Top Activities For A Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz

Introduction

A Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz is a Spanish breed of dog, primarily used for hunting rats and mice in wineries in Andalusia, Spain. They look similar to a Jack Russell Terrier, to the point where people also refer to them as a Spanish Jack Russell. While they are considered indigenous to Spain, it’s not uncommon to find them in the United States as well as further afield. They make a great family pet for those without other non-canine pets, and when paired with a dominant owner, can be a well-tempered pup that integrates into a home life well. However, they do need regular exercise and plenty of mental stimulation, so we’ve included a few ideas below.

Walk

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Doggy waste bag

Activity description

If you have an hour or even more to spare on a sunny day and you’re looking for something to entertain your pup, a long walk can fit the bill nicely. The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz can be quite deceiving. Although they look small as if they will tire out quickly, they do require a substantial amount of exercise. Otherwise, they can be destructive in your home. A trip around the block will not suffice for your pup’s exercise requirements. Instead, long walks through parks, your local streets, and even to the beach will be a more preferred option. You need to set aside an hour if not longer if you want them to come home tired.

Step

1

Choose a route

The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz, while small, has a high prey drive that can put you in some awkward situations. Therefore, when you’re looking to provide daily exercise for your furry friend, it’s helpful to look for areas with minimal wildlife. Any small creature is going to be a target for your dog, considering their primary natural purpose in life was to rid wineries of rats and mice. Your local streets may be an excellent place to start, walking each block until you’ve achieved at least an hour of walking time. However, if you have beautiful natural gardens nearby where wildlife tend not to frequent, even a trip in the car to this destination so you can walk your dog is a valid option as well.

Step

2

Go walking

Once you’ve established the perfect walking route, it’s time to go. You may find a harness enables you to get better control over your pup, but a collar is ideal as well. As most owners of a Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz will know, this is a breed of dog that needs to be dominated to avoid small dog syndrome. Therefore, however you walk them, they need to know you’re in charge of the walking route, not them. After an hour of walking, you may find that they’re tuckered and ready for a long nap.

Obedience Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Treats

Activity description

The Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz breed requires a confident, experienced owner who’s familiar with how to show a dog who’s the boss. If you don’t believe you’re that person, then set aside an hour a week for obedience training at a facility to help you become that person. Failure to train your Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz assertively can lead to problems further down the line. Therefore, before your pooch matures, it’s a good idea to book them in for obedience training to learn both the basics and assertiveness. While it can cost a little money, it’s well worth it in the end.

Step

1

Find a facility

Most dog obedience courses run for weeks at a time, with one or two sessions a week. Training can be quite a commitment, so when you’re looking for a facility, it’s going to be more convenient for you if you can find one closer to home. It can then be a good idea to research your facility of choice. Are they a tried and trusted trainer? Will they help educate you and provide you with tips? Are they well-priced? There are many things you must consider. Ask around and find out what your family and friends recommend.

Step

2

Decide on improvements

Without knowing why it is you’re going to obedience training, it can be challenging to understand how to improve your dog’s behavior. Therefore, it’s crucial first to establish a list of things you’d like to address. A common problem with Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz behavior is dominance. Some owners aren’t strong enough to enforce boundaries, and the dog becomes the leader of the pack, not vice versa. Once you know what it is you’re looking to achieve, you can attend obedience training with your Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz with confidence.

Step

3

Train and learn

For one hour once or twice a week, you’ll be attending obedience training with your pup to learn new things. All you need to take, typically, are a few treats as reinforcement, and their leash or harness. Your trainer will walk you through the ropes, showing you ways in which to assert your authority, while helping your dog learn new commands. If your pup hasn’t yet established the basics of sit, stay, and heel, you can learn these at obedience training as well.

Puzzles

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Expensive

Hard

1 hr

Items needed

Dog puzzles

Treats

Activity description

In any weather, puzzles can be an excellent way for your dog to benefit from mental stimulation. They are also beneficial in winter when trips outside are few and far between. While the initial outlay of the toys can be quite expensive if you don’t spread out the costs, the hours of fun you and your dog experience can be worth the price. Once you buy the puzzles – which can be as easy as a food ball, you then need to fill it with tasty treats your dog will love. The healthier these treats are, the better.

Step

1

Find puzzles

Your Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz is intelligent, even if you don’t see it straight away. They are quick to learn new tricks and will take all new puzzles in their stride. In essence, you can choose the hardest puzzle on the market, and they can quickly master the challenge. Therefore, when the time comes to pick a toy, you want to go for the experienced level option. They will love those easy toys such as balls stuffed with food, but you can also purchase puzzles that require them to use their head a little more, such as those where they need to lift cups or lever or move items to get to the food.

Step

2

Choose treats

Just as humans are prone to obesity, so too are dogs. As a result, it’s important to pay attention to the treats you are putting in the food puzzles. You can use their regular kibble and deduct that amount from their meal at the end of the day or can opt for more natural ingredients. Cabbage, sweet potato, and red pepper are all valid options – even for the fussiest pup.

Step

3

Play time

When your dog plays with their new puzzle toys, it’s a good idea for you to be in attendance. Even though they will be immersed in play, trying to get the reward, they can also begin to destroy the toy as quickly as you give it to them. If you supervise the game, you will be quicker to refill it before they get a chance to start pulling it apart.

More Fun Ideas...

Laser Game

Given your pup’s high prey drive and energy levels, using a laser light can help them to burn off energy. Once you’ve chosen one that’s safe for dogs, you can set up a safe area to play with it, spending at least 30 minutes to an hour watching them chase around that elusive light. It’s a great way for them to burn off energy when the weather is less than ideal.

Dog Park

When socialized from a puppy, your Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz can play well with other dogs of their own size. Therefore, a trip to the dog park on a sunny day can be a pleasant break away from home. Take a waste bag and toys and put them in the small dog enclosure. Be sure to keep an eye on them and make sure they play nicely with other pups.

Conclusion

If you own a Ratonero Bodeguero Andaluz, you will be proud of their fierce loyalty, love, and zest for life. However, given their energy levels, you do need to keep your paw on the pulse of the best exercises for dogs to appeal to that particular breed. If you try any of these activities above, you’re sure to find they have the time of their life, all before retiring to their bed for a good night’s sleep.