Activities For Norteses

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Activities For Norteses

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Introduction

The Nortese is a small hybrid dog breed that combines the Maltese with the Norwich Terrier. If you're not familiar with these breeds, a Norwich Terrier is always prepared for an exciting adventure as they're playful at heart. They're small in size with a high energy level and because of their hunting nature, they tend to chase small animals. They enjoy off-leash expeditions and need a long walk or run each day.

The Maltese breed is known as the "lion dog" because of their long silky hair that nearly touches the ground. This pooch is a member of the toy group and though they appear gentle and enjoy spending an afternoon in a lap, they're feisty by nature, with just as much energy as the Nortese. Their exercise needs can be met with a walk or by playing games in the yard. With two distinctive parent breeds, the Nortese is spunky and generally good with other pets and animals, though they may inherit a wariness towards strangers from their Norwich Terrier parent. You can use a variety of activities to provide your Nortese with daily exercise and to help them become confident with strangers.

Visit the Dog Park

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

30-60 min

Items needed

Leash

Waste Bags

Treats

Activity description

Visiting the dog park is an easy way to guarantee interactions with other dogs. As the Nortese is a small breed dog, it's a good idea to spend some time invested in researching dog parks ahead of time, to find the right fit.

If your Nortese gets nervous in the presence of other dogs and people, there are steps you can take to make the process run smoothly for them. Regularly visiting a dog park and introducing them to other dogs slowly, in a controlled manner is one of the most "impawtant" steps in developing confidence and security. Grab your pup, waste bags and their leash, though you won't need it in a leash-free park once your pup is comfortable For the most part, dog parks are free and operate without supervisors, aside from the handlers. Visit the park for at least 30 minutes to give your Nortese adequate time to socialize.

Step

Finding a Park

The first thing you need to do is to find a park. You can do this step without your Nortese because it involves visiting the parks beforehand to check out the condition and norms of the handlers who visit. If you notice dogs acting aggressively or misbehaving without being corrected, don't visit those parks. Pick a park that's less busy and that has respectful visitors.

Step

Specifics for Small Dogs

When you have a small dog like the Nortese, you want to make sure they're safe at all times. The best way to do this is by selecting a dog park that has a separate small dog area. That way, your Nortese will only be around dogs in and around their own size, which will help them gain their confidence for when they encounter larger dogs.

Step

Introducing the Park

Once you've found the right spot, head over with your Nortese. Bring along their leash, even if it is a leash free park and keep them on it when you're inside. Allow your Nortses to explore the park and approach other dogs at their own free will. If they show any form of aggression, give them a gentle correction using a pull on the leash. When they interact positively, reward them with a treat. As they build their comfort, you will be able to remove the leash and supervise their interactions. Visit the park regularly to build their confidence in your Nortese.

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Indoor & Outdoor Games

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Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30-45 min

Items needed

Jump Obstacle

Weave Poles

Tunnel

Twisted Rope

Ball or Object

Activity description

There's an abundance of games and activities that you can do with your Nortese both indoors and out including tug-of-war, fetch and agility course training. Each activity will get them moving which will help to release their built up energy.

Both tug-of-war and fetch require pre-purchased materials to play. For fetch, pick up a brightly colored ball or heavy squeak toy that can be tossed far easily. Tug-of-war can be played with a twisted rope, purchased in a small size to fit your Nortese. To build an agility course you'll need quite a few materials including some form of jump obstacles, large tunnels to venture through and poles that your pooch can use for weaving. Try out each activity to see which your Nortese enjoys most.

Step

Playing Fetch

Grab your ball or object and head out to an open space to play fetch. You can play inside, in fact, it may be easier to teach your Nortese how to play inside by tossing the ball or object just a few feet so they can practice retrieving it. Outside you have the benefit of more room, which means more running. For the "ultimutt' workout, toss the ball and run in the opposite direction, so your pooch runs twice as far to bring it back!

Step

Tug-of-War

Like fetch, tug-of-war can be played inside and out, depending on how rowdy you plan to get your Nortese. Start off by having them grab onto the twisted rope. Gently pull the rope to get them to pull back. If they seem timid of the object, use treats to reward any contact or pulling they attempt. The more they play, the more likely they will get competitive and try to win the rope over from you.

Step

Agility Course Training

Certain aspects of agility courses can be set up in your own basement, such as jump obstacles or weave poles. If you have space outside, build a course for your Nortese in the backyard. Use the course as a starting point for daily training sessions that combine conditioning with entertainment. Teach your Nortese how to complete different obstacles and change their course regularly to keep it challenging.

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Bike Ride

Popular

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Sunny Day

Free

Easy

15-30 min

Items needed

Bike

Leash

Harness

Treats

Activity description

Take your Nortese for daily bike rides to give them a thorough cardio workout. A bike ride will not only tire your pup out quickly, but it will also give them a chance to explore your community. The only things you need for a bike ride together is the bike itself and a leash.

If you have a harness, this would make the exercise for comfortable as your dog won't be pulled by their neck when riding. If you choose not to use one, you need to be especially careful when riding. If you pull too hard accidentally, you can injure your pup. Nortese dogs are small, so they don't need to go for an extremely long ride or too fast for that matter. Pick a short route you can complete in 15 to 20 minutes and build their endurance through repetition.

Step

Introduce the Bike

If your Nortese has never seen a bike before, take time to introduce it to your pooch in sessions before the actual ride. Bring your pup outside to show it to them. Without mounting it, move the bike back and forth and let your Nortese explore it with their eyes and nose. You want to ensure they are not afraid of the bike, which may take a few sessions of just walking the bike while you walk your pup.

Step

Short Rides to Start

Start with short rides after your dog is comfortable around the bike. Get onto your bike and hold your dog’s leash in your dominant hand. Give your pooch the command to go, when you start to peddle. Peddle slowly and only a few feet before stopping and rewarding your pup with a treat. Treats will only be needed for your initial session. Repeat training until they are ready for a short ride.

Step

Taking a Real Ride

For your first few bike rides, choose short routes in areas that aren’t busy with people of traffic. Bike at a calm, slow speed to build your Nortese's confidence. If they are ready, increase your speed. Once you're done the route, reward their success. Each day you bike, add a little more distance and speed.

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More Fun Ideas...

Go for a Car Ride

Let your little Nortese feel like a king or queen by riding in the front seat of your vehicle while you take a tour of the town. Open the window and let your pup enjoy feeling the rush of air on their face while taking in the new sights and sounds.

Play with a Flirt Pole

Pick up a flirt pole from your local pet store to get your Nortese moving. Flirt poles are long poles with objects on the end, used to distract and entertain both dogs and cats. When you have your pole, bring your pooch into a large open area and move it back and forth, encouraging them to follow. Run with the pole or play while standing still, either activity is efficient at increasing your pup's heart rate.

Conclusion

Nortese dogs are a "pawfect" combination of traits from Norwich Terriers and Maltese pups. They are playful, energy packed, and ready for an adventure. It's "pawssible" your Nortese will be intimidated by strangers because of their Norwich parent, which is why incorporating opportunities for them to socialize is important from an early age. What better way to socialize with other pups than at a park made especially for them where they can explore with others! It's easy to fit in a quick interactive game into your day such as tug-of-war, fetch or by using an agility course.

Using a flirt pole is just as effective at getting your pooch moving using a backyard game. To provide your Nortese with a wealth of new scents and sights, take them for a car or bike ride through your town regularly. Even though Nortese is small in size, their bold personality and high energy level require at least 45 minutes of physical activities each day to maintain happiness and good health!