Activities For Podengo Portugueso Pequenos

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Activities For Podengo Portugueso Pequenos

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Introduction

The Podengo Portugueso Pequeno is the smallest of the three Podengos from Portugal. Even though they are small in size, their heart is as big as the biggest Podengo. They are fearless, inquisitive, and expressive little dogs that require a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. This athletic dog was bred to be a rabbit hunter and they are quick to give chase when given the chance. The Podengo Portugueso Pequeno can easily be an apartment dog if their family provides them with plenty of opportunity to romp and play outdoors. They love to run and if not given enough opportunity to do so will become vocal and develop bad habits.

Lure Coursing

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Any Day

Moderate

Normal

30 - 45 min

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Lure

Course

Treats

Vest (optional)

Activity description

While some people do not think lure coursing is a humane activity for dogs, the Podengo Portugueso Pequeno absolutely loves this activity. Modern lure coursing uses an artificial lure attached to a pulley system rather than a live animal. This allows the dogs the chance to give in to their natural instincts and chase the lure without harming other animals. Lure coursing can be done just for fun and you can create your own lure course in your backyard, or your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno can compete in competitions to earn titles. There are four dog clubs that offer sanctioned lure coursing and your dog can earn titles through them. Those four clubs are the American Kennel Club (AKC), American Sighthound Field Association (ASFA), Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and Canadian Kennel Club (CKC). Lure coursing is held outdoors and is best enjoyed during warm, sunny, or even cloudy days. The cost to do competitive lure coursing will vary depending on the fees set by each club.

Step

Start slow

Because lure coursing is strenuous on your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno’s joints, they are not allowed to compete in lure coursing until they are over a year of age. This gives their bodies time to mature and muscle up, and be better prepared for the rigors of lure coursing. Most dogs do not compete in lure coursing past the age of eight years. Set an exercise plan in place for your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno that includes brisk walks and short runs. You will want to build their stamina for lure coursing and treat them just like an athlete, do not allow them to laze around the house until they are old enough to compete. They will not be in the correct condition to race and that could put them in danger of serious health problems.

Step

Basic obedience

While you are waiting for your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno to grow up and be eligible to compete in lure coursing, enroll them in a basic obedience class. Dogs that participate in lure coursing must be obedient and listen and quickly follow their handler’s commands. There will be some dogs that are not properly trained in obedience that are doing lure coursing and your dog will likely encounter one or two of them along the way. You have to have the presence of mind to command your dog to stop and return to you if an unruly dog is on the course.

Step

Introduce the course

Once your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno has reached a year old; it is time to introduce them to the lure course. Find a dog club that hosts lure coursing and take your dog for an introductory run. Most handlers that participate in lure coursing are friendly and willing to help a newcomer, just remember to have your dog obedience trained so your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno is not the unruly dog on the course!

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Podengo Party

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Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Toys

Treats

Activity description

Is there any better way to spend an afternoon than to have a house full of Podengo Portugueso Pequenos? For that matter, as the Podengo family becomes more popular, you can invite friends who have all types of Podengo or Podengo-like dogs to join the fun. This is a fun, cheap, and easy activity for you to do that gives your dog socialization, entertainment, and exercise. If the weather is nice outside, make sure you have a secure fence and let the party move to the backyard. Have plenty of treats and toys available for all the Podengos and also have snacks and drinks available for their humans. Be sure to have your camera or phone handy to snap some cute photos of your Podengo party to post on social media.

Step

Send invitations

Even though you have a specific Podengo, the Podengo Portugueso Pequeno, that does mean you should be discriminatory in your invitations. Look up friends who have other types of Podengos or dogs that may have Podengo in their gene-pool and send out the invitations. Plan on hosting an hour to two hour long party. Any more than that and your guests will become bored and any less than that, people may not bother attending.

Step

Plan activities

Just like with a human party, every good canine party must have activities planned. While it is okay to have open play for part of the party, you will also want to organize some form of structured play that involves the Podengos and their owners. A scavenger hunt would be an excellent way to keep guest occupied and they will leave your home with fond memories!

Step

Enjoy the party

Do not be a slave to the kitchen at your Podengo party! Have a small area set up with human snacks and drinks and then a separate area with fresh water and treats available for the canine guests. Once the party is in full swing, you should sit back and relax. Snap some great photos to share with your guests later on social media. You will become the talk of the town with your unique Podengos only party.

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Rally Obedience

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Any Day

Moderate

Normal

30 - 45 min

Items needed

Collar

Leash

Rally Signs

Treats

Activity description

Rally obedience is a great way to connect with your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno. This is an activity where teamwork counts and you and your dog will have to work together to get through a course that has anywhere from 10-20 stations. Your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno will be required to know the basic obedience commands such as heel, sit, stay, and recall. You are allowed to communicate with your dog verbally throughout the entire course and offer them encouragement. You cannot feed them treats while in the ring and you should not speak harshly to them. Your dog can earn points toward Rally titles through the AKC or you can just participate in Rally for fun. It can be moderately expensive since each dog club sets their own entry fees. Many dog clubs host their Rally competitions indoors so weather is not an issue. However, there are still some clubs that host competitions outdoors and they will not cancel a competition unless severe weather is predicted.

Step

Teach to heel

The first step in Rally obedience and obedience is to teach your dog to walk politely on a leash. Once your dog is steady walking beside you on leash, it is time to introduce the “heel” command. When a dog is heeling they are walking attentively at your side, generally on the left side. A dog that has learned to heel may even begin to anticipate your movements and turns.

Step

Enroll in school

Even the most seasoned dog handler will want to bring their Podengo Portugueso Pequeno to obedience school. The Podengo Portugueso Pequeno is a higher energy dog with a shorter attention span when it comes to learning to be obedient. You will want your dog to learn the commands while facing the distractions of other people and dogs in the same area. This will help them when they begin competitions.

Step

Enter competition

After you feel that your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno is solid on their obedience commands, you will want to start working through the various stations or signs that you will face in a Rally competition. Once you are comfortable with those, look for competitions to enter. Do not expect your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno to make a perfect score their first time in competition! They are still learning what is expected of them.

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More Fun Ideas...

Touch Training

The Podengo Portugueso Pequeno is an intelligent breed that can be taught touch training or hand targeting. This engages their brain and gives them a sense of accomplishment when they correctly touch and get praise and a treat. Touch training is a good tool to have to bring your dog’s focus back to you when you are out and they decide to misbehave. It is easy to teach and a fun activity that will impress your friends.

Pet Therapy

The Podengo Portugueso Pequeno is an ideal choice as a therapy dog. They are small and can easily be held and cuddled by those who need comfort the most. Before going on any therapy visits, make sure your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno is given the chance to run and play so they do not become overly excited when they greet people in nursing homes or schools. Your dog can earn therapy dog titles through the AKC, you will need to join a dog club that offers therapy training and they will set you up with the requirements to earn titles.

Conclusion

The Podengo Portugueso Pequeno is an active, inquisitive little dog that enjoys running and playing. This little dog can be a wonderful companion as long as they are given ample opportunity to expend all their energy. The Podengo Portugueso Pequeno can do well in an apartment with active owners who include them in plenty of outdoor activities. Take the time to research dog activities in your area and find some that both you and your Podengo Portugueso Pequeno will enjoy.