Activities For Bockers

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Introduction

Beagles and Cocker Spaniels are both great hunting dogs, so when bred together, their offspring are likely to also acquire these same skills. These active little pups, which are called Bockers, are going to need a fair amount of exercise and attention from their owners. We have come up with some great activities that you and your pooch can enjoy together. Whether biking, playing games or going for walks, you and your dog will bond and feel even closer to each other.

Bike Ride

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Bike
Bike Leash
Treats
Activity description

Biking is great exercise for humans, but did you know that your dog could get involved, too? On nice days, a bike ride with your energetic Bocker is a great way to get a little exercise and enjoy some quality time with your favorite canine. It can be a little tricky to train your dog to run alongside your bike, but once you have it down, 30-minute bike rides are completely appropriate. Take the time to properly train your dog before you hit the streets. It is important to remember that not all dogs will enjoy being close to cars and traffic, so if your dog isn't into it, try a different activity.

Step
1
Introduce the bike and commands
The first thing you need to do is introduce your dog to the bike. Start with your bike on its side and reward your dog with a treat for exploring the bike. Once your dog seems comfortable, pick up the bike and walk your dog next to it outside. Reward your dog for walking in a controlled manner next to the bike. When your dog seems to have this down, it is time to move on to the next step. To keep your dog safe during bike rides, they need to know some basic commands. Start by teaching your dog commands like "away," "close," "slow," "fast," and "stop." These commands can help you keep your dog safe during your bike ride, especially when you are near traffic.
Step
2
Introduce the bike leash
A bike leash is the safest, easiest way to ride your bike with your Bocker. While it may be tricky to get your dog used to the leash, you can attach the leash to your dog and the bike, and continue walking next to the bike with your dog. Make sure that you are walking on the opposite side of the bike as your dog so that they are comfortable being right next to the bike. When they are comfortable, you can move on to riding the bike.
Step
3
Hop on the bike
Once your dog has all of the commands down and understands the bike leash, it is time to start riding. Start out going very slowly. Reward your dog when they listen to your commands and behave appropriately while you are on the bike. You may also want to stop the bike if your dog starts to pull on the leash. As you and your dog start to feel more comfortable, you can speed up your rides and go on longer rides.
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Hide and Seek

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Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
A good game of Hide and Seek can be fun for both you and your Bocker. All you really need for this great game is your dog and yourself, but you can make things a little more fun for your dog with some treats. This is a game best played indoors, so the weather doesn't matter. While this is a game that challenges your dog both mentally and physically, it is best to only play in short doses to keep your dog interested. Try to keep it under 30 minutes per game. If you don't want to hide yourself, you can hide treats instead.
Step
1
Teach the game
You might want to start by teaching your dog basic commands like "stay" and "come" if they don't already know them. Your pet needs to follow these commands even when you are out of sight for this game to work. Once your Bocker understands these little commands, place your dog in a "stay," and go off to hide. When you have hidden yourself away, you can call your dog to "come" and watch them try to find you.
Step
2
Reward your dog
When your dog finds you, it is important to reward them with a treat. This is how they will understand that you want them to come and get you. The best part of the game is that you can continue to pick new places to hide and watch your dog learn how to find you faster and faster. To keep the game fair, don't hide in places that your dog doesn't have access to, such as a closed off room.
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Follow the Scent

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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Essential Oils like Lavender, Anise, or Valerian
Toy
Shreds of Paper
Activity description

Bockers are hunting dogs known for their keen sense of smell. A little game of Follow the Scent is a great way to put your dog's nose to the test. It can be played indoors or outside and it is relatively easy to teach to your Bocker. You will need to have essential oils for this game, but it is important to only use lavender, anise, or Valerian essential oil, as other oils can be dangerous for dogs. Verify the use with your veterinarian, just to be sure, before you begin. Since this game is both mentally and physically stimulating, it is a good idea to keep it under 30 minutes at a time to avoid complete exhaustion.

Step
1
Teach the game
Your dog naturally follows their nose, but when you want them to do it on command, it might take a little training. Pick your dog's favorite toy, and place a few drops of the veterinarian approved essential oils on the toy. Once the oil has soaked into the toy, use the toy to play fetch with your dog. Reward your dog with a treat after the game of fetch to teach your dog the wanted behavior.
Step
2
Hide the toy
When your dog isn't around, hide the toy with the oil on it. Take a sheet of paper, place a few drops of the oil on the paper, and rip it into tiny pieces. Use these tiny pieces of paper to create a trail to the toy. You can choose your own starting point. Bring your dog to the start point, and command then to find the toy. When they find the toy, praise them with a treat. Repeat as often as you'd like. Be sure to pick up the paper as soon as the game is finished so that your Bocker does not snack on them.
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More Fun Ideas...

Play Fetch

One of the most fun games for hunting dogs is fetch. Throw your Bocker's favorite toy, and reward them when they bring it back to you and release it. Repeat the process for a fun game with your pooch.

Go for a Swim

While not all dogs enjoy getting in the water, your Bocker might love a dip in the water. Give it try in a pool or lake nearby.

Conclusion

Bockers are fun, energetic little dogs. If you own a Bocker, get ready to stay active, as these little hunters are known for running around and their keen sense of smell. It can be very fun to watch those instincts in action, which is why we chose the activities we did for you and your Bocker.