Activities For Elk-A-Bees

Home
Dog Activities
Activities For Elk-A-Bees

1k Views

0 Comments

0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

A cross between the Norwegian Elkhound and the Beagle dog breeds, an Elk-a-Bee is a highly inquisitive, gentle dog. The Elkhound has traits of being an extremely energetic dog, which, when combined with a Beagle's love of adventure, can make for an affectionate, constant companion who needs at least 90 minutes of exercise per day.

Both Beagles and Elkhounds have a high prey drive, which makes them better suited for a fenced-in yard and not having smaller animals as housemates. Elk-a-Bees are great with children and are fantastic watchdogs for your home. Both breeds are known to be stubborn, so training is important.

Training Classes

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Hard

1 hr

Items needed

harness

leash

treats

Activity description

Elk-a-Bees are extremely stubborn because both breed mixes (Beagles and Norwegian Elkhound) are known to have stubborn streaks. As a result, it is best to train them from an early age with the help of a professional.

If your area has dog training classes (most pet stores do, too), enroll Fido in the class as a young pup to increase the training retention.

In the class, the professional will teach you and your dog the basic of how to sit, stay, and recall, which can come in handy with a hunting dog breed who loves to explore and chase small (and large) animals.

Step

Find local obedience classes

Before you can begin to train your pup, you have to find and enroll in a local obedience class. If you have just gotten the dog, many pet stores offer puppy training at a reduced cost, as well as training for older dogs. Training in a class is great because it also provides your dog with the socialization that they will need and teaches you how to give your new family member the best obedience skills possible.

Step

Teach the basics

Most obedience classes focus first on the simple commands of sit and stay. Once your pup has those down, you can continue the training with the more advanced classes. Since Elk-a-Bees have twice the hunting genes, you should strongly consider training your pup on the recall command. It could save your pup’s life, as well as the life of another animal.

Step

Practice, practice, practice

You may think once you’ve completed training classes that your dog will know and obey every command every time. Not so. As with any learned behavior, you must practice with your dog at different times and under different circumstances so that the training stays fresh in their mind. Treats are sure to help Fido remember.

Add your dog's photo

Dog Park

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Water

Waste bags

Activity description

Off-leash dog parks are a great place for dogs to learn socialization and burn off excess energy. All you need is a leash to walk from the parking lot to the park gates. (Most parks advise you not to leave the leash on the dog after you are inside the gates because your dog might feel threatened and react aggressively.) Some dog parks require a pre-purchased pass and up-to-date immunization records.

While it may be tempting to use the time at the dog park for human conversation, it is important to keep an eye on your dog and the other dogs at all times. Don't bring treats into the dog park (unless you want all the dogs to surround you) but you can usually bring toys. Be sure to check, as some dog parks are strict on the items they allow inside.

Step

Find local off-leash dog parks

Many bigger towns and cities have off-leash dog parks where your pup can run free in a safe, fenced-in yard. The parks often have their own water fountain for the dogs to stay hydrated. Some fancier dog parks even have agility equipment in the park, which can be a great place to train your dog and give them excellent exercise opportunities.

Step

Load up Fido in the car

If you usually take your pup for car rides only to visit the vet or groomer, your dog might be anxious in the car. Taking them to a park instead of the vet can help ease their car anxiety. If your dog just doesn’t like cars at all or gets car sick, this activity probably isn’t one they will enjoy, but they'll be glad they hopped in when they get to the park!

Step

Let your dog run off-leash

Dog parks are a great place to safely let Fido run off-leash, but if your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, don’t take them to the dog park. Take them to a regular park where they can stay on their leash. It is important to watch your dog at all times in the dog park because dogs tend to play rough and a play session can turn into a violent wrestling match in an instant.

Add your dog's photo

Find the Treat

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Dog treats

Items around the house

Activity description

Find the Treats is an easy game that lets your Elk-a-Bee use their strong sense of smell to discover treats that you've hidden around the house. Use small kibble so that your pup doesn't eat too many treats in one day, but make sure each treat is big enough to be found with a bit of a challenge.

Both Elkhounds and Beagles are known for their strong sense of smell, making this the perfect activity for a cross of both breeds. They want to be out sniffing for potential danger, so giving them the opportunity to use their sniffers to find treats lets them feel successful and hone their natural talents at the same time.

Step

Hide the treats

The first time your pup discovers a hidden bit of kibble in the house, they will be delighted and continue to investigate their surroundings. Each time a kibble or treat is found, lavish verbal praise on Fido to let them know they did a good job, then hide some more!

Step

Repeat step 1 for 30 mins

You don’t want to give your pup too many treats in the middle of the day or you'll risk causing weight problems. A handful of kibble should be enough for one game of Hide the Treats. Either you or your helper should hold the dog while the other places the kibble in the hiding spots, making sure your dog isn’t watching you the whole time. Then let your dog go and follow their nose.

Step

End with a routine

When you have sufficiently fed both Fido's tummy and sniffer, find a routine that works for both of you to let them know that there are no more treats coming. This might be a short outside walk (after those treats, it's a good idea!) or a simple cuddle time on the couch with the TV for a few minutes. Whatever your preference, having the same routine will help Fido understand that the game time is over and the treats are all gone!

Add your dog's photo

More Fun Ideas...

Fetch

Fetch is the simplest game to play with your dog and one that most dogs love endlessly. In fact, you are more likely to tire out long before Fido does. You can use anything on hand to throw and watch as you pup runs after it and hopefully brings it back. Some dog breeds aren't quite trained in the rules of fetch, particularly the part where they have to give the toy back.

Walk Around the Block

If you're short on time or inspiration, a brisk walk around the block a time or two is a quick, easy way to let your dog burn off some energy. The best part is -- it doesn't cost anything except your time! All you need is a leash and a willing dog.

Conclusion

Elk-a-Bees are a unique dog breed that isn't seen around town that often, so if you take your pup to the dog park, pet store, or just about anywhere, be prepared to be stopped and asked what kind of dog they are and answer a million questions repeatedly.

Your cross-breed dog will require at least an hour of exercise per day to keep them happy and healthy.

These fun activities will let your Elkhound/Beagle combo get enough daily exercise, and a tired pup is a happy pup (and a pup that stays out of trouble)!