Activities For English Toy Cocker Spaniels

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Introduction

The English Toy Cocker Spaniel is not a miniature Cocker Spaniel, but this breed is actually a designer breed. Its parent breeds are the English (sometimes American) Cocker Spaniel and the English Toy Spaniel. The resulting offspring are great companions, and this is partially due to the fact that both parent breeds were initially developed to accompany their humans on the hunt. Although they are rather small and possess a long, silky coat that seems best suited for a life of luxury, the English Toy Cocker Spaniel is actually happiest when they are allowed to participate in a wide range of activities both indoors and out.

Walking Routine

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
leash
doggy waste bags
water
Activity description
Experts recommend walking as the best exercise for the English Toy Cocker Spaniel. However, you will want to ensure that the daily walk does not become mundane for either you or your walking partner. This means that you should look at the area in which you live and start thinking about ways that you can differentiate your daily walk. Because your furry buddy has ancestors that are natural hunters, you'll find they enjoy getting out and smelling new places. In addition, you can incorporate hilly terrain into your walking territory. This will make your daily walkabout much more fun for both you and your busy pup.
Step
1
Get organized
Let's equate planning a walking regimen for your English Toy Cocker Spaniel much the same way you would for yourself. After performing the same routine every day for the same amount of time, your body becomes adapted to the activity and does not really see any muscle-building or fat-burning results. So, trainers will advise you to incorporate some challenges in your routine - walking for x number of minutes, then perhaps jogging, then back to the normal walk pace. This is what you will do with Fido - change up the routine so that they do not become bored.
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2
Change locations
While a walking track at the park might be perfect for run-of-the-mill walking with your dog, you will want to change up the pace and the scenery. First, plan to walk on the flat walking track two or three times weekly. Next, find a safe place that is a little hilly. You might even get out and walk the perimeter of your property just to change things up a bit.
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3
Hitting the beach
Remember, with the English Toy Cocker Spaniel, you won't want to embark on a hike that is several miles long - they are not built for that type of endurance. In addition, the English Toy Cocker Spaniel will enjoy running and playing on the beach - and the sand will cushion their paws. Be sure to identify dog-friendly beaches before heading out.
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Indoor Alternatives

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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
15 min
Items needed
treats as a reward
Activity description
Again, most experts recommend walking as the best exercise for the small English Toy Cocker Spaniel. Don't fret - you can still make "walking" interesting with your furry pal! Furthermore, these alternatives will help you to provide activity when the weather isn't agreeable for walking outdoors. The English Toy Cocker Spaniel generally does not require a great deal of activity, and these activities - walking up and down the stairs, walking on the treadmill, and setting up an indoor agility course - will keep your adorable pal from experiencing boredom and give them the proper amount of activity.
Step
1
Take the stairs
Would you believe just a few steps in your home can help to provide your English Toy Cocker Spaniel with the appropriate daily activity? Have a partner help out. One of you should position yourselves at the top of the stairs while the other stays at the bottom. Use treats to coax Fido to climb the stairs. Give plenty of praise. Next, do the same to entice your dog to descend back down the stairs.
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2
Walking on the treadmill
You will need to supervise your dog at all times when completing this activity. Begin by setting up the treadmill so that it does not face a wall, and gently allowing your dog to smell and otherwise explore the machine. Put a leash on Fido and guide them on and off the treadmill. Turn it on, and perhaps you might want to step on the machine so that your pup gets used to the noise of the treadmill. Finally, turning the machine on its lowest speed, let your dog walk for thirty seconds or so. As they become accustomed to the machine, increase the time, but be careful about increasing speed unless you're absolutely sure they can handle the increase.
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3
Modified agility course
Just using a few items around the home can assist you in giving your English Toy Cocker Spaniel a neat form of physical activity. Grab a broomstick and lay it across two cans of food. Have an old hula hoop? Gather it as well. Stack a rectangular box or two together. Ask Fido to traverse these "stations" in order to receive a treat from you. They'll love the interaction.
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Doggy Date

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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
leash
toys
doggy waste bags (for outdoor play dates)
Activity description
One of the most important things you can do for your dog is provide them with socialization opportunities. You can do this in a number of ways. You may take your friendly pup to the dog park, where you can meet other pet parents. Your English Toy Cocker Spaniel will enjoy making friends at the dog park as well. If a dog park is not available near you, you can schedule a playdate with your friends who are also pet parents. You can host a doggy day in your own home if you wish. Obedience classes are also excellent for honing your dog's social skills. If none of these activities appeal to you, you can always plan to head over to the local pet supply store to meet like-minded pet parents and their charges.
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1
Dog park
Sometimes the dog park is the best place to meet other pet parents. It's also a public area, so you can be assured of the safety of both you and your furry friend. Most dog parks offer walking tracks as well as obstacle courses; some even have an area in which you can unleash Fido for free play with dogs of similar size. This is a perfect opportunity for socializing your pup.
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2
Doggy Date
You yourself may have some friends who have dogs of similar size and personality as your English Toy Cocker Spaniel. If so, you may wish to invite them and their pups over for a playdate in your home. Plan for special doggy treats, and give Fido and friends a few fun toys they can play with together. (Be sure to monitor for aggression regarding said toys. This is normal, and you should use this opportunity to teach your dog proper behavior). You'll both enjoy time with friends on a doggy date.
Step
3
Where the dogs hang out
One place that we tend to see dogs welcomed in a public setting is the pet supply store. Many stores have activities for pups scheduled each week, so call ahead and get an itinerary. Find the activity that suits the two of your best. You can be sure to meet people (and their furbabies) and make new friends at the pet supply store. Take this opportunity to ask around about obedience training, another excellent source of socialization.
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More Fun Ideas...

Grooming

The English Toy Cocker Spaniel is a breed that needs regular grooming. Begin when the puppy is young by getting them accustomed to being touched and brushed. Then set a regular grooming schedule. Reward your cooperative dog with a treat for good behavior.

Play Outdoors

Although the English Toy Cocker Spaniel does not need a great deal of exercise, they will happily get out in the backyard to run and play with you or other members of your family. Allow for free play, but monitor them for overexertion.

Conclusion

The English Toy Cocker Spaniel is a sweet and fun pup who enjoys spending time with their human family. Plan for activities that allow them to spend time with you as well as socialization opportunities with other dogs. Take them to the pet store and let them participate in events there. Sometimes simply running around in the backyard is sufficient activity for this small dog.