Activities For Ratonero Valencianos

1k Views
0 Comments
0 Votes

Prepare for unexpected vet bills

Find pet insurance Find pet insurance

Introduction

Ratonero Valenciano is a lively, intelligent and small breed of dog that you shouldn’t underestimate. While they are common household pets in Central Europe, many people use them as hunting dogs for rats and rabbits in Spain. Therefore, they are often a preference for homes within rural settings. With quick wits and a need for mental and physical stimulation, owning a Ratonero Valenciano can be challenging. You need to be able to provide them with plenty of love and attention to stop them getting into trouble. What’s more, they are better suited to homes without small creatures due to their high prey drive. If you’re unsure how to keep your pup entertained and out of trouble, why not take note of these ideas below? 

Obedience Training

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Treat
Activity description

The first thing you may like to do when you bring your Ratonero Valenciano home as a puppy is to enroll them in training. While there’s no denying that they are a smart dog and learn quickly, they are also very stubborn and would prefer to do what they want to do rather than what you want. You will also be more than thrilled to know that you can carry out obedience training in any weather, it takes only an hour out of your day, and you need a leash and a few treats to get started. The sooner you can begin obedience training, the sooner you can create a well-rounded dog that will be a faithful companion for several years to come. 

Step
1
Choose a trainer
When it’s time to enroll your pooch in training classes, take the time to look at the trainer options in your area. There are puppy school trainers as well as those who offer more advanced training. If you have a puppy, you can learn the basics at puppy school such as sit and stay. For more advanced training, you can learn better recall, some tricks, and even how to hone into your dog’s particular natural traits – such as rabbit and rat hunting.
Step
2
Begin training
Now that you’ve chosen a trainer, it’s time to begin classes. Usually, you will attend classes for one hour a week, depending on the trainer, for around six or eight weeks. You then need to practice what you learn at home, making sure your dog is learning through repetition. Before long, you will have an attentive dog that will sit, stay, and come back on command.
Love this activity?

Rabbit Hunting

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Expensive
Hard
12 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water
Food
GPS Collar
Harness
Activity description

Ratonero Valencianos, as a whole, are keen rabbiters. They can pick up a scent of a rabbit from miles away, bringing it back to their master as soon as they find it. However, sometimes, you need to train them to be able to do it. Rabbit hunting training can take time and patience, but before long, you’ll be able to head out spotlighting at night, knowing your pup is up to the task. If you think you’re both ready for the hunt, set aside a night, pack a bag with a leash, harness, GPS collar, food, and water, and head out. It can be an expensive and challenging sport, but it can also strengthen the bond between you and man’s best friend. 

Step
1
Select a spot
Before you head out rabbiting at night, it’s crucial to plan out your destination. You not only need to find out whether the area in which you’re hunting is legal, but you also need to get any landowner permission and decide whether it’s a lucrative hunting spot as well. Utah, for example, is a prime location for rabbit hunting but does require appropriate permissions depending on where you are.
Step
2
Prepare your gear
Before you head out, it’s a good idea to have all your equipment ready – checking then double-checking that you have everything. You will need a change of clothes in case you get wet or muddy, food and water for both your dog and you, a tracking collar, a first aid kit, communication means, and of course, a gun. It’s even a good idea to let your family and friends know where you are going and when you are likely to return.
Step
3
Go hunting
Now that you have ensured that your dog can hunt rabbits, and you have all your gear ready, it’s time to hit the road. Usually, the best time of the day to shoot is in the late afternoon, as this is when cottontail rabbits head out for dinner. Therefore, you should get the timing right and head out in the late afternoon before the night draws in. You can then take advantage of both day and night hunting. After a successful hunt, you will no doubt come home with a tired but satisfied dog and a bag full of bunnies.
Love this activity?

Dog Park

Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Toy
Activity description

If you’re looking for a free, fun activity that will only take an hour out of your day, a trip to the dog park is a good idea. Ratonero Valencianos love to run and play – be it in a pack, alone, or as part of a small group. Ideally, dog park trips should start when they are quite young to socialize them as early as possible. Otherwise, you could run into issues with your pup trying to dominate and bully others. All you need for this adventure is a leash and a toy, and they are sure to have the time of their life. 

Step
1
Locate a park
The best dog park for your needs is going to be one that’s not only proximate to your home address but has separate areas for small and big dogs. It’s not uncommon for Ratonero Valencianos to think they are bigger than they are, trying to bully bigger dogs. Therefore, it’s a good idea to put them in with smaller dogs who are around the same build.
Step
2
Go play
Now that you have found the ideal dog park, you will love being able to take your dog there for an hour of fun playtime. They will be able to socialize with other dogs, play with their toys, and also keep on top of commands they learned at obedience training. If you incorporate at least three dog park visits a week, you are sure to find that’s ample for keeping up with their exercise requirements.
Love this activity?

More Fun Ideas...

Agility Training

By nature, Ratonero Valencianos are quick, nimble, and intelligent. As a result, it makes them more than suitable for agility training. The best part about agility training is how it can never end. You can start as a beginner and work your way up to the top of the food chain. It can be both a fun bonding experience and a good source of exercise and stimulation. 

Fetch

Valencianos are lightning fast, which makes them candidates for a fast-paced game of fetch. When you’ve got half an hour to spare, why not take your dog outside and enjoy quality time together? You will find that after half an hour of fetch, they are tired and ready for bed. 

Conclusion

Even though Ratonero Valencianos are normally within households who go rabbit hunting and have rat problems, you will find they are also becoming more common as everyday pets. However, given their natural abilities, it’s crucial to put your best paw forward and provide them with plenty of fun activities that will keep them entertained, stimulated, and healthy.Â