Activities For Boxapoints

Your Boxapoint is a canine with an outstanding nose!  The influence of the German Shorthaired Pointer parent contributes exceptional hunting expertise, while the Boxer parent is known for their guarding, herding and bravery in military and police work, all of these traits resulting in a dog who’s nose and tenacity is second to none.  Any activity which involves the nose is easily taught and thoroughly enjoyed by all who participate.  Nose work tasks fit right into this dog's DNA, and accordingly, the technique comes naturally with those tasty tidbits highly desired by your pup!  This adventure can take place inside or out, as long as you have sufficient room to arrange the empty boxes far enough apart to challenge their nasal skill.  The containers must have lids so that “hiding” the treats is more effective, and they can be any size or shape, with six being the minimum recommended for exceptional entertainment.  While playing this easy and inexpensive game, be sure to control the number of yummy snacks consumed by your pup, ensuring they don’t overeat. Rebait the boxes as needed, allow periods for rest and rehydration, repeating the round 2 to 3 times before ending the game.

Dock diving is a fun activity if your dog enjoys the water.  While some breeds are not comfortable in the water, Boxapoints generally do well with swimming. This activity, done at home or within an organized competition, has costs which probably fall into the moderate range unless you already own property on which a pond or lake exists, or unless you have a pool at your disposal.  The dock, pond or pool must be of safe depth, allowing for space to jump into the water, expecting that arcing distances will increase with practice. If your Boxapoint is not accustomed to water games, you may have to convince them by teaching them to swim first. Once they are comfortable swimming in the water, you can move on to instructing the diving part of the exercise, with the most natural mode being the “chase” method. The chase method involves placing your pet on the dock where you want them, then tossing the toy into the water.  They will naturally follow the toy into the water, leaping after it in an arc formation instead of just jumping in. For competitions, that arcing form becomes vital.

Your Boxapoint is an active canine, requiring at least an hour every day of brisk exercise to be happy, healthy and a joy to own.  If your hybrid is still a pup, then the activity time must be adjusted downward because too much brisk exercise too often interferes with their developing bodies.  But, for your adult dog, that hour spent in high energy play will pay off at the end of the day, when your pet is curled up contentedly by the fire instead of digging holes in the backyard.  Flyball is a game played on a homemade course or a commercial one.  Because of the space required, this enterprise is best played outdoors and in relatively good weather.  If you chose to construct a course at home, you need to buy a spring-loaded flyball box from your local sports or pet store. The remaining items include tennis balls and hurdles.  The commercial venue, definitely less work on your part, will have a cost for use involved.