Activities For Manchester Terriers
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Introduction
The Manchester Terrier is a close relative of the Black and Tan Terrier, and, like many other terriers, this breed was developed for ratting and hunting other small game such as rabbits. Known as the Gentleman's Terrier, the Manchester is highly intelligent and loyal. Furthermore, the Manchester Terrier enjoys nothing more than spending time with you, so you should plan activities that give the both of you the opportunity to enjoy physical activity. The Manchester Terrier loves to play. You can engage them in daily walks, playing with toys, or you may choose to engage in agility training. One very neat type of activity for the Manchester Terrier is the "Earthdog" class, which allows the participant to dig and follow their instincts.
Agility Course
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
60 min
Items needed
agility poles
Hula Hoop
Kiddie Tunnel
treats
Activity description
The Manchester Terrier is most definitely an athletic dog. They are light on their feet, and they have boundless energy. This makes their participation in agility or obstacle courses a perfect activity. You may be lucky enough to have a dog park near your home that features an on-site agility course. However, this may not be available, or you may find that you prefer to use an agility course right in your own backyard. You can purchase many of the obstacles you need at a pet supply store although with a little PVC pipe, a few other items from around the house and instructions from the internet, you can build your own course on a budget!
Step
1
Build the course
You can purchase the necessary elements of an agility course, or you can build your own. Many websites have "how-to" building instructions for the agility course. Often, all you might need is PVC pipe to start your own backyard agility course. Thr PVC pipe can be used to make weave poles and hurdles. A hula hoop can be used as an obstacle for your pup to navigate through. A kiddie tunnel is also fun to traverse.
Step
2
Begin training
At first, you'll simply want to walk through the course with your Manchester Terrier. Use a longer leash for this part of training. In addition, you'll want to use the same commands you will use once the dog is traversing the course without benefit of a leash. Consistency and encouragement are always key when working with the Manchester Terrier.
Step
3
Practice makes perfect
Once your Manchester Terrier has mastered the course, practice three or four times a week. Remember to use the same commands each and every time you run your pooch through the course. Be sure to have plenty of treats handy for a job well done. Always praise your Manchester at the completion of each task.
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Indoor Obstacle Course
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
hula hoop
old blankets
basket
favorite toys
two boxes of the same size
Activity description
The Manchester Terrier loves to play outdoors, but the weather does not always cooperate. In this case, you can create an indoor obstacle course that you can tackle no matter the weather. Many of the items you might need to create the course for your dog you likely already have at home. Find an old hula hoop, some old blankets or towels, and a laundry basket. Grab all of Fido's toys and place them inside the basket. You might also want to find a couple of cardboard boxes in order to complete the course. This activity can provide you with cheap entertainment inside on a rainy day.
Step
1
Gather the necessary Items
In addition to the list above, you may want to add old pillows and treats or small kibble. Find an old appliance box (think long and narrow) that your pup can crawl through. Be as creative as possible as the course can be whatever you make it. Guide your feisty terrier by demonstrating the obstacle when needed. Just as you would outdoors, run the dog through with a leash to guide them. The Manchester will learn what you expect from them rather quickly.
Step
2
Teach your pup
Training is key in getting your pet to enjoy this game. You may want to begin with two or three "stations," ensure that your dog has learned what each station requires, and then add new obstacles. Construct a digging station out of towels. Have them walk through a hula hoop held low to the ground. As you accomplish each "station," give Fido lots of praise and a treat for a job well done.
Step
3
Practice often
Even if you aren't experiencing inclement weather, you may want to play this game indoors at least two or three times a week. This will give you and your dog a chance to bond as well as provide the Manchester Terrier with both mental and physical stimulation. You may find that your pup gets very excited to play this game with you, so play as often as you like.
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Magic Cups
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
solo cups
treats
Activity description
Magic Cups is a bit of a twist on the game of "Puppy" Hide and Seek. With Hide and Seek, you'll choose an item (maybe an old shoe, maybe kibble) to "hide" from your pooch. On your command, your dog will go after the item. With Magic Cups, you will "hide" an item under an opaque cup. The dog is to use their ability to scent items to determine under which cup the coveted prize hides. Just like the magician does when performing this trick, change the location of the hidden item to up the challenge to your dog. Play this engaging game using a favorite aromatic treat for a minimal cost any time your clever pup needs a task to do.
Step
1
Introduce the game
You'll need to train your pup on how to play this game. Think about how magicians perform this trick. They take a ball or another item, show it to the audience, then hide it and move the cups around. With a dog, in training, show the dog what you're hiding. Allow them to smell it. Then allow them to see you hide it for a few tries. Once the dog understands, have the dog leave the room while you hide the treat under the cups. Then they have to rely on their sense of smell to find it.
Step
2
Master commands
You will need to ensure your dog has a good understanding of the commands "sit" and "leave it." Have the dog "sit" the first few times that you work on this game. Allow them to watch as you "hide" the treat under an opaque cup. You may have to get them to "leave it" once the item has been found, for example, in the instance that you choose to use a small toy as opposed to a treat.
Step
3
Play often
As with other puppy games, be sure to practice this game as often as possible. Once you feel your dog has a good command of what to do, have them leave the room while you "hide" the item under the cup. You want the dog to rely on their sense of smell to find the item, not on their ability to recall where you put the item.
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More Fun Ideas...
Earthdog Classes
Many terrier breeds love to dig. That's because they were developed to burrow into holes after small game such as rabbits. Utilize this instinct in an Earthdog class. Your pooch will be allowed to dig and "go after" prey that is safely away from the dog, so no harm comes to animals while your Manchester Terrier gets to explore their wilder side.
Chew Toys
What dog doesn't enjoy gnawing on a sturdy chew toy? The Manchester Terrier certainly won't refuse a Nylabone, Kong, or other durable chew toy. This works well for when you have to be away from home, or you may want to provide chew toys when the puppy is getting their adult teeth in.
Conclusion
The Manchester Terrier is a smart and, according to the AKC, "keenly observant" dog. This means that you should provide as much mental stimulation to the breed as possible. Playing fun games such as Magic Cups will encourage the dog's ability to scent. Enrolling them in "Earthdog" classes will allow them to dig without getting into mischief. All in all, practice fun games with your Manchester Terrier as often as possible to ensure a happy and healthy pet.Â