Activities For Boxadors

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Introduction

The Boxador is a hybrid breed being a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Boxer. They make an ideal family pooch with their playful, affectionate nature and their willingness to please their owners. Because they are so accommodating and so mild-mannered, it is easy to take them for granted and forget about giving them the attention and variety for a full happy life. Just because you always play fetch doesn't mean that you can't change. Give your dog a break and blow them some bubbles, so that they can try to pop each and every one. Try a game of soccer and see if you can use your feet to get the ball away from your soccer buddy. Take them on a different walk. Yes, that means going left instead of right when you step out from your gate. Who knows what you may find? Maybe you will end up at a new park, or find a dog-friendly café for a quick break while you both people and dog watch. Dogs don't want an easy life, they want to be challenged, interested, surprised! Try a few of the activities listed here and see the change as your dog flourishes.

Pet-Friendly Winery

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
2 - 3 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water
Doggy waste bags
Activity description
Times are changing with many businesses now encouraging visits from dog owners and their pups. Of course, your dog is so well behaved you will have no worries about manners! Always call ahead to check that the establishment you and your friends are going to visit is pet-friendly. Ask if your Boxador is allowed not just on the grounds, but in the tasting room. The grounds of the wineries are beautiful and if you are allowed to walk around, so much the better. Take some doggy waste bags to clean up after your Boxador or you may not be welcomed back. Many wineries have outdoor areas for tasting and even provide food so plan ahead and treat your dog to an upmarket experience. It will be a good socializing outing and a chance to practice their obedience skills.
Step
1
Plan the outing
Check out your local area for a winery or a brewery. Then, call beforehand and verify that your dog will be welcome to come with you. Book a table to include you, your dog and some friends for an enjoyable and memorable evening.
Step
2
An afternoon out
On the day of the visit, take your Boxador for a quick walk first to wear a bit of their energy off. Load them into the car and head out for a day of fun. You can take a toy or two for them to play with or a food dispensing toy loaded with treats which may come in handy as you sample some wine offerings.
Step
3
Include your quiet pup
Include your dog as you sit with friends or family. No doubt they will get a ton of attention as they show off their good manners. They may even tempt a few treats out of the group or the establishment owners. The change of scenery, the smells and all the attention will make your dog enjoy every minute.
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Family BBQ

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Easy
1 - 3 hrs
Items needed
BBQ Grill
Dog-safe foods
Ball or two
Activity description
As long as the sun is out, why not have a BBQ for the family instead of the usual evening dinner? Your Boxador will be over the moon with all the delicious smells wafting from the BBQ. Hold the spices on any meat you are cooking for your dog and don't feed chicken bones to them. The meat is fine, but fine bones splinter and could cause injury for your pup. While the dinner is cooking, why not play a game or two with a ball? It will take your dog's mind off the food and will be fun for the whole family. This activity will be your dog's favorite with all the smells to sniff and the smuggled treats they get from everyone. But, it will also be a time for obeying commands and practicing their manners, so the BBQ activity has a lot going for it.
Step
1
Don't plan it, just do it!
A weekend afternoon is an ideal BBQ opportunity. Dust off the BBQ and rustle up some food. Your Boxador can help by carrying out a bag or two of serviettes and non-breakable items. They will feel so important being a helper. Invite a few guests and accept the potluck items that are offered.
Step
2
Play while dinner cooks
While the chef is busy cooking all the food, gather the family - including your dog - and challenge each other to chase the ball and keep it from the dog! We all know the dog will win but it's fun trying. Every now and then roll the ball to your pup so that they do not tire of the game.
Step
3
Gather around and eat
When the food is ready, dish up and sit in the evening sun and enjoy a relaxed meal. Remember your dog (they won't let you forget) and give a few special meaty treats. However, ensure that the guests do not accommodate your pup's requests; one person serving the dog is best. Family time with a doggy participant is time well spent as bonds are strengthened.
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Photo Shoot

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Hard
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Clothing props
Other fun props
Camera
Activity description

For the photography enthusiast, you have the perfect model to practice your skills - your dog. Dress your dog up and pose them for some unique photo snaps. Not only will your dog have a ton of fun and enjoy those extra treats for being so good, but your dog photos will be entertaining and unique! Use a variety of props from old cardigans, sunglasses, hats, and gumboots!  Builders apron, baking utensils or even a motorcycle or cart - you are only limited by your imagination. You can even take your dog to the park and dress them in a detective hat and scarf as they scout out a few scent clues. Have fun and enjoy, and remember to praise your patient pup as they pose and hold!

Step
1
Start the photo shoot at home
It is easier to start the photo shoot at home where you have access to all sorts of toys, equipment and clothing. Your dog will learn to be patient, and to pose and hold. It can be a lot of fun but it is also a learning curve and good training for your dog.
Step
2
Theme your photo shoots
Dress your dog up as a detective and do a series of photos where they are sniffing out the bad guy (one of the children perhaps). A series of photos is fun to do and if the children want to help, then it will be a hilarious family occasion. Your photos of your dog and family will be unique.
Step
3
Vary the location and theme
Once your dog has got the modeling mastered, you can vary the location. The beach or a playground can make a great new photo shoot. People will be wondering who your dog is to be so famous! But the photos will be worth all the effort and your dog will absolutely love all the attention. Remember to pay (treat and reward) them well.
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More Fun Ideas...

Rent a Rowboat or a Paddle Board

A fine sunny day is perfect to take your dog out boating or paddle boarding. The Boxador has the Labrador's love of the water so they should enjoy this outing. Make sure your dog has learned to obey you, so they don't leap overboard and abandon you. Keep to shallow water for the first few times out. Your pup can be the navigator, sitting at the front of the boat or board. On a hot sunny day, this activity is perfect. Your dog will not only enjoy the change of activity, but they will get training, mental challenges and physical exercise. Make sure you have plenty of water for them to drink to refresh themselves. And ensure you clean up after them; be considerate to others using the beaches.

Dance With Your Dog

Put on some great music (just not too loud for your dog) and encourage your dog to dance with you. Take it easy at first. Get your Boxador to stand on their hind legs while you gently hold their front paws and move around to the music. Before long, you will be dancing like the professionals. Some dogs are wary of having their paws held, so teach them to trust you and reward them well. A little hand to paw holding at a time will win them around, as will the treats and the praise. This activity builds trust, fosters cooperation, and strengthens your partnership bond. But above all, it is fun!

Go For a Drive

For those times when you and your canine pal are stuck in a rut, just jump in the car and go for a drive. Wind the window down a bit so your friend can enjoy the breeze, secure them for safety when traveling. Dogs love to feel the wind in their hair, and to smell all those amazing smells that waft by. Sing your heart out as you go (but keep your concentration on the driving). Who knows what you may discover? Perhaps a new park, or maybe a market where you can wander around with your pup. Just be free to enjoy your time together and at the end of the trip, you both will feel energized and happy.

Conclusion

Your Boxador doesn't need a pile of new toys to keep them happy. Yes, it will help, but what they really want is your time and your attention! To your dog, you and your family are their everything. They live for you. You don't have to spend a fortune to keep them happy, just sit and read them a book on the porch on a hot sunny day, go swimming with them, chase them with the garden hose - it will make watering the lawn or the garden way more fun. Bury a few toys in the garden and let them dig them up. Make up an obstacle course out of boxes in the backyard and train your dog. All these things are cheap or free to do. Not only will it strengthen the bonds you have with your dog but you will have a lot of fun, and you will end up with a really well-trained dog who will do anything you want... for the cost of a treat or better still, some cuddles and praise.