Top Activities For A Golden Dox

Introduction

A product of the designer dog movement is the one-of-a-kind Golden Dox hybrid breed. This pooch is the result of combining the Golden Retriever, often "rufferred" to as the all American family dog, mixed with the rather long and energetic Dachshund. This combination makes for a high-energy playmate, driven by the stimulation that physical and mental activities bring.

The Golden Retriever is a medium to large pooch known for its loyal nature and calm temperament. Easy to train, eager to guard, and known to play, this pup makes the "pawfect" pooch for any household. The Dachshund, on the other "paw," is an adventurous breed known for its curiosity. This active dog needs moderate exercise in the form of walks and games. The result of the combination of breeds, the Golden Dox, requires moderate to vigorous exercise daily to maintain a healthy physique.

Scent Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Free

Easy

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Favorite Toy

Healthy Treat

Activity description

Scent training appeals to both the tracking nature of the Dachshund and the retrieving nature of the Golden Retriever, making this activity ideal for the Golden Dox. All you need for the activity is something to track/retrieve, preferably a toy or treat, at least to start. Couple this with some patience as you train your pooch in the activity. This makes the task cheap or even free, depending on if you make your own dog treats or not -- if you don't, check out activity three to spark your imagination!

As this activity can be done both inside and out, poor weather conditions won't get in your way of enjoying the playful task. Be prepared to take time to teach the activity to your Golden Dox, though it's likely with their intelligence level, they will learn to master and love the challenge of tracking!

Step

1

Introducing the scent

The first thing you must do is introduce the scent object to your pup. They will use their superb olfactory receptors to capture and maintain the scent of the object so that they can sniff it out once hidden. You can teach the "find it" command, but they should already know how to wait while you hide the item. You may consider rubbing the object along the trail leading to the hiding spot the first few times you try the activity, so your pup understands they are tracking the scent and have a clear trail to the hiding spot!

Step

2

Hiding the object

When you hide the object after first introducing it, begin by using relatively easy locations. This will ensure correct and potentially quick finds, allowing you to reward and encourage the behavior. Make the distance short to start. When your Golden Dox has caught on completely, this is when you want to step it up and hide the object in more difficult locations.

Step

3

Rewarding a find

Sometimes, the finding of the item is a reward in itself if the item being hidden is a favorite treat or toy. Either way, always praise your pup when they experience a successful find. As your pooch masters the activity, you may hide different and novel items that your pup has no prior connection with. In this case, be sure to explicitly reward with praise and even a treat to further encourage the behavior.

"Gardigging" Together

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

30 - 60 min

Items needed

Wood Boards

Sand

Yard Space

Shovel

Fencing or Wire

Activity description

Gardening, or rather "gardigging", is one way you can spend a sunny or warm day with your Golden Dox. Once you've created the garden, the activity is relatively easy to complete and free of charge.

Before you can enjoy "gardigging" you need to first dedicate a space in the yard to be a "dig zone." There's more than one way to create a dog garden, but making your pup a personal sandbox is what you're going for. The sandbox can either have wire or wood planks for a border, depending on the style and type the two of you are interested in. Depending on the materials you have on hand, costs may vary. Maintaining the garden is relatively easy, and it provides you and your pooch a place to bond alongside another while you tend to your vegetables and flowers!

Step

1

Selecting the spot

Select where your pups “gardig” will be first by considering the areas they already may be digging in your backyard. If this area is not one you’re willing to sacrifice, pick another, but be prepared for them to make mistakes while learning where to dig! An ideal sandbox would be at least four square feet. The bigger the better!

Step

2

Preparing the "gardig"

Begin by loosening the earth where the garden is going to be. You may want to provide a foundation using wood if you want to control how deep your pup digs. This will require lots of pre-digging. If not, focus on the frame you're going to use to enclose the space, ensuring it’s distinct. Say bye-bye to the grass as your pup is going to make good use of the space and likely dig it all up!

Step

3

Utilizing the dig zone

After both yours and your pup’s gardens are complete, you can enjoy using your spaces alongside one another. The distinctive appearance and nature of your Golden Dox’s garden should prevent them for exploring your garden, which is “pawfect” if this was a previous problem for you. If you live in a climate where winter weather is prevalent, convert your pup's digging zone into a snow garden instead of one made of dirt! You may need to show them how to use the garden by burying treats or digging yourself in it when you first introduce the space! Many dogs dig by nature, so they're likely to catch on fast.

Step

4

Maintaining the space

It’s easy to maintain the dig zone by checking in on it from time to time. If you notice there’s too many holes, simply fill them so your Golden Dox has more of a challenge and remains engaged in the activity. Adding some additional dirt and soil may be required depending on rain and wash outs. You can also use the space for tracking and hiding treats as another method for engagement and encouraging use.

Baking with Your Pup

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Dog-safe ingredients

Baking Utensils (Bowl, Blender & Spoon)

Timer

Activity description

Baking is a rewarding pastime many love to indulge in. Baking with your Golden Dox is a "grrreat" way to enhance this traditional activity because it gives the two of you the chance to bond. Most dogs are already at your heels when baking, so including them in the process is one way to make their constant attention more delightful. Baking, of course, is mostly completed by you, but as the treat being made is for your pup, they can be part of the test-tasting and viewing process.

With thousands of dog-safe baking recipes out there, it's likely you can complete this activity with minimal costs just by raiding your own cupboards. Of course, recipes for dogs vary in ingredients, but many include common ingredients like whole wheat flour and salt. Others require special ingredients which can make for a fun day-ip to the pet store for the two of you!

Step

1

Finding the pawfect recipe

Get creative and look online for recipes for Golden Dox pups. There are a variety of generic dog-friendly recipes out there waiting to be discovered. Be aware of your Golden Dox's food allergies or special dietary requirements. It's advised you consult with your veterinarian first to ensure your pup's safety before adding anything new to their diet.

Step

2

Rounding up the materials

After you know what you’re baking, round up your ingredients. If you need to take a trip to the pet store, bring your Golden Dox along so you can make the most of your experience together. You will need to also gather any cooking materials required for the process such as measuring utensils, mixing bowls and spoons.

Step

3

Bake away

Get your Golden Dox involved while you prepare the dish. Show them the ingredients going in and allow them to taste-test, depending on what it is (e.g., no raw flour for Fido)! If they see their ingredients going into the bowl, they may associate it with a treat for themselves! Have fun and enjoy the time you get to spend together. Most importantly, delight in the delicious products you create!

More Fun Ideas...

Walking with Weights

Walking with weights is one way to force your pup to exert more energy while also shortening the walk time. Weighted walks require almost double the energy, so think of a 15-minute weighted walk as being comparable to a 30-minute walk at a regular pace without weights. Consult with your veterinarian before pursuing this activity. Next, purchase a backpack or vest for your pooch and start with short walks so they can adjust without straining their muscles.

Letting Your Pooch Walk You

Everyone is familiar with the traditional dog walk, but have you heard of letting your pooch walk you? This activity is not recommended for overly dominant or domineering dogs, but it's "pawfect" for a Golden Dox. As the name implies, allow your pooch to lead while walking, choosing the destination -- changing things up and "ultimuttly" resulting in a new route each time!

Conclusion

When it comes to satisfying your Golden Dox, there are a variety of activities you can do at home for low costs that are both fun and engaging. Golden Doxes are inquisitive with a relatively high energy level. Physical activities such as weighted walks and “gardigging” are only some ideas to get your Golden Dox moving!

Mental stimulation is equally as important as physical, which is why including brain games in your weekly exercise routines is a “grrreat” idea! Try tracking games and incorporate hide-and-seek with your digging if you’ve created a “gardig” for them. Allowing your Golden Dox to walk you is another way to stimulate them mentally as they now have the job of being pack leader and making the choice of where to go. Try baking as a way to bond on a rainy day. Whether mental or physical, have fun deepening your relationship while exploring activities for your Golden Dox!