Activities For Foxy Rat Terriers
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Introduction
When you combine an American Rat Terrier and a Toy Fox Terrier, the result is a lively and very energetic pup. While this breed is very small, they need multiple play sessions a day which means you may need some new ideas for how to play with your Foxy Rat Terrier. This activity guide is the perfect place to find new games and activities that are geared directly toward your fun-loving Foxy Rat Terrier.
Digging Spots
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Treats
Laundry
Shovel
Sandbox
Activity description
With a double terrier background, Foxy Rat Terriers are quite the diggers. It is just in their DNA! Many small terrier breeds were used for decades as hunting dogs, searching for and chasing down small vermin. Because of this history of digging, you may have some trouble breaking this habit of your Foxy Rat Terrier. So, instead of fighting them, why not just provide them with a great space to dig? This activity will help you set up good places for your dog to fulfill their need to dig without driving you crazy! Finding digging spots is very cheap to do and can be done any time of year.
Step
1
Acceptable sections
Digging in your backyard may be one of your pup's favorite things to do. However, you likely don't want holes all over your yard. Encourage your dog to dig in one specific spot by burying treats there. Also, if your pup starts to dig anywhere else, redirect them and praise them when they dig in the correct section. They will quickly get the right idea!
Step
2
Sandbox dig
Purchase a cheap but good sized sandbox and bury a few of your dog's favorite treats. Your Foxy Rat Terrier will immediately start digging in the sand and the new, soft sand will be quite the delightful surprise. A sandbox will quickly become your dog's favorite place to dig and it will also prevent them from creating holes in your yard.
Step
3
Dig inside
If your Foxy Rat Terrier doesn't want to go outside when the weather gets bad, set up an indoor dig for them instead. Grab a pile of dirty laundry and throw it on the floor. Bury a few dog treats in the pile and your Foxy Rat Terrier will start digging, looking for those treats and getting out some energy - sounds ideal!
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Doggy Daycare
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Easy
8 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Collar
Activity description
One of the more negative traits that a Foxy Rat Terrier may have is their dislike for being alone. While it is sweet that your pup wants to just spend time with you, you can't be with them every day, all day! Foxy Rat Terriers can become destructive when left alone or even depressed. In order to prevent this, you may want to look into a doggy daycare for your pup. This guide will show you exactly how! Doggy daycare can be expensive but it can be worth it when your pup stays happy every day. Luckily, most doggy daycares are indoors so you can bring your dog year round, regardless of weather.
Step
1
Find a spot
Look for doggy daycares in your area that suit your needs. Do you want a center that offers all day care or one where your Foxy Rat Terrier can go for just a few hours? Do you need to register your pup or can you drop them off anytime without scheduling? Think of everything you need to ask when you start calling prospective places.
Step
2
Plan a visit
Schedule a time to go and see the doggy daycare that you are interested in. If you are allowed, bring your dog with you so you can see first hand if they like the facility. Look for cleanliness and also inquire what activities the dogs do each day. Since your Foxy Rat Terrier is quite the active pup, you want to make sure they are kept busy!
Step
3
Drop off
Bring your Foxy Rat Terrier to their first day of doggy daycare, take a picture and let them go on their way! Be sure to let the staff know if your pup has any aggressive behaviors so they introduce your dog slowly to the others. Then, go on your way, knowing that your dog is having fun and likely too distracted to notice you are gone!
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Earth Dog Training
Popular
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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Tunnel
Treats
Activity description
Terriers have long been used to track small animals including vermin, foxes and rabbits. Most of the animals which terriers have been trained to hunt live underground which means that these pups would need to go under the earth to catch their prey. While your Foxy Rat Terrier may not be a hunting dog, that doesn't mean they can't partake in underground adventures like their ancestors! Earth Dog clubs and competitions exist throughout the world and will be something that your pup loves to do. Sunny days are best when you and your dog can easily spend time outside and, while it may cost a little to start your pup's career as an Earth Dog, the investment is well worth it!
Step
1
Lean the game
Research Earth Dog training and competitions and learn all of the processes, rules, tips and tricks. The main premise of the game is to have your Foxy Rat Terrier race through a maze, making decisions on which direction to turn based on their powerful sense of smell. Of course, there is a little more to it but this general idea is a great place to start!
Step
2
Build a maze
While you can purchase a real, wooden Earth Dog tunnel, you can also make a makeshift tunnel out of cardboard boxes when you first begin. Look at a few tunnel set-ups to see how to construct your tunnel and be sure to put in a few turns and twists to make it challenging for your smart Foxy Rat Terrier.
Step
3
Play!
Place one of your dog's favorite treats inside the tunnel, somewhere near the middle or end, and then have your dog race inside, searching for the treat using their nose. See how long it takes for your pup to find their prize. Then, start the game again! Switch the tunnel once your pup learns its every twist and turn. You can also look into local Earth Dog competitions for even more competitive fun.
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More Fun Ideas...
Stair Run
When you and your Foxy Rat Terrier are stuck inside, burn some energy by playing fetch on a staircase. Throw the ball down the stairs and then have your fast pup race down to retrieve it, run back up the stairs and do it again.
Hoop Jump
Teach your active dog to jump through a hoop...literally! Use a hula hoop and some dog treats and coax your pup through the hoop. Raise the height as they get better at jumping through until they are impressively leaping through the hoop.
Conclusion
If you love active dogs, love spending a lot of time with your dog and have plenty of energy yourself to play with your dog, then a Foxy Rat Terrier is the perfect pup for you. These small loveable dogs may be very lively but, when kept entertained and active, they are some of the happiest dogs you will ever meet. So give Earth Dogging a try or sign your pup up for doggy daycare. Whatever you do together will surely be fun.