Top Activities For Beaucerons

Introduction

The Beauceron is a dog breed native to France. This breed was originally developed as a farm dog to be used to protect cattle and sheep. The result was a great, big breed that is extremely compliant with excellent tracking skills. Eventually, the Beauceron was used for other purposes such as guarding and herding as well as a military dog during the First and Second World War. At present, they are still widely used by the military and police. But, more than that, Beaucerons have slowly made their way into different households, serving not only as a watchdog but also a home companion.

Dog Showmanship

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Expensive

Hard

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

As dog owners, it is pretty much a given that you would view your own pooch as the most good looking of all other dogs. While this is a natural reaction, there are some exceptional dog breeds that are simply made to be shown off. One of these breeds is the Beauceron. There’s no denying that the strong features and face of the breed are considered to be “handsome” in the dog world. This is why the Beauceron is a favorite when it comes to dog showmanship. If you own a Beauceron, you might want to have them participate in dog conformation.

Step

1

Understand how it works

Contrary to what many dog owners think, dog shows are more than just a “beauty pageant” for dogs. The official term that is used for these shows is “conformation”, which refers to how the participating canines “conform” to the standards of their breed. Having said that, your dog needs to possess certain qualities in order to be considered for a dog show. You can find out what these particular attributes are by asking a club or doing your own research.

Step

2

Join a club near you

If you want your Beauceron to participate in a dog show, the next thing to do would be to join your local AKC club. This is an important part of the process because these clubs offer training classes for your dog. They also provide lots of useful information that you might want to know about. Moreover, you get to meet other individuals who would be more than willing to answer any questions or assist you in any way they can.

Step

3

Prepare for the real thing

You and your dog will have to attend conformation classes, which are usually held by AKC clubs, on a regular basis in order to prepare for an actual dog show. These classes are vital because in here, you get to learn how to handle your dog in the actual show. Another part of the preparation is to attend an actual show in person to familiarize yourself with the event. Another option would be to try a match show, which is basically a trial run that is more informal. In these match shows, there are some judges and seasoned handlers involved who can offer some help and guidance before you go into the show ring.

Flyball

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Flyball box

Tennis ball

Hurdles

Activity description

The Beauceron is a dog breed that excels in physical activities. On top of this, the breed is also very intelligent and highly trainable. All these qualities are the key recipes for producing a flyball athlete. In this canine sport, dogs compete against each other in a relay race. There is an obstacle course consisting of four hurdles, which the dogs must clear in order to get to the flyball box. This flyball box has a spring-loaded pad that shoots out a ball once pressed. The dog must then run back through the hurdles and to the starting line while the next dog springs into action until all participating dogs are done. With enough training, Beaucerons can easily learn and excel in flyball.

Step

1

Start with the basics

The most basic part of flyball comes down to a simple game of catch. The objective is to get your dog to focus on the tennis ball, which you can do by playing catch. When your dog gets used to catching the ball, try to replicate the flyball trigger and throw the ball faster. You should also train your dog how to “drop” the ball whenever they need to, which is also an essential part of the game.

Step

2

Train your dog to use the obstacles

Once your dog masters the basics, you can slowly start to set up the course. You may begin with a single hurdle. Throw the tennis ball over the hurdle to get your dog to jump over it. Do this multiple times until your dog gets used to the movement. You can then gradually add the hurdles so that your dog can get used to jumping over all four. Also, use a “trigger spot” which your dog can press on at the end of the hurdles in order to mimic the movement for the flyball box trigger. Then you can introduce your dog to the box.

Step

3

Do a trial run using the entire course

When you feel confident about your dog’s flyball skills, put the training to the test by setting up a full flyball course. Load the tennis ball and command your dog to go. Commands are also key to success in flyball so make sure that your Beauceron has all the basic flyball commands down. Don’t forget to give your dog a reward for successfully completing the course.

Skijoring

Popular

0 Votes

Cold Day

Moderate

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Harness

Waist belt

Bungee cord or cable

Skis

Activity description

Beaucerons are known for having a muscular and athletic body and extraordinary strength. Apart from their physical capacities, they are also quite clever and vigilant. This is why the breed is a popular choice for canine sports. One of the most fun sports that you can try with your Beauceron is skijoring. This winter sport is similar to traditional skiing but with some help from your pooch. Due to the breed’s background with herding, they are also used to following instructions and leading the way. Skijoring is a unique activity for you and your dog and a fun way to spend some time together.

Step

1

Have the right gear

Skijoring, just like most sports, requires some certain gear not just for you but for your pooch, too. For this sport, a normal leash and collar will not suffice. You will need a sturdy cable, preferably a bungee cord, and a quality harness for your dog. You also need a waist belt for you, which is where you will attach the cord that is linked to your dog. It should not be too difficult to find this gear in some sports and outdoor shops and some pet stores.

Step

2

Find a good skiing spot

The next thing to do is to choose a good skiing spot that is dog-friendly. Luckily, many ski resorts across the country have slowly opened their doors to welcome humans and their four-legged friends into their establishments. Find a quality spot near you that has different difficulty levels. This is especially important for first-timers in skijoring.

Step

3

Have fun in the slopes

When you find the perfect spot and have made all the arrangements, go and enjoy the slopes with your buddy. In the beginning, go slow and steady until you find the perfect pace. It is also important that you take breaks every 20 minutes or so. Some dogs, like the Beauceron, are usually oblivious to fatigue. Hence, you have to be the one to initiate the break to give your dog time to recover and hydrate.

More Fun Ideas...

Schutzhund

Schutzhund, which means “protection dog” in German, is a canine sport designed to evaluate and improve a dog’s qualities in order to make them more useful. Schutzhund was initially created as a suitability exam for German Shepherds. Over time, however, lots of other dog breeds participate in the sport, including Beaucerons. In fact, the breed is a great match for Schutzhund due to their extreme obedience. There are lots of Schutzhund training clubs across the country where your dog can join and get trained.

Run Interval Training

This type of training refers to a combination of short bursts of intense activity and some slower movement. It is a method normally used by runners, one that can also be beneficial to dogs. The Beauceron will excel in this training because they respond to commands easily and have the aerobic capacity to go fast in a run.

Conclusion

Consider yourself lucky if you are an owner of a Beauceron. This lovely dog breed has lots of amazing and impressive qualities that make them a great choice for a pet. However, Beaucerons have certain needs and activity requirements that they must meet. Therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure that these needs are met. The abovementioned activity ideas are a great way to start!