Activities For Enga-Apsos

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Introduction

The Enga-Apso is a hybrid dog that's bred by combining the genes of the English Toy Spaniel with those of a purebred Lhasa Apso. This small breed dog is a relatively new addition to the dog world. They've been described as having a bouncy, curious and somewhat stubborn personality, coupled with a moderate energy level. 

The Enga-Apsos get's their sometimes stubborn and extremely bold personalities from their Lhaso Apso parent. The Lhaso Apso has long hair that covers their eyes giving them an adorable appearance. They need daily excise in any form but they enjoy romps and games in the yard. The English Toy Spaniel can present themselves as calm and quiet, though they know how to have a fun time. They're a devoted companion who doesn't need an excess amount of exercise. Therefore, the Enga-Apsos can live in apartments, like their parent breeds, though you'll need to provide them with ample stimulation to keep them satisfied. 

Dig Zone

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0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
15-30 Minutes
Items needed
Toys to Bury
Area to Dig
Sledge Hammer
2 by 4 Pieces of Wood
Shovel
Activity description

The Enga-Apso can have a tendency to dig or bark when left alone or when they have built up energy. Turn this negative into a constructive activity by creating a personalized dig space in your own backyard. If you don't have a backyard for digging, try a different outdoor game such as fetch or keep away.

For those who have a backyard with space to sacrifice, begin by deciding where you want the dig zone, and how big it will be. Once this is determined, you can pick up the necessary supplies to section off the area. With the dig zone built, give your pooch free reign and use conditioning to teach them the restrictions on digging. Use digging as an outlet for releasing energy and keeping your Enga-Apso occupied. Allow your pooch to dig during supervised sessions until you're sure they won't leave the zone.

Step
1
Picking a Location
For a dig area, you want a spot that's out of the way, perhaps located close to the edge of your yard. Ideally, you will want to select an area that has both shade and sun exposure, so your pooch can escape the heat while they dig. You will likely lose any grass in the dig area, so pick a spot you won't miss!
Step
2
Prepping the Area
Enga-Apsos are quite small in size, so you won't need a large digging area to make them happy. Try making the space at least five feet by five feet. This will give you room to try out different activities in the space, such as hiding objects. Grab 2 by 4 pieces of wood to use to box out a frame for the zone. Using a large sledgehammer, hit the boards into the ground. Following this, use a shovel to loosen the earth inside of the box, making it easy to dig in.
Step
3
Introducing the Zone
Once your zone is assembled, bring your pooch over and introduce them to it. You can hide an object in the area and encourage them to seek it, using treats as an incentive. Hiding treats is another option to initiate the digging. You want to ensure you establish that this is the only place for digging. This may take time and correcting when your pup digs outside of the zone. Supervising them after you create the box is recommended until they learn to distinguish the difference.
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Quick & Easy Games

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Any Day
Free
Easy
15-30 min
Items needed
Flirt Pole
Ball
Treats
Activity description

Enga-Apsos are dogs that love to play, whether it's a romp in the yard or a brain game that gets them thinking. You can initiate and play a game at any time which is why they're convenient activities to use for exercise. 

Try playing different games that can be used indoors and out, such as fetch, hide and seek or using a flirt pole. All three games require minimal materials to play. Once you have your flirt pole, a ball and some treats, you can play any of the activities conveniently. Diversify your Enga-Apsos activity schedule by trying out each game, and revisiting them repeatedly throughout the week. You can combine playing a game with digging, by using the dig area to hide objects as well as for digging freely. 

Step
1
Playing Active Fetch
Play a quick game of fetch with your Enga-Apsos to give them a fast, hearty workout. The more space you have, the better for this activity. Use a small ball that your pup can manage and toss the ball as far as you can to get them to run. As soon as your dog sets off for the ball, take off running in a different direction. That way, they need to run twice as far to get back to you for another though, maximizing their workout! Keep throwing until you tire them out.
Step
2
Using a Flirt Pole
Use a flirt pole either indoors and out, for a quick movement session. A flirt pole is just a pole with a distraction object on the end, that you can use to make your pooch move. Typically, a dog will follow the pole, by moving it back and forth, or up and down to get them to jump. Because of the little space they require, you can play inside. Take the pole outside and for a run if you're looking to really exhaust your pup.
Step
3
Hide-and-Seek
Hide and seek can also be done inside or out, depending on how many spots you have available in your backyard for hiding! Simply begin by having your pooch stay while you hide. When in your spot, make a call sound so your pup comes looking. Reward them when they find you and play another round. Make the game even more engaging by hiding sporadically throughout your day when you have the chance, such as when you leave a room and your Enga-Apso doesn't expect it.
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Aquatic Adventures

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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
60 min
Items needed
Water (Pool or Beach)
Leash
Water Toys (Ball or Stick)
Towel
Activity description

Spend the day lounging by the pool or on the beach with your pooch. In this setting, you can explore various activities together that involves getting wet! Whether you're at a pool or beach, hit the water with your pup and enjoy some free swimming. Lead them through the water while they learn to navigate it on their own.

Once your pup's comfortable swimming, diversify their experience by adding some toys to the mix. Playing keep away is a fun way to encourage your pup to swim consistently for prolonged periods of time, which is great for their endurance! You could also bring your game of fetch to the water by tossing a favorite toy for your pooch to swim too, or try it on the beach to work up a sweat before hitting the water! 

Step
1
Free Swimming
One technique for getting your Enga-Apsos into the water is using plenty of treats to coax them in. Once they're in, swim ahead of them into the semi-deep water and call them to you while praising them along the way. If you're pup's brave, they may dive right on in. Most dogs will try swimming but turn around and go back when they can't feel the ground. If this happens, it's okay. Praise all attempts your pup makes to swim and be patient while they gain their confidence in the water.
Step
2
Water Fetch
Another way to promote your pooch to enter the water is by using a favorite toy. Start off playing fetch on the beach or by the pool. Slowly move closer to the water with each throw until your inside. Keep throwing the ball, and encourage your pup to swim to you to return it. Eventually, just toss the ball in the water so that your pup has to swim to retrieve it.
Step
3
Keep Away
Keep away is another game that will force your pup to swim continuously. For this game, grab another player. Position yourself in the water, so you're spread out with your dog between you. Once in position, get your pup's attention by holding out the toy and excitedly calling their name. As they swim towards you to get it, toss the toy back to the other play. As a result, they will switch directions and try to chase the toy. Each time they arrive at the player with the toy, throw it again. Every once in a while get your pup excited by letting them beat you to the toy!
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More Fun Ideas...

Agility Tricks

Discover agility training with your Enga-Apso by visiting a training facility near you. Try some open gym time to get to know what your pooch is interested in, then build these obstacles at home, so they have unlimited access. Try jump obstacles of weave pole to challenge your Enga-Apso physically.

Daily Walks

Give your Enga-Apso fresh air and aerobic exercise daily by taking a relaxing stroll through your neighborhood. Diversify the routes you choose so your pooch can see new sights and hear new sounds each day. Be on the lookout for locations to stop so your pup can roam off-leash such as a large open field or a park.

Conclusion

With the combined genes of the Lhasa Apso and English Toy Spaniel, the Enga-Apso makes for a bouncy and sometimes stubborn companion. The Enga-Apso needs lots out outlets for their energy so you must fill their schedule with interactive games and activities to keep them busy. During the hot and humid weather, hang out by a pool or at the beach so you can try out different water games like fetch, keep away or just free swimming. 

If you're looking for activities you can do around the house or in the backyard, play a game of hide-and-seek, active fetch or get your Enga-Apso moving with a flirt pole. Another activity done right at home is creating a dig zone that they can use whenever needed. Like agility training, digging for items involves both thinking and moving. Finally, incorporate daily walks into your dog's schedule so you can reap the rewards together. With a small but active dog like the Enga-Apso, expect to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour stimulating them with activities each day!Â