, you may incorporate a favorite ball or another preferred toy that can fit into the empty tins. Cover the tin with the plastic wrap for a few tries. Once the dog understands that the tin puzzle offers lots of toys and treats, the pup will learn that tearing into the puzzle is part of the fun.
Step
3
Switch it up!
As your dog learns what to expect from the muffin tin puzzle, you can increase the difficulty of the game. Make sure to remove any smelly treats, using only those with very little scent. Swap the empty tins that you employ. Add the small toys. Cover the muffin tin with parchment paper (which is not see through). Set the tray down, and let your pup go to work!
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More Fun Ideas...
Dock Diving
If you have access to a pond or go camping on the river, grab a doggy disc and throw it off the dock. Your pup will enjoy retrieving the Frisbee-like disc.
Jogging
The hunting dog has been known to walk between ten and fifteen miles a day. Your energetic pup will most definitely enjoy taking a run with you.
Conclusion
The hunting dog is a curious, intelligent, and energetic dog. Without proper exercise, the hunting dog has also been known to get into mischief. Owners must remember that this type of dog is not one that will be satisfied with short spurts of play. This working canine is one who will be happy to join their companions on the hiking or biking trail. Given at least sixty minutes of activity daily, the hunting dog will be a happy companion for years to come.