Activities For Blue Spaniels
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Introduction
Blue Spaniels are intelligent, sweet, and always ready to play. This mix of the Blue Heeler and the Cocker Spaniel is a versatile blend of smarts and drive and will excel at almost anything you want to try. Activities for Blue Spaniels can vary from highly involved sports like FlyBall to relaxing walks on the beach. However, these dogs are not couch potatoes and will require plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Both the Cocker Spaniel and Blue Heeler are known for their intelligence, so it's a good idea to include activities that challenge their brains into your daily routine.
Dog Park Fun
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Doggy waste bags
Activity description
Cocker Spaniels are known to be social and active dogs who love to play and they often pass this trait on to breeds they are mixed with. Heading to a dog park is one of the best activities for Blue Spaniels because they will have plenty of opportunities to mix and mingle with other puppy friends and satisfy their need for social interaction. It's important to socialize your dog early and often, and regular trips to the dog park will help your pup in many ways. Not only will they run, wrestle, and play until they're tired, but they will learn many important social skills from other dogs who visit.
Step
1
Find a park
Dog parks are increasing in popularity as more people look for off-leash areas where their pups can play. Many cities and towns have multiple dog parks to choose from. Take some time and do a little research to find the nearest park or the one that's the best fit. Some parks have fenced in walking trails while others are optimized for maximum playtime. You can pick one that peaks your interest or vow to visit all the parks in your area!
Step
2
Manners first
Before you head out to the park to let your Blue Spaniel run like a maniac with other dogs, you need to make sure they know basic commands and can obey dog park rules. Be sure they can come when you call them, even when distracted. If your dog is off leash, it needs to be on voice command. Make sure they can sit and stay until you release them. Your dog should not be pulling your arm off to join the other dogs while you try to get the leash off. Another rule of the park for you is to be sure to pick up after your dog to help keep the park clean.
Step
3
Play time
When you know where you're going and your dog understands the rules, it's time to play. The first time you go to a park, try to attend during off hours so your dog can get used to it. Once they understand how it works, find a way to make going to the dog park part of your routine. Weekly social time will make sure your Blue Spaniel gets the socialization they need and the playtime with other dogs they love.
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Flyball
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Hurdles
Tennis ball
Flyball box
Activity description
Your Blue Spaniel was made for Flyball! This fun, fast-paced relay race requires your dog to jump over several hurdles at top speed to reach a spring-loaded box with a pedal. They must step on the pedal to release a tennis ball, grab the ball in their mouth, and run as fast as they can back to their owner before the next dog on the team has to go. Flyball competitions welcome all breeds and sizes of dogs. It's a social sport for both you and your pup, and requires them to concentrate and move at top speeds. These are all reasons why Flyball is one of the best activities for Blue Spaniels. Moderate in expense, this activity is worth every penny spent!
Step
1
Catch the ball
The first step is to teach your dog to catch a tennis ball in the air. This shouldn't take any time at all, and will most likely be a natural reflect for your dog. Both Blue Heelers and Cocker Spaniels love chasing balls and have quick reflexes. Toss the ball to your dog at longer distances and reward them each time they catch the ball. You can use the tennis ball to help teach the next parts of the game.
Step
2
Over the hurdles
The first component of Flyball is a series of three hurdles. Luckily for your medium-sized dog, the height is set for the smallest dog on the team, so getting over them shouldn't be too hard. Start by having your dog follow the ball back and forth over one hurdle. Give them a treat each time so they get excited. Next, line up the three hurdles in a row and lead your dog over them together. The last step is to get them to run the hurdles by themselves. You can throw the ball over the hurdles and give them a command while they chase the ball.
Step
3
The box
The spring box might be the most difficult piece of learning Flyball. You can break the process down into pieces, so your dog learns step-by-step. First, reward your dog for sniffing and being curious about the box. Encourage them to use their paw to touch the pedal release. Keep challenging them to step on the pedal with greater force. Once they hit it hard enough to release the ball, they won't need any more encouragement. The last step is to get them to run up to the box, tap it, and run back to you with the ball. Put this action together with the hurdles and you are ready for Flyball!
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Beach Running
Popular
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Hot Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Ball
Towel
Doggy Waste Bags
Activity description
If you live near the shore, one of the most fun activities for Blue Spaniels is running on the beach. These dogs love to run through the wet sand, jump in the waves, and explore tide pools even more than you. Many beaches allow dogs off-leash at certain times of day, and if you live near the shore, it's the perfect before or after work exercise for both of you. You can run alongside your dog, or send them running along the shore after a tennis ball. The soft sand is good for their joints and will tire them out without taking too much time.
Step
1
Beach rules
Before you head out on the sand, it's important to understand the dog rules at each beach you want to go to. Some beaches have specific hours dogs are allowed to run off leash, some have specific areas just for dogs, and others don't allow dogs at all. It's important to research the rules before you go so you don't make it harder for other dog owners to use the beach in the future. The number one, universal rule for all dog owners is to pick up after your pup. Keep the beach clean to ensure access for all four-legged friends.
Step
2
Beach it up
After you've made a plan, head out to the beach! Bring a ball, a towel for sand, a leash, and your poop bags and hit the sand. Your Blue Spaniel will be so excited that may run circles around you, roll in the sand, and run up to the water. When you first go to the beach, you may need to take time letting them adjust to the ocean. Waves can be intimidating for pups, so watch the size of the water and only let them play in the small waves.
Step
3
Summer routine
Work beach time into your summer routine. You can schedule a regular day that you head to the shore, or you can go every day if you're close enough. You might meet new friends who also bring their dogs at the same time or you can invite other friends to join you. Not only will your dog benefit from beach time, but you might find yourself happier and relaxed. If you can, try to continue this into the winter even when it gets chilly.
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More Fun Ideas...
Obedience Class
Your Blue Spaniel is eager to please and loves to work together with you. Take them to an obedience class to learn basic commands and set a foundation for future learning.
Frisbee
If your dog inherited the athleticism of the Blue Heeler, they will love to jump up and fetch frisbees. Challenge them by throwing the discs high into the air or at a distance for them to run and catch.
Conclusion
Activities for Blue Spaniels need to play to their athletic strengths and their mental aptitude. Social games like Flyball or even just going to a dog park will give them a social outlet and challenge them mentally. These dogs make excellent family pets and will be up for almost anything you want to do, even curl up on the couch and read a book together. Planning activities for your dog each day will ensure they keep up their muscle tone and have a long and healthy life. You can count on your pup to be at your side for a long time.