Activities For Estonian Hounds
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Introduction
Estonian Hounds are true hound dogs through and through meaning they love to sniff, they love to play and they love to howl! This specific type of hound is a fantastic family pet, loving children and being fairly low maintenance. However, that doesn't mean you can just ignore your Estonian Hound! Quite the opposite, actually. This breed will benefit from proper training and loves to play. These activities have been handpicked to suit your Estonian Hound's personality so choose one, and you will be sure to have a great time!
Bark On Cue
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
15 min
Items needed
Dog Treats
Activity description
One of the key characteristics of an Estonian Hound is their distinct howl. While it is quite recognizable and very interesting to hear an Estonian Hound "talking", the novelty may wear off after the first few times. Then, your pups redundant barking may get a little annoying. Luckily, you can train your dog to bark on cue and also to stop barking on cue with these simple steps! Soon that bark will be in your control! It is pretty inexpensive to train your pup when to bark, all you need are a few dog treats! This activity can also be done inside, anytime you'd like to begin.
Step
1
The word "bark"
Begin your bark training by teaching your dog the word "bark". When your dog starts to howl in everyday life, say the word "bark" and then toss them a treat. Do this over and over, every time your pup barks and it won't take long before they learn what that word means! After a few days of this, try saying "bark" when your pup is quiet and see if they have caught on to the word.
Step
2
Stop the bark
In the same manner that your taught your Estonian Hound to bark, teach them to stop. When your dog naturally stops barking, say "Stop" and reward your pup. Repeat this until this command has also resonated with your dog. This may take a little longer than the "bark" command but be patient, your Estonian Hound is quite smart and they will learn soon.
Step
3
Stop and start
Practice having your Estonian Hound bark on cue and also practice asking them to cease barking. Then, when your dog's barking is getting to be a bit much, you can simply command them to stop. Always remember to pair the command with a reward to ensure that your pup listens and obeys!
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Pack Leader
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Any Day
Free
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Collar
Leash
Dog Bed
Dog Food
Activity description
Estonian Hounds are pack dogs which means they are very used to being with other pups, traveling together as one unit. All dog packs have a "pack leader" or the dog that is in charge of all the others. When in a household with only humans, your Estonian Hound may assume that they are the pack leader and act in ways that only the "boss" should. However, in your house, you are the pack leader and this is something you need to establish from the beginning. These simple tricks will help your dog remember that they are the loving dog, not the assertive pack leader in the home.
Step
1
Eat first
In a true dog pack, the head dog is always the first one to eat. Other pups have to wait their turn until the leader is done with their meal. This should definitely hold true inside the home. Before you feed your Estonian Hound, eat your own meal in full. Of course, you can save your pup any scraps that you want just wait to serve them up until you are completely done.
Step
2
Sleep higher
The highest person or dog is typically the one who is in charge in a dog pack. For this reason, it is important that you are always "higher up" than your Estonian Hound. If you are sitting on the couch, they should be laying on the floor. When you are in your bed, your dog should be on their dog bed on the ground. This simple arrangement in height will determine dominance.
Step
3
Walk together
Leaders of dog packs will always be in the front of the pack, literally leading the way. This is why your dog likely pulls ahead when you go for walks - they are trying to lead you. Pull your dog back to be in step with you and walk together as a unit. When you walk as a pack, no one is in charge and both you and your dog are equals.
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Treat Search
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Any Day
Free
Easy
15 min
Items needed
Laundry
Shovel
Dog Treats
Activity description
Estonian Hounds have a very strong sense of smell and they are able to track a scent for hours and hours. While it would be great if your pup really could go out into the wilderness and track scents, they may not have this daily luxury. However, there are plenty of scent tracking games you can set up for your pup that will allow them to use that magical nose on a day to day basis. These scent games are practically free, costing only the price of a few treats and you can set up these games inside or outside, wherever your pup wants to play!
Step
1
Simple search
Have your dog sit and stay in one room while you hide treats throughout your house. Return to your dog and ask them to retrieve the treats. It won't take long for your dog's powerful nose to find every single treat you hid! This is also an ideal way to keep your pup busy when you need to leave the house.
Step
2
Treat dig
When the weather is nice outside, bury a few of your dog's favorite, strong scented treats outside. Ask your pup where the treats are and they will likely smell a combination of treats mixed with freshly turned dirt and know right where to dig. If you don't want to dig holes in your yard, opt for a sandbox or a big flower pot full of dirt for a hiding spot.
Step
3
Laundry search
Sprinkle a few treats in a pile of dirty laundry and let your dog have at it. They will toss those socks and shirts around frantically, searching for every single treat they smell. This is perfect for a rainy day treat search when you and your Estonian Hound need a little fun and excitement inside.
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More Fun Ideas...
Hunting Club
Look for a local hunting club that will train your dog how to hunt. Estonian Hounds have such a strong hunting instinct that a hunting club may be the only way to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated as much as they need.
Daily Trot
While a daily walk may suffice, Estonian Hounds will do better with a daily trot. They don't need to fully run but a brisk pace will be perfect for this active dog.
Conclusion
Estonian Hounds are quite a strong breed of dog. They are determined and brave, headstrong yet very lovable. After all of these activities have been completed, there is nothing more that your Estonian Hound will love than to cuddle up with you on the couch. This breed can be a struggle but at the end of the day, when all they really want is your attention, all that training, playing and activity planning will be worth it!