Activities For Russkiy Toys
Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Russkiy Toy is one of the most distinctive looking doggos out there! A Russian spin on the English Toy Terrier, these pocket-sized pooches are one of the world’s smallest dogs, and come in two main types — short-haired and long-haired. The short-haired ones look like adorable baby deer, and the long-haired ones look like adorable baby deer with cute tufts of floof on their ears. D’aww!
Don’t let that fool you though — Russkiy Toys were originally bred as watchdogs that were expected to chase after rodents in their spare time (so not just a pretty face). They bark a lot, and are fiercely loyal. This can look kind of hilarious when these teacup-sized pups are determined to warn off big bad critters they think are going to mess with their owners, but your neighbors might not find it so funny.
These pups need a lot of love, mental stimulation, and of course, exercise. Read on to find out how to keep your Russkiy Toy as healthy and happy as can be.
The Shell Game
Like most ratters, Russkiy Toys are highly intelligent, and keeping their brain busy is just as important as keeping their body active. Otherwise, they might turn to less productive pursuits — like ravaging your couch cushions.
The Shell Game poses a particular mental challenge for dogs. It functions in the same way as the game for humans — i.e., you put something under a cup, move the cups around, and try to pick which cup the item is under. In this case, the item is a piece of food or a treat.
Sounds simple, right? Well, as bright as your buddy is, it could take them a while to pick it up. The time estimate above refers to the time per training session, but it could take up to a week or more for your pooch to nail this trick!
Investigate Local Tourist Attractions
Russkiy Toys don’t like people messing with their owners, but other than that, their attitude towards other pups and people ranges somewhere between reserved and friendly — they’re not often aggressive, so they’re a perfect partner for a day out on the town!
Maybe you never get to see the tourist attractions that you pass on your commute, or perhaps you’re intrigued by your small town’s historic buildings. Either way, why not leash up your pooch and take them out? Russkiys are also pretty easy to pop into bags and carriers, which means that they’re welcome on public transit in many large urban areas. Just be sure to keep them on a tight leash so they don’t go tearing after smaller critters.
Canine Freestyle
Ever considered helping your dog tear up a rug? (No, not like that.)
Canine Freestyle, also known as Musical Freestyle, is simply doggy dancing with an obedience training element. You’ll be teaching your pup to perform commands to a beat!
Canine freestyle can get pretty artistic, choreographed — and complicated. You and your buddy will probably be starting with heelwork-to-music, a technique that keeps your buddy at your side as you move to a beat. Whether you’re looking to perform or just for a fun way to exercise with your dog, it’s best to take at least one or two classes with professionals first.
