Activities For English Toy Terriers
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The English Toy Terrier is a rare breed that almost looks like it is a Miniature Pinscher. These little dogs are smart and energetic as well as being loyal and affectionate. They are ideal for small homes and apartments, and will get plenty of exercise running around after you. Quick and speedy, this little Terrier motors around and will always be looking for things to do. So keep one step ahead of your energetic little pooch and plan a few activities in advance. They are very intelligent and learn quickly, but you have to make learning fun, as they can be resentful and stubborn if scolded. Praise them highly when they find the treats you have hidden, or when they pick up their toys and put them in a basket. They may be small but they have the heart to learn.
Bowling With a Twist
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Round ball
Hole in the yard
Activity description
Here is an activity that will test your little English Toy Terrier. The aim is to teach your dog to roll a ball with their nose, down the length of the yard and aim it into a hole. While this may sound easy, in practice it can take your dog a while to figure this one out. Their first inclination is to pick the ball up and carry it. Gently say no, and put the ball back on the ground. Teach them using small treats to nudge the ball with their nose for a treat. Then, once they get use to the command to push or nudge, you can encourage them to push it the length of the course into the hole. You may want to start with the hole reasonably close to the ball so your dog doesn't get discouraged. But after a few successes you can extend the course. This is a great mental and physical workout for your pup.
Step
1
Set up the bowling course
Your dog will know something fun is about to happen when they see you making a hole in the lawn and carrying a ball! The hard part is to get your dog to leave the ball on the ground. A harder, heavy ball will help prevent that. Perhaps one that they can't get their teeth into would help. This is the first part of the game, teaching them to leave it alone with their teeth and nudge it along with their nose. Remember, dogs will learn quicker with a few treats thrown in.
Step
2
Down the course
Now that your dog has gotten used to moving the ball with their muzzle, it is the time to get them to direct it to travel down the course. Give them plenty of enthusiastic praise as they bumble along. Walk with them and guide them to where you want them to go. If your dog understands left and right, then that will be easier. They will soon pick it up as they nudge the ball along. A short course is best in the beginning. Teach your dog to nudge the ball into the hole and go wild with excitement when they do. Followed by a yummy treat, of course! By now your dog will just want to keep playing!
Step
3
Extend the course
A natural progression for this game is to extend the course, to make it longer and a bit harder. Take a break between each set to cuddle and praise your clever English Toy Terrier. Then, get them to begin again. Call and direct them as they go. Your English Toy Terrier will get faster at it as they learn. This activity makes them think the problem through, and work hard to direct this ball down to the hole so that they can score and get a tasty treat. A few rounds of this game and your dog will be pooped. Then it will be time to pack up the game, fill in the holes, and go inside for some cuddle time.
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Stock and Country Show
Popular
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
1 - 3 hrs
Items needed
dressy collar and leash
Enrollment form
Activity description
Town and country shows are a real crowd pleaser and are only held once a year. It is an opportunity for farmers to show off their stock, but there is also an opportunity for pet owners to strut their pets. Your English Toy Terrier is bound to be a real show stopper! Dress them up in their best harness or collar and leash, brush them until their coat gleams and they may win a ribbon for the smartest looking pooch. With so many events on, there will always be something to watch. Your dog will have the opportunity to meet many other animals from sheep to cattle, goats to even smaller pets such as rabbits, cats or an occasional reptile! The symphony of scents in the air, and the availability of yummy treats will make this activity a real hit. By the end of the show, your dog will be tired out after all that socializing, and may need a snooze in the comfort of your lap!
Step
1
Get to the show early
If you get to the show early, you can enroll in some of the events such as the dog or pet parade. You can also see all the animals arriving and can wander around with your dog, who will be fascinated with the sights. This once a year event is a great socializing opportunity for people and animals. Your dog will get to meet many pets and their owners. Check out the produce department or the baking competition for some yummy human treats. Take along some treats for your dog so they can enjoy the day too. Whether you sit on the grass or in the stands to watch all the events, it will be a fun time for your dog with so much going on.
Step
2
Join in the pet parade
This is a great opportunity to show off your best friend, and who knows, they may even win a prize! The English Toy Terrier is a smart, alert looking dog and has an appealing attitude, so groom them and put on their best leash and collar and see what happens. The parade is a lot of fun, and prizes often are varied because of the variety of animals. If your dog knows how to beg or roll over, get them to perform. That will clinch the prize because who could resist such a cute pooch? After the parade, spoil your dog with a very special treat for behaving so well. Then, maybe it's time for a break to sit and watch other events.
Step
3
Winding down
With so many different noises, smells and such a crowd, your dog will almost be overwhelmed by the end of the show. Slow things down a bit as the end of the show draws near. Sit quietly with your dog and enjoy watching from a distance. Perhaps wander around some of the stalls of animals, before having a water break and then heading home. This day will have removed all of your dog's energy, so when they get home they will just want to climb into your lap for a snuggle. Before long, they will be softly snoring and quietly yipping in their dreams as they relive the day. It was a lot for a small dog to take in, but it was worth it!
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Home Town Exploration
Popular
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
map of the area
Dog leash or harness
Water bottle
Activity description
Each week, make a commitment to just hop in the car with your English Toy Terrier and drive to a different part of your community. Park the car, then with your dog on leash, explore this area of town. See if you can find some dog-friendly shops or a market, or maybe an outdoor café where you can dine with your four-legged friend. This activity is an ideal way to find little known parks or to find serene tourist trails. Maybe you will find a riverside park or a group of unique specialist shops. Your dog will have plenty to see, sniff and explore. It is a good bonding activity, as well as a social outing for your dog. You will also get to know more about your community than you have ever known. Take note of any coming attractions to each area, you may be able to attend a special event there in the future. Just wander at will, enjoy your dog's company, and get to know your town and what makes it tick!
Step
1
Locate an area to explore
While your dog won't really care where you go as long as they are with you, the goal is to explore a new area to walk in for a bit of variety. This activity gets your dog out of the house and interacting with other people and dogs that they meet. You will learn more about your town, and may even find some hidden attractions that you never knew existed. Beautiful botanical type parks, eclectic shops and tasty cafes to indulge you and your friend. Why travel miles to a new town if you don't even know your own yet? As you explore you will come across many new adventures to share with your dog.
Step
2
Ask for permission
If you find a museum that looks interesting, ask if you can bring your well behaved small dog in with you. Many places are more dog-friendly than ever. Just be sure to clean up any toiletry slips that your dog may make. You can explore parks, rivers, wide country lanes, or just a walk up the hill to oversee the view at the top. It is all up to explore if you just look for it. Even a children's playground can be fun for your English Toy Terrier. They will love going on the merry-go-round with you, or whizzing down the slide. Take a ball and throw it around a park to give your dog some exercise. Then sit and rest in the shade of a tree. Make this trip a special outing for your dog.
Step
3
At the end of the trip
At the end of the trip, make a note about all the things you found on this mini exploration visit. Pose with your English Toy Terrier for some great selfie photo shots, and have a last wander among the sweet smelling flowers lining the street. Then, head back to the car and drive home. You can make a journal of your and your dog's explorations. And when you have discovered every nook and cranny in your home town, start looking at the neighboring towns. Live life like a dog, be present in the moment and always look for the fun things to do.
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More Fun Ideas...
Indoor Dog Parks
With so many people with dog companions these days, there are many indoor pet parks opening up. This is the ideal solution for a cold or wet day. Rather than staying cooped up inside or venturing out in the howling rain, you have an option of an indoor park. Your dog still gets to get out and about, but without the mud or the cold to have to worry about. Some indoor parks even offer a hot cuppa for the owners as you wait for your dog to wear themselves out! When you begin to look for things to do with your dog, you will be amazed at the ideas you come up with!
Early Morning Excursion
Summer can see the temperatures soaring way above the normal usual range which means daytime walks can put your dog at risk from overheating. For the middle of summer, here is a great solution. Get up earlier and go out for a pleasant early walk with your pooch. This will ensure your English Toy Terrier gets their daily walk and will leave them happy and tired when left alone a few hours when you go to work. It is a nice time of the day, warm yet not overbearing. A stroll along the beach at 6 am is a lot of fun.
Conclusion
The games that have lasted through all the years such as tug-of-war, fetch, or a game of chase have done so because they include interaction between dog and human. They are fun, simple to do, and can burn off any energy that your dog may have. But, there are many other things you can do to create fun for your dog. Simple house hold tasks such as getting your dog to go and fetch your shoes, or maybe pull a basket of washing out to the laundry are all good tasks that a dog can enjoy. When you water the garden, you can spray your English Toy Terrier - this often sends them into a frenzy as they try to 'attack' the spray of water. Maybe fill up a paddling pool where they can cool off on a hot day. Challenge your dog and they will blossom because of it.