Top Activities For A Grand Anglo-Francais

Introduction

The Grand Anglo-Francais is a large hound which originated in France over 200 years ago. They were used to hunt game and are still used in that capacity today. That history gives your pup a high prey drive, making off-leash activities dangerous around other small animals. They do best in homes with active owners and no other pets.

The breed is a high-energy dog that needs at least an hour of exercise per day. They tend to be stubborn, so they need a firm but kind owner. Grand Anglo-Francais dogs generally get along with other pups and people if they are taught the proper socialization skills at a young age. Given their genetic predisposition for tracking, they make excellent working dogs.

Backpack Hiking

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Hiking Poles

Dog Backpack

Water and Bowl

Activity description

Backpack hiking is like regular hiking, except your dog is wearing a backpack full of supplies. Grand Anglo-Francais are working dogs who are happiest when they have a job to do. The backpack doesn’t need to be overly heavy -- it can hold small items such as water and a water bowl. (When packing the bag, never exceed 12% of your dog's body weight.)

Hiking is most often a summer activity, so be sure your pup is up-to-date on their flea and tick prevention and vaccinations. Backpacks aren’t crazy expensive, and hiking is (usually) free. An hour of hiking should be enough for your dog, though they might require more walks later in the day due to their high energy level.

Step

1

Plot a hiking route

It's important to find a dog-friendly hiking area. Many state parks allow dogs on the hiking trails as long as they are on a leash. Off-leash hiking isn’t a great idea with the Grand Anglo-Francais because of their high prey drive and strong sense of smell. Leashes also keep your dog safe from snakes and other wild animals.

Step

2

Find a dog backpack that fits your pup

Backpacks made just for dogs can be found at any pet store or online retailer. Your pup might need a few treats for encouragement when you first put the (empty) backpack on them, but many dogs are comforted by the weight of the backpack. If your dog doesn’t love the backpack, you can try vests with pockets.

Step

3

Use a leash at all times

It can’t be stressed enough how high your dog’s prey drive might be if they get a whiff of a rabbit or other small animal. Any recall obedience might be lost if your pup gets the chance to chase. Using a leash keeps your dog and wildlife safe. It also gives you control if another dog approaches you and your pup.

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Bikejoring

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Hard

1 hr

Items needed

Bike

Bike Leash

Harness

Activity description

Bikejoring is similar to mushing, a popular activity for herding dogs. Bikejoring can be done with the dog pulling the bike, or a safer method is having the dog run alongside the bike as you pedal. It is an expensive activity that's best done in warm weather, but once you've purchased the equipment, you can enjoy bikejoring anytime.

Some areas have classes for mushing that you can enroll in with your pup and then apply those lessons to bikejoring. It is a bit of a gamble with this breed, as they do love to chase prey, but that's where the obedience classes come in handy.

Step

1

Set up the bike leash

There are special bike leashes that you can purchase which are similar to bungee cords. The cord attaches to the bike on one end and the dog’s harness on another end. Most people prefer cords that stretch so that they have time to dismount if their pup starts to run off after some small animal.

Step

2

Use a harness on your dog

When you walk your dog, you probably use a collar that goes around their neck. For bikejoring, you want a more secure connection between the bike and your pup. A harness is better for dogs because it reduces the risk of neck injuries. That is especially important in an activity where the dog is running while attached to a moving object.

Step

3

Train your pup to run alongside the bike

You can use treats or praise to help your dog learn to run next to the bike. Obedience training is fundamental because you can use commands such as “heel” or “sit” if your dog is running too fast or getting distracted. This is an activity that you want to practice with your dog before you set off on a big adventure.

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Disc Dog

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Flying Disc

Treats

Yard

Activity description

Dogs love to play games that involve running and fetching. Using a flying disc is one way to keep your dog engaged in healthy activities while burning excess energy. Since your pup has strong tracking instincts, they'd pawsitively love chasing and catching a flying disc. The activity is usually done outdoors because it requires a lot of space. Your dog is a flight risk when left off-leash, so this exercise is best played in a fenced-in yard, either at your own home or at a local dog park. Be sure to keep your eye on Fido at all times when they are around other dogs, as their behavior can be unpredictable if they consider an animal to be prey.

Step

1

Purchase a flying disc

Flying discs can be purchased for a few dollars at any pet store. The discs don’t need to be fancy; the cheap plastic ones work well. However, if your pup is a chewer, you can splurge on a tougher fabric disc. You can also use a ball thrower if your pup prefers balls to discs.

Step

2

Teach your pup to fetch the disc

Teaching your pup to fetch the disc is easier if your dog has obedience training instilled in them already. You can use verbal encouragement (“go get it,” “good boy,” etc.) or reward training, which means treats. Treats are a simple way of getting your dog to learn things, but it is important not to overfeed them treats or they can refuse to eat their regular food and hold out for the good stuff.

Step

3

Jump!

Once you’ve taught your dog to fetch the disk, kick it up a notch and teach them to jump for the disc. Jumping in the air to catch the disc will help tire your dog out, but be mindful not to toss the disc too high or your dog could hurt their hind legs when trying to catch it.

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More Fun Ideas...

Nose Work

Your dog ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog! Their nose knows trouble and how to find it. Training your pup in tracking helps keep them mentally stimulated. Introduce and hide a scented item, such as an old sock, in the house and let them search for it. You can even use yourself by playing hide-and-seek.

Yard Time

Grand Anglo-Francais dogs shouldn’t be left off-leash in community areas. They can sniff an animal and take off after it, endangering themselves and smaller prey. However, most dogs enjoy being off-leash. If your situation allows, you could build a fenced-in yard for your pup to run loose. Even if it’s on your own property, your pup should be supervised, as they can escape from the most secure yard.

Conclusion

A Grand Anglo-Francais has an intense amount of energy that is suited for an experienced dog owner. They require a lot of exercise that is both physically and mentally challenging. While they might not get along well with smaller animals, they enjoy spending time with similarly sized dogs and their families. They can be exercised in a fenced-in yard, but they shouldn’t be made to live outdoors. You can do tracking games (nose work) with your pup to let them use their natural instincts in a confined environment.

Throwing discs, bikejoring and hiking are three activities that fit your dog’s energy level. When hiking, use a special dog backpack to give your dog a job. They are a working dog, after all.