Activities For A Billy
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Consider yourself lucky if you are the owner of a Billy dog as this breed is quite rare - all the more reason to make sure your Billy has plenty of fun games to keep them happy! These pups have been used as powerful scent dogs for centuries and they are used to working outside in the woods, chasing deer. This means they will need a lot of entertainment every day and these activities are perfect for your Billy.
Household Jobs
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Toys
Slippers
Treats
Doggy backpack
Activity description
Billy's are a very exclusive tacking breed of dog who made a name for themselves in Western France where they would track deer for days upon days. This work ethic is still very present in all Billy's whether they have ever tracked a deer or not. However, if your Billy is primarily a domesticated dog, staying at home most of the day, they may get a little bored. Give your Billy a few jobs to do around the house to keep them happy and active. You can teach your pup all of these jobs for the price of a few treats and they can learn any time of year, regardless of the weather!
Step
1
Doggy backpack
Purchase a dog backpack for your Billy. Backpacks have been proven to help keep dogs who need to work nice and calm. Carrying around added weight on their back will make your Billy feel as though they are working, it will improve their focus and make them a little more tired at the end of the day!
Step
2
Slipper fetch
Train your Billy to fetch your slippers or shoes, a useful and fun trick for your dog to learn. Teach your Billy to identify shoes by using commands like "shoes" and rewarding them with treats when they pick them up. Ask your Billy to bring you your shoes each day and your dog will feel needed and excited anytime they get to do their job!
Step
3
Toy clean up
Your playful Billy likely has a lot of toys and they are also likely all over your house. Designate a toy box for your Billy's toys and then teach your pup (using treats) to pick up the toys and bring them to the spot at the end of the day. Your Billy will feel like they accomplished a job and you won't have to pick up dog toys - sounds perfect!
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Remote Chase
Popular
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Stuffed Animal Toy
Remote Controlled Car
Activity description
Billy's are tracking dogs through and through and once they see an animal moving, they are going to chase it until they catch it! This can pose as a problem if you have a smaller pet in your home or even if you just have a lot of squirrels in your yard where your Billy likes to play. One way to curb your Billy's need to chase is to allow them to chase on your terms. This activity is perfect to get out some of your Billy's energy and, while it may cost a little bit to get started, the investment is worth it. Pick a sunny day where you and your Billy can go outside to play.
Step
1
Car search
Look for a remote controlled car to purchase as your Billy's toy. You want to find a toy that is durable as your Billy may catch it and toss it around a little bit. A car that can go in all directions is also desirable as it will "behave" more like a real animal as you play. There are plenty of options for every budget and don't forget to look at real dog toys and also kid's toys for your car.
Step
2
Animal addition
In order to make your dog's new remote controlled car look a little more like a real animal, tie a stuffed toy to the top of the car. Pick a stuffed toy that looks like a bunny, cat or another small animal to attract your Billy's attention. Be aware that the stuffed toy will likely be "captured" and destroyed by your Billy as you play this game!
Step
3
Chase at full speed
Bring the remote controlled car with the stuffed animal attached to a big field or flat area where the car will be able to drive smoothly and quickly. Place it down on the ground in front of your Billy and before your pup has a chance to grab that toy, use the remote to make it go! Your Billy will spring into action, chasing the car, so make sure you keep it on full speed ahead of your pup!
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Indoor Tracking
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Bone
Towel
Treats
Activity description
If ever there was a powerful scent hound, the Billy was it! With a nose that can't be beat, these dogs love to track scents and it is something you may have even seen them do around the house (probably quite often). Setting up a few scent games inside for your Billy is a great way to pass the day especially if the weather is preventing you from heading outside (those Billy's can get cabin fever!). These short games are easy to play and can be done over and over, providing never-ending entertainment at a very low cost - all you need are some treats, bones and a few things from around your house.
Step
1
Treat hunt
Have your Billy sit in one room of your house and show them a handful of their favorite treats. Tell your Billy to stay and then hide the treats in a different room, placing them all in one spot or dispersing them in a few locations to make the game more challenging. Return to your Billy, show them your empty hands and then let them go find the treats! It won't take long for that magical nose to sniff out the prize.
Step
2
New pet
Have a friend who owns a dog rub a clean towel on their pup and give it to you. The scented towel will smell like the other dog! Hide the towel somewhere in your house and see how long it takes before your Billy has their head down, sniffing for the location of that "new pet". Once they find the towel, give them a reward and play again!
Step
3
Bone dig
Grab your Billy's favorite dog bone and bury it in a pile of laundry on the floor. Tell your Billy to find their bone and, while they will likely go right to the laundry pile, they will need to dig in order to recover the prize. Even though they may smell the bone quickly, the dig will add a little time to this scent game. Play any time you have a nice big pile of dirty laundry!
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More Fun Ideas...
Hunting Club
Look for a real dog hunting club near you. Sign your Billy up for hunting classes where they will be able to go out on real hunts, using the tracking skills that they were born with.
Mountain Hikes
Find a nearby mountain with hiking trails and plan a time to hike it with your Billy. This breed will benefit greatly from some extra exercise and you will also enjoy the scenery at the top of the mountain!
Conclusion
While they may have been bred to track and hunt, Billy's make incredible pets. Their active and lively demeanor outside translates into a calm and lovable dog at home. Make sure you give your Billy plenty of chances to run, play and utilize that powerful tracking nose and you will ensure that you have a happy pup. Set up activities for your Billy every day and try to be an active participant in the games as well - Billy's want nothing more than to play with their favorite person: you!