Prepare for unexpected vet bills
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.