Activities For Boston Spaniels
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Introduction
The Boston Spaniel is a hybrid of the Boston Terrier and Cocker Spaniel. Dogs of the hybrid are typically medium in size with a sturdy build. A Boston Spaniel is a bright, affectionate dog who will love to play and spend time with their family. As far as activity goes, the Boston Spaniel will require a moderate amount of both physical and mental stimulation to maintain their overall health. Fortunately, there are plenty of things that your Boston Spaniel will enjoy engaging in that will keep them busy as well as provide the opportunity for you to spend time together.
"Stay" Command
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Any Day
Free
Normal
5 - 30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
The Boston Spaniel has a tendency to be stubborn, thanks to one of the parent breeds (the Boston Terrier). This makes teaching your pup a few basic commands even more important, as it is likely they won't naturally follow along and you definitely want your pup to know that YOU are the one in charge. An important command to work on with your Boston Spaniel is "stay". Your pup's ability to follow that command will be important for their safety, as well as for activities that you plan to do together. So grab some treats and get started. Working on commands at home is a free and necessary activity that can be practiced for just minutes a day!
Step
1
Find a place to practice
As you begin working on the command "stay" with your dog, be sure that you do so in a place where your dog can't run away. After all, if they have not mastered "stay" you cannot feel confident that they will not run off and find some trouble. Fortunately, you don't need much space to practice and working on this command can be done inside or out.
Step
2
Get started
You can find information online on how to work with your dog on the command "stay". YouTube videos can be particularly helpful as you can watch the video again and again as you work with your dog, to catch things that you may have missed or to answer questions that have come up when working with your pooch. You will definitely want to be ready with treats and plenty of praise. Start by rewarding your dog with a treat and praise each time they don't run off when you say "stay". Over many repetitions, your pup will grasp that they should not go anywhere when they hear the word "stay".
Step
3
Keep practicing
Every dog is different; your pup may figure out the command "stay" relatively quickly or it may take a lot of effort on your part. Have patience and remember that no matter how stubborn your pup is, they can learn. Continue repetitions on a regular basis. Even once it appears that your pup has gotten the hang of the command, you will want to regularly practice with them in order to keep the command fresh in their mind.
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Hide And Seek
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Any Day
Free
Easy
10 - 30 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Boston Spaniels tend to be sensitive to extreme weather conditions. So when it is particularly hot or cold, it is best to engage in activities with your pup in a controlled environment. One great activity for your pup that can be played inside or out is hide and seek. This game can be simple, where you hide and your dog finds you, or more complicated, where more than one person hides or your Boston Spaniel is encouraged to find a favorite toy that you have hidden. Not much is needed to play; just some treats as rewards!
Step
1
Getting started
First, you will want to be sure that your dog is comfortable with the command "stay". This may already be something you have worked on in obedience training. If not, this will be the first step in playing hide and seek. If "stay" is a work in progress for your pooch, you can also play the game with a friend, who can hold on to your dog's collar while you go and hide.
Step
2
Time to play
Once your pup has shown that they can "stay", or you have a friend to hang on to your pup, take a treat with you and find a place to hide. Once you have hidden, you can call for your pup to find you. When your Boston Spaniel tracks you down, be sure to reward them with enthusiasm and a treat. You can then have them "stay" while you hide again. Repeat for as long as you and your pup like.
Step
3
Increase the challenge
Once your pup has the game down, you can mix it up to increase the challenge for your dog. For example, you can choose to hide in more challenging spots. Or, you can have more than one person hide and encourage your dog to find everyone who has hidden. Another possibility is to hide a favorite toy of your dog's and have them track it down. Regardless of how complicated you make the game, it will be a great way for you and your pooch to spend quality time together!
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Frisbee Fun
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
10 - 30 min
Items needed
Frisbee
Treats
Water and Bowl
Waste Bags
Activity description
Your dog will love spending time with you playing frisbee, which will provide them with the physical activity that they need as well as the chance to bond with you. Frisbee is an ideal game for when the weather is moderate (not too hot or too cold) and you have an open space where you can play. If your pup has not yet played frisbee, it may require some training. Fortunately, your pup should quickly get the hang of this simple game, and before long, the two of you will be able to enjoy one another's company as well as the fresh air.
Step
1
Introduce the frisbee
First, you need to get a frisbee. You can choose a regular frisbee or a canine version of the popular item. Once you have the frisbee, you will want to introduce it to your pooch. Encouraging them to run after the frisbee and bring it back may take some time and training efforts. Rewarding your pup with treats and praise each time they go for the frisbee and head toward you with it will help make a positive association between
going after and returning the frisbee.
Step
2
Frisbee frolic
As your Boston Spaniel gets the hang of how to play frisbee, you will want to find a good space for the two of you to play. A fenced-in yard is a perfect place for you and your pup to play where your dog will be able to run and get the frisbee without you having to worry about their safety. A fenced dog park is a suitable location as well. Playing frisbee is definitely an outdoor activity, and make sure the temperature is moderate to avoid any issues for your pup.
Step
3
Play time
A great aspect of playing frisbee with your dog is that you can play for as long or as little as you would like. You can also increase the challenge for your pup as they are ready for it. You can start by not throwing the frisbee far, and as your pup gets the hang of it you can increase the distance that you throw the disc. Not good at throwing a frisbee? Not to worry; there will be no judgement from your dog, who will be happy to help you practice while you enjoy quality time together outdoors.
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More Fun Ideas...
Puzzle Toy Play
Mental stimulation is important for Boston Spaniels and one way to be sure that your dog gets a mental workout is by offering them a puzzle toy. There are different types of puzzle toys which are typically made of hard plastic or rubber and can be filled with something yummy, like treats, kibble or peanut butter. Your dog will work to manipulate the toy in such a way that they can get the edible items inside the toy out. This will require both physical and mental activity and will keep your pup occupied. Time with a puzzle toy will also provide you with some entertainment as you watch your pup attempt to figure out the toy and get their treat.
Tug of War
A fun game for your Boston Spaniel that can be played indoors or out is Tug of War. The game will meet the instincts of your pup as they try to get control of the object (perhaps a rope or one of your pup's toys). Tug of war is not just about strength. You can use the game to work with your dog on releasing the object on occasion. This will likely involve some training (and some treats). In return for letting go of the item that you both have been tugging, your pup can enjoy a treat. You can also work on different commands during the game, like "sit" or "stand". Your dog will not only get some energy out while spending time with their favorite person, but they will have the chance to learn new things as well.
Play Treibball
Treibball is a fun game for your Boston Spaniel to play outdoors on a nice day. The object of the game is to move eight large fitness balls down the length of a soccer field and through a goal. A competitive dog sport, when being played officially the game is timed. You and your pup can be as serious as you like when engaging in the activity. First, work with your dog on moving the ball along the field and then returning for the next ball; you may need to show them what to do by doing it yourself.. Reward them with treats and praise as they get the hang of what to do. Once they have gotten the game down, you can increase the challenge by timing your pup and seeing if they can improve on their fastest time.
Conclusion
While they don't require extensive physical activity, the Boston Spaniel will require both physical and mental exercise to maintain their overall health. They can get their activity through a few walks each day or through a myriad of other activities. As the breed can be sensitive to extremes in weather, it is best to be cognizant of the temperature and plan indoor and outdoor activities accordingly. Fortunately, no matter what activities you decide to engage in with your pup, you will find that there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy quality time with one another.