Top Activities For Peruvian Inca Orchids

Introduction

Peruvian Inca Orchids, once known as Peruvian Hairless Dogs, are fairly rare in the United States but are still quite popular in their native Peru, where they are known as the Calato, a name meaning naked. Although there are many theories regarding the origination of this unique breed of dog, the prevailing belief is that these hairless sighthounds actually developed in South America itself rather than being imported from another country. Hairless dogs believed to be Peruvian Inca Orchids are depicted on paintings and pottery of several different cultures that span from 300 BC to 700 AD, including not only the Incan people, but also the Mochica, Chancay, and Chimu cultures. They are lively and inquisitive housemates who are sensitive to their families needs but they are sometimes too sensitive to be comfortable with small or rowdy children and do best in a calm environment.

Lure Coursing

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

15 - 45 min

Items needed

Coursing Blanket

Slip Lead

Activity description

The dog sport of lure coursing was developed originally to give sighthound breed dogs an outlet for their desire to chase game, although any speedy dog with a strong prey drive can participate. In this game, a lure, typically a white plastic bag, is drawn along very quickly by a series of pullies, that cause it to move in a zig-zag pattern meant to mimic the movement of prey. The dogs give chase and are scored not only on speed but also on qualities such as agility and endurance as well. The Peruvian Inca Orchid, although primarily seen as a companion animal even in ancient times, was sometimes used to hunt as well. Like other sighthounds, they are athletic, fast, and have a high prey drive, making a dog sport like lure coursing an excellent option for this breed.

Step

1

Health check

Lure coursing is a strenuous sport, and it is important to ensure that your canine companion is healthy enough to participate. Fortunately, Peruvian Inca Orchids are rarely struck with disorders like hip dysplasia or cardiovascular disease, but if your dog has not had a recent checkup that evaluated their overall health, you should contact your veterinarian to find out if they recommend a visit before starting. You should also remember to apply canine sunscreen to the dog’s skin, particularly on the nose and ears, any time that your dog goes outside.

Step

2

Locate a club

While there are ways to somewhat practice lure coursing without a large yard, it is often an activity that is easier to master when you have access to space and to a pulley set up to practice with. Locating a group or club can make finding the appropriate places to learn and practice much easier. There are only four officially sanctioned coursing clubs at this time: the American Kennel Club, the FCI, the Canadian Kennel Club, and the American Sighthound Field Associaton, however, there are many smaller local clubs throughout the United States for training and practice, many of which who are affiliated with one or the other of the sanctioned coursing clubs.

Step

3

Competition and trials

The rules and regulations at different clubs and competitions tend to differ, with some rules being much stricter than others. Some places may require that muzzles be worn by dogs except when they are actively competing, in order to prevent damage to the thin skin common to most sighthound breeds. Some courses will allow novice canines to run the course on their own at first and they will also instruct you on the proper usage of the coursing blankets and slip lead for the start of the race.

Grooming and Skin Care

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

5 - 25 min

Items needed

Non lanolin lotion or oil

Gentle canine shampoo

Activity description

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is, in the majority of cases, a naturally hairless dog, except for a tuft of fur on the top of their heads and occasional feathering that can be found on their tails and feet. While this may mean that your dog doesn’t require a great deal of brushing and combing, the skin of this breed is quite sensitive and requires some extra attention in order to protect them from the elements. While many people may look at this as simply a chore that they must do, if done mindfully it can not only help to keep your pet live a longer, healthier life, it can also help to improve the bond and communication between you and your pet.

Step

1

Bathing and brushing

While the majority of Peruvian Inca Orchid dogs are hairless, approximately one third are actually born with full coats of fur, and both the hairless and haired variety require frequent bathing and should receive a bath with a mild canine shampoo at least once a week. This will keep the coats of the haired variety clean and shining and will help prevent clogged pores and blackheads from developing on the hairless dogs. The furred variety should also be brushed on a daily basis as their fur tends to tangle and matt very easily.

Step

2

Skin care

The skin of these hairless dogs is extremely soft and supple, but it is also more susceptible to damage from the environment, and it requires special care to ensure it stays that way. Some sort of canine safe lotion or oil should be used on their skin to help keep it moisturized, preferably a natural moisturizer with very few chemicals as this breed tends to absorb toxins through their skin. They also tend to be sensitive to lanolin, so this ingredient should be avoided as well, however, many pet parents find that natural oils like olive oil and coconut oil make exemplary moisturizers.

Step

3

Protection from the elements

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is more susceptible to the cold than coated breeds and should be given a coat or sweater to protect them on chillier days. This breed is also prone to sunburn and skin cancer due to the direct exposure of the sun on the skin, and canine sunblock should be employed whenever you take your pet outdoors. These dogs tend to squint a great deal as well, as their eyes are also a bit more sensitive to the sun, and they may benefit from a pair of UV blocking glasses or goggles designed for dogs.

Flirt Pole Play

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

15 - 45 min

Items needed

Flirt Pole

Activity description

A flirt pole is an interactive dog toy consisting of a pole, a line, and a soft but strong toy that is used as a lure. A person uses the pole to gently taunt the dog with the lure in order to the pup to run and jump in an effort to catch the lure that dangles on the end of the line. The pole used for a canine flirt pole is typically between four and six feet long, depending on the size of the dog. Flirt pole play can help improve the stamina and agility of dogs with a high prey drive like the Peruvian Inca Orchid and may, in some cases, be a way to get some exercise indoors on days when the weather is too extreme for these hairless canines.

Step

1

Suitability

Peruvian Inca Orchid breed dogs typically have healthy hearts and joints, but the intense jumping activity can sometimes cause permanent damage to joints that are not yet fully developed, so this activity is not advised for dogs under a year old to a year and a half old. Dogs that become overly possessive or severely overstimulated when engaging in this activity may need to avoid games like flirt pole play.

Step

2

Buy or DIY

You can either choose to fashion a simple flirt pole yourself or purchase a premade one at the pet store. You can use four to six feet of PVC pipe, ten to fifteen feet of rope, and a dog toy that makes a suitable lure (a cloth, leather, or rope toy that is too large to present a choking hazard, but not so large or hard that it is likely to hurt your dog if it hits them during play) in order to fashion your own. Stores typically offer several different brands and types of flirt poles, such as those manufactured by the Squishy Face Studios and Kong companies.

Step

3

Toy and tool

While many pet parents simply employ the flirt pole as a toy to wear out and entertain their pooch, others utilize this toy as a tool as well. Positive training methods used in conjunction with the flirt pole play are often able to help strengthen canine training methods by encouraging obedience even when your canine companion is distracted or excited in play.

More Fun Ideas...

Brushing Your Dog's Teeth

The genes that instigate hairlessness in this breed can also affect the dentition of the Peruvian Inca Orchid dog. This frequently includes a lack of molars or pre-molars and may include missing canines. The lack of teeth may make it difficult to chew, making dental care and daily brushing of the teeth extremely important.

Doggie Daycare

This breed is somewhat prone to separation anxiety and often does best if they are given the opportunity to socialize with other canines on a regular basis. A well-run doggie daycare is a good way to allow them the socialization that they need in a supervised setting, even when you are unable to be home with them.

Conclusion

While these dogs don't need a great deal of physical exercise, they do need to burn off some energy on a daily basis. While they enjoy chasing things, they tend to become bored with the repetitiveness of games like fetch and prefer multiple short sessions when dealing with either exercise routines or training methods. While harsh training methods can lead to a nervous dog who tends to guard their resources, gentler methods tend to bring out the Peruvian Inca Orchid's true nature, a cheerful and attentive companion animal.