Activities For Doxie-Pins

You will want to begin by simply observing the scent trials at first. In fact, you may want to observe without Fido present. This will help you plan how you’ll proceed on training the dog prior to participation. Scent trials often involve introducing the dog to a scented item. Typically, this is a piece of cloth scented with dog-safe essential oils. Once the dog is introduced to the scent, the cloth item will be hidden somewhere on the trail. Dogs participating in this event are not timed. Rather, they are judged on their ability to accurately find the scented cloth amid other distractions. This is where training will come in on your part. Before you begin participating, you’ll want to allow Fido to attend a few scent trial events as well.

Training your pooch to participate in the scent trials should take place initially at home. You can also move to the park or other places that might resemble the event location once you believe your Doxie-Pin has gotten a grasp on the goal of the activity. You can begin by using the same scents that the pros use. Show the dog the scent, then have a partner hide the scented item. Encourage your clever pup to "find it." Praise them and reward with treats when they do.

You can sign your keen Doxie-Pin up for scent trials as little or as often as you’d like. Much of this decision will depend upon how well Fido enjoys participating in the trials and your proximity to places where the trials are held. If you don't participate often, at least practice training once a week at home.

This activity has a built-in reward. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be observant of your dog so that you can you can give them praise for a job well done. First, take the time to hide a few pieces of kibble in areas that your dog tends to frequent. When you notice they find the kibble, praise them for a good job. Then, guide them to other areas where you’ve hidden food, using the command “find it” as you get near a hidden treat. Experts recommend hiding treats just under the sofa or under a pillow; 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). On sunny days, you can move the game outdoors, using a boiled egg as the food. Be sure to stay so that your dog understands that the object is to find some delectable treasure.

This is a fun game that provides a treat for your dog as well. Sit down in front of your dog. Make sure that you have their attention. Using a piece of meat or a piece of cheese inside your fist, command the dog to “find it.” As they sniff your hand, open your hand and say “good find it.” Do this a few times, then get ready to introduce both palms – one with a treat and one without. The dog should be naturally drawn to the fist with the food. Again, reward Fido with praise by saying “good find it.” Now, alternate the hand in which you place the food.

Take four containers (approximately the size of a to-go coffee cup) and place them on the floor. Be sure that these containers will not break easily. Get your dog's attention, and allow them to see you as you hide a treat or cube of cheese under each container. Just as you did with "Find the food," tell Fido to "find it," and praise them when they find the item under the cup. Slowly work down to having one item under one cup.

You need not worry about making an expensive purchase to obtain a tunnel. You can get a child's play tunnel, or you can use children's waffle blocks to build a tunnel. There are pet-specific tunnels that you can buy at a pet supply store, however, if you wish. Once the tunnel is home, set it up and let your furry friend check it out. This will make them more comfortable with the upcoming task you ask of them.

You might want a partner to help you begin training. While you are at one end of the tunnel with Fido, your partner can be at the other end with a tasty treat. The partner is to get your pup's attention, show them the treat, and tell them to come to them. After the partner has accomplished this a few times, have the partner simply leave the treat at the end of the tunnel. This helps your dog to lose any fear of the enclosed tunnel.

Place a treat that might be considered "high value" at the end of the tunnel. These high value treats might be a cube of diced ham or a cube of cheese. Make sure that your pup sees the treat. Stay at the entrance with them. Command them to go through the tunnel. The simple temptation of the high value treat will ensure they perform the task.