Activities For Basstons
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Basston is a hybrid dog; the parent breeds are the Boston Terrier and the Basset Hound - two breeds that are quite popular on their own. The Basston is a low-energy pup; they do not require a great deal of exercise. Often, the Basston does just fine as long as they receive a short, brisk walk on a daily basis. The Basston is a great family pet, and you can involve your entire family in engaging the Basston in play. This type of activity is also beneficial in bonding the pup to you. Furthermore, you may want to begin training at a young age because the Basston is known to have a stubborn streak.
Walking Date
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
leash
doggy waste bags
Activity description
Both the parent breeds of the Basston are perfectly suited to taking short, brisk walks as their primary means of exercise. However, since the Basset Hound is primarily a pack hound, a great variation on a plain old walk is to make your walk a playdate of sorts. Invite a group of friends to meet at the local city park to take the pooches for a trip around the walking trail. If you live near a dog park, you can utilize the indoor track to walk your pup with others. There are many fun ways to walk your dog, particularly if you ask your friends to join in the fun.
Step
1
Find some friends
Because the Basston is a hybrid breed, you may not find fellow owners to pal around with. However, do not be discouraged! The parent breeds of the Basston are the Basset Hound and the Boston Terrier. Hop on your social media platform and ask your friends and acquaintances if any of them have a dog similar to yours. Then, make a date for a walk in your neighborhood or the park.
Step
2
Make some loops
Keep in mind that the stature of the Basston is short and muscular. With this thought, you will need to plan your walking around the stamina of your pooch. Short, brisk walks lasting fifteen to twenty minutes are the optimal walking plan for a Basston. In addition, be sure to schedule walks in the morning or in the late evening.
Step
3
Park walking track
Many local dog parks are equipped with a walking track. This is the perfect place to take your Basston on a playdate. If the dog park is enclosed, let Fido off the leash so that they can play at will. The socialization will be rewarding for both you and your pooch. Be aware of the interaction of the dogs and be ready to intervene if needed.
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Scent Work
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
scented items
leash
Activity description
The Basset Hound is related to other hounds with a penchant for scenting things out. While the Boston Terrier is not bred for scenting items, the hybrid offspring (the Basston) will still be an apt participant in scent games. You may set up a few scent games around the house (or in the yard), or you may wish to train your pooch so that they can participate in scent trial competitions. Scent trials will provide your pup with the opportunity for socialization while allowing your dog to tap into their innate sense of smell and detection.
Step
1
Begin training
Take a few washcloth-sized towels. Add five to ten drops of a dog-safe strong smelling essential oil such as anise or lavender (TIP: lavender is calming to animals; never use tea tree oil around a dog, though. Tea tree oil is toxic to dogs.) To be cautious, check with your vet before using an essential oil just in case. Place these in various locations and, when your pooch finds the item, reward them with a treat.
Step
2
Make some contacts
Even if you aren't interested in actually competing in scent trials, make an effort to join in a few trial runs that a local club might sponsor. The American Kennel Club has a list of participating clubs near you. Many clubs will allow you to train with them or use their facilities to train your pooch.
Step
3
Rainy days are no problem
Although scent trials are generally held outdoors, you can take advantage of the Basston's small size to host a "scent event" in your own home. As you did when training the Basston for scent work, grab a few washcloth-sized rags and put the requisite amount of essential oils on them. Then, hide them throughout the house for Fido to suss out.
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Toy Fun
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Interactive toys
Activity description
The Basston will enjoy some solitary play from time to time. However, chew toys should not be the only type of toys that you offer your canine companion. There are a number of interactive toys on the market that will invite your pal to play over and over again. Some of these toys are noisemakers; others are actual food dispensers (or, at the very least, treat dispensers). These toys encourage mental activity in your canine companion while discouraging boredom. Some owners have outdoor areas set up in which they leave toys for their Basston to play with; however, this is up to every individual owner.
Step
1
Choose the appropriate toys
There are a great variety of toys available to your pup that provide a vast amount of mental stimulation. Certainly, younger dogs will benefit from having chew toys to assist with incoming adult teeth. Noise-making toys provide the pooch with an incentive to play. Food-dispensing toys reward your canine companion while encouraging mental stimulation.
Step
2
Encourage play
Sometimes you can place toys on the floor and let Fido have free play time. You may also choose to interact with your pooch as they play with toys. Take a food-dispensing toy and place small kibble inside. Shake the toy at your dog to gain their attention. Then, play a bit of "tug-of-war" before allowing your dog to take the toy and play by their own rules.
Step
3
Make an outdoor toy box
Some hounds enjoy digging; build on this trait and create a small sandbox containing the toys your Basston has deemed "favorites." A word of caution - be sure to purchase toys that do not have open areas in which sand or water can become trapped. This can lead to bacterial growth that is not healthy for your dog. Otherwise, free play is the key to this outdoor play area.
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More Fun Ideas...
Go Fetch
The Basston will benefit from the bonding that comes from a good game of fetch. Play in about fifteen to twenty minute stretches of time so as not to push your pup to overexertion.
Scent Trials
The Basston will enjoy scenting out items. Choose dog-safe essential oils with a strong smell (anise, Valerian) and place items with those scents in the yard. Encourage your pup to find the items. Reward them with praise.
Conclusion
The Basston is a hybrid breed that is truly the best of both parents. The Basston has the heart of a hunter, great scent sense, and a fun-loving, loyal personality. Grab a few toys and plan activities that the both of you can enjoy. Whether you are playing in the sandbox or walking with friends, your Basston is sure to provide you with lots of fun entertainment.