Activities For Boxer Bassets
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Boxer Basset is a hybrid dog. The parent breeds are the Boxer and the Basset Hound. Often, the Boxer Basset is more of a couch potato. This means you may need to prod them to participate in activities. The Boxer Basset has a great nose, so perhaps games inventing scent might be just what the Boxer Basset ordered. You can create some fun indoor scent games for rainy days (or if you don't have access to a large backyard in which to play). You can also enter your Boxer Basset in scent trials should you have a club near you that offers the opportunity.
Indoor Scent Games
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
sturdy cups
cubes of cheese or diced ham
Activity description
Do you live in an apartment? Perhaps you have a home that does not have much of a backyard? Maybe you live in an area that experiences a good bit of inclement weather. You can easily bring some of the scent games indoors! The scent games described below will prevent your Boxer Basset from becoming bored. Are you considering one of the outdoor scent trials in the near future? One of the following recommended activities can help with training and preparation. These rather inexpensive activities can also be great rainy day activities, particularly if you cannot get outside for a daily walk.Â
Step
1
Find the food
Take the time to hide a few pieces of kibble in areas that your dog tends to frequent. When Fido “finds” the kibble, praise them by saying "good find it." You might even want to guide them to other areas where you’ve hidden food, using the command “find it” as you get near some hidden treat. You can hide them under the edge of a piece of furniture, or you can place them underneath the dog's blanket. As the dog begins to “get it,” you can begin changing the hiding place and the hidden treasure (you might put a cube of cheese in a food dispenser toy, for instance).
Step
2
Pick the hand
Kneel down in front of your dog, being sure that you have their attention. Using a piece of diced ham or a piece of cheese inside your fist with the palm facing downward, command the dog to “find it.” As they sniff your hand, open your hand and give them praise. Next, introduce both palms – one with a treat and one without. The dog should be naturally drawn to the fist holding the food. Again, reward Fido with praise when they find the hidden treat. Switch up the hands holding the food.
Step
3
Shell game
Now, grab some sturdy cups that will not tip over easily or break as Fido plays the game. Making sure you have your pup's attention, place a treat under each cup. Encourage them to "find it." Because there's a treat under each cup, praise them for finding the food. As the dog begins to understand, remove the food items until there is only one piece of food under one cup. This makes Fido depend upon their nose to find the treat.
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Scent Trials
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
60 min
Items needed
scented toys
cloths scented with lavender or valerian essential oils
Activity description
The Basset Hound parent breed is known as a scent hound. Most Boxer Bassets will inherit this trait as well. When planning activities, it is always a great idea to plan for games that get the laid-back Boxer Basset moving due to their own volition. Nose games do this! You need not enter your canine companion in bonafide scent trials. You can train your buddy at home and set up a few obstacles for them to run through. This provides great interaction with you, which always makes your canine companion happy. However, if you're interested, the AKC and a number of local clubs sponsor scent trial games that you can enter as often as you wish for a nominal fee.
Step
1
Observe
Most experts recommend taking Fido and attending a scent trial demonstration or event before you ever begin training your furry pal to compete. Scent trials are typically loud, boisterous events. You know your dog's personality best. If you observe and don't believe this is the right event for Fido, you can always work with them at home.
Step
2
Train
Even if you decide not to participate in public scent trials, you can still set up a scent event in your own backyard. First, get your dog accustomed to the scent they will be tracking. Use only lavender or anise essential oils. These are safe for dogs, and they have a strong scent. If you want to be sure of their suitability for your Boxer Basset, check with the vet first. Put a few drops on a cloth, and allow the dog to smell it. You'll need a partner to hide the cloth in another area of the yard. Then simply encourage Fido to "find" the item.
Step
3
Practice often
Once your dog understands the objective of finding the scented cloth, you can move the item from place to place. In a real scent trial, you might have to traverse hills, and find the scented item under rocks or tethered to a post. You can simulate this in your backyard, should you decide not to participate in scent events. Practice at least twice a week.
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Interactive Fun
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
leash
doggy waste bags
Activity description
The Boxer Basset loves any activity that allows them to enjoy one-on-one time with you. Of course, this includes spending time curled up on the couch together, but, in the interest of keeping your dog happy and healthy, it's best to get Fido moving. Are you athletic yourself? Then the Boxer Basset can take part in your workout! Take the Boxer Basset out for a sprint around the neighborhood. Do you live near the beach? A run on the springy sand is good for both your joints and the Boxer Basset's. If you're not a runner, you can always engage in some fun backyard games. However, be cautious, these activities should always be in twenty minute intervals, especially if your pup inherited the Boxer's brachycephalic nose.
Step
1
Canine sprint walking
Experts say that the typical dog walk is highly unlikely to burn many calories for either you or Fido due to the many stops to mark territory or to simply sniff the many smells on your stroll. If you see that your dog needs to lose weight, or if you want to use your regular walking time to get in a little exercise for yourself, add some sprints into your daily stroll.
Step
2
Beach running
Before running on the beach, make sure that your dog will come to you once they are off the leash. In an enclosed area, take off the leash and instruct Fido to stay. Move five steps away. Command your Boxer Basset to come to you. Give them a treat as a reward. Next, move further away. Repeat. Try this at a place that's enclosed, but more open than your backyard, like at the dog park. If Fido will come when called, you two can enjoy a run on the beach together.
Step
3
Outdoor fun
The Boxer Basset will enjoy spending time with you throwing a Frisbee. (Be sure to get a doggy disc from your pet supply store. These Frisbees are safer for your dog's mouth.) The Boxer Basset also enjoys playing fun games of fetch with a tennis ball or a rope toy. Speaking of rope toys, you might also engage in a game of tug of war. Just let Fido "win" from time to time.
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Swimming
The Boxer Basset will enjoy joining you in the pool. Ensure that they have a swim vest, and practice their "doggy paddle" by placing your hands under their tummy while standing in the shallow part of the pool. Once the dog is using all four legs to swim, you can allow them to frolic as you supervise.
Hiking
A good hike is always fun for the Boxer Basset. However, keep in mind that they may have the short snout of the Boxer parent breed. Keep hikes - particularly if it is very hot or cold - to twenty minutes at a maximum, traverse relatively easy terrain, and keep water available at all times.
Conclusion
The Boxer Basset is a friendly and affectionate pooch that really loves nothing more than spending time with their family. Plan activities that include interaction with you or with other family members, and you'll find this couch potato eager to join in the fun! Don't forget that this hound has a nose for intriguing scents. You can sign them up to participate in scent trials or you can set up "scent events" in your own backyard. No matter how you choose to plan activities, those that get the Boxer Basset moving alongside in fun are ultimately their favorite.