Activities For Rustralian Terriers

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Introduction

Are you the proud owner of a Rustralian Terrier?  You know the hybrid to which we refer - the cross between the Australian Terrier and the Jack Russell Terrier - and such a spunky and energetic little pup they are! This brave little dog is also affectionate, loving and so fun loving that you're probably wondering how you ever lived without them.  And, we'll wager that you're sometimes wondering how to spend all of that energy they possess.  The purpose of this guide is to give you some ideas about fun and exciting things you can do with your pet to manage all of that vigor and spark.

Agility Training

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Sunny Day
Moderate
Hard
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Kiddie Pool
Hurdles
Tires
Collar or harness
Leash
Drinking water
Activity description
One of the more significant personality traits possessed by a terrier is that of seemingly limitless energy.  These feisty little dogs can run, jump and play from daybreak to sundown, making it difficult to keep up with them.  It seems natural for terriers to excel in agility arenas, and it makes sense to utilize that inherited trait in their exercise regimen.  The cost of this activity could be moderate if you need to make use of commercial facilities for the training and practice.  However, if you have the open space on your property, you could set up hurdles to jump, a kiddie pool and containers to jump over or swim through, tunnels or tubes to crawl through, piles of old tires to climb and slides as obstacles which your dog needs to traverse.  The goal is to teach your dog to tackle the challenges quickly and efficiently, completing the course in the fastest time possible.  Repeating the course will improve both the quality of the run as well as the time spent to achieve the task.
Step
1
Locate local classes or courses
Locating classes or courses in your area can begin with your local phone book, looking up canine organizations who provide a variety of training opportunities for a fee. Your veterinary professional or your groomer is also a source for referrals to these training organizations or canine kennel clubs. Don't forget that friends and family can also connect you with agility training opportunities.
Step
2
Determine and gather items needed to register
When you contact the local organizations offering classes, be sure to ask what documents they require for registration. They will likely need immunization and health records for your dog and photo identification for you or your handler. Inquire as to the need for you to bring any additional equipment for use during the training period. Gather all of these items together, as well as the excellent walking or running shoes for you and plenty of drinking water for both of you. Be sure those shoes are comfy and provide sufficient support because you will be running with your dog in both training and when they run the course.
Step
3
1, 2, 3, Go! Go! Go!
Are you ready for fun, fun, fun? Get set! Go! Go! Go! Collar or harness your Rustralian Terrier, attach the leash and put on those running shoes. You and your darling doggie will work together to learn how to navigate the course, how to improve your canine's performance and time, and you will soon see how much energy your pup will use doing so. To practice the skills learned from the trainer, go ahead and set up a course at home using the items you've collected such as a kiddie pool or sturdy old tires. Now that your pup has had some training in the field of agility, the home course will be a fun challenge!
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Flyball

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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Collar or harness
Leash
Drinking water
Treats
Activity description
Flyball is a fun game that your dog will enjoy over and over again.  It involves a course with some hurdles to jump as the dog runs down the 51-foot route.  Once the dog gets to the end of the road, there is a box which contains a tennis type of ball that is released when the dog presses a spring-loaded pad.  Retrieval of the ball is next, followed by the return of the dog with the ball to the starting line.  Flyball is a timed event and commonly includes teams of dogs who run the race in relay fashion.   Since speed is required, the more frequently the dog navigates the path, the more opportunity they have to improve, increasing the likelihood of success in organized flyball competitions.
Step
1
Locate facilities in your area
Locating flyball facilities in your area could begin with the internet, or it could start with your veterinary professional or even your groomer. Any of these trusted professionals can give you ideas about where to get information on these facilities and the organizations who promote them. Be sure not to overlook another source of referrals, specifically family and friends, word of mouth being a powerful advertising tool.
Step
2
Gather documentation
When you contact the facilities that provide flyball for dogs, be sure to inquire as to price, course availability, classes or training opportunities and any outside equipment needed for completion. Be sure to ask about required documents for appropriate registration of your Rustralian Terrier for the track. These documents can include immunization health records as well as photo identification for you or your handler. Oh, and don't forget those running shoes for you! Gather all items as well as the drinking water and any snacks you deem appropriate in preparation for the trip to the facility.
Step
3
Watch your dog perform
Now comes the fun part! Once you get to the facility, register your dog, presenting appropriate documents as required. Collar and leash your dog and proceed as directed by the trainer or instructor. Don those running or walking shoes and get ready to have fun aplenty as you work with your dog to learn to play flyball for dogs.
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Earth Dog Training

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Any Day
Moderate
Normal
3 - 4 hrs
Items needed
Collar or halter
Leash
Drinking water
Treats
Activity description
Earth Dog activities are excellent ways to keep your intelligent little tracker and hunter entertained and exercised.  Both parent breeds of this hybrid pup were bred for hunting rats and other vermin.  They have exceptional natural tracking abilities which can't get used much in the usual routine of a family pet.  Earth dog events involve the dogs tracking their "quarry" through manmade tunnels into their lairs.  Once the dog has cornered the quarry, they must exhibit an approved active behavior (barking, scratching, staring, pawing, digging).  The quarry, protected behind wooden bars placed at the end of the tunnel, and the dog completing the task, are not at any time during the challenge put into a position which endangers them.
Step
1
Locate local events
The difficulty of finding those local events may vary, depending upon the area in which you live. Your suggested first step is to check with your veterinary professional or groomer for referrals for this type of activity. Be sure not to overlook the contributions made by family and friends as word of mouth advertising is sometimes superior to commercial ads. Of course, the internet is most often an excellent resource.
Step
2
Prep and practice at home
When you contact the facilities on your list, be sure to ask questions about pricing, availability, schedules, and equipment needed for completion. Those facilities will likely require documents for appropriate registration. Documents like immunization and health records as well as photo identification for you or the handler are likely to be needed. For a little at home prep, get your Rustralian Terrier used to running through tunnels - start them off with a short tunnel with a visible treat at the end, gradually increasing the length of the tunnel, still providing a treat at the finish. This will give your terrier an idea of what to do when they get to class.
Step
3
Go and be amazed
This step is probably the most fun of all. After registering your dog, the next step is the part where you get to watch and be amazed. Follow the instructions of the instructor, trainer or leader. Once the class begins, you'll be able to observe in awe as your precious pooch does what comes naturally. Enjoy the discovery of a new facet of your relationship with your furry family member as you begin to appreciate the job they were created to do. Once your Rustralian Terrier has attended a few classes and events, they may be ready for a little friendly competition!
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More Fun Ideas...

Hunt for Dinner

Since your precious pup is a tracker and hunter at heart, they will love this game.  You can play it any time you feed them, and they will never tire of it.  Hide the kibbles or treats that you're planning to feed them and allow them to search and savor their rewards.

Build Digging Box

Some dogs love to dig, but they don't always do so in a manner which we owners appreciate.  To protect your flower beds, why not build your little digger their own space for this activity? This digging box, constructed of wood pieces, sand, and a plastic cover, can be made to any depth you desire.  All of these materials can be purchased at your local hardware store if you don't have them laying around the house.

Dock Dog Diving

The basic theory behind this game is to cater to a dog's natural water-loving tendency.  The goal of the game is to see how far the dog can jump into the water from a dock to retrieve a toy, tossed into the water by the dog's owner or handler.  Dock Dog Diving is a competitive game which couples you and your dog as a team to compete against other teams for the win.

Treat Hide and Seek

Treat hide and seek is another variation of the hunt for dinner game.  You are using the dog's natural scenting ability to locate their favorite treats which you have hidden in a variety of locations, either inside or out, which are either easily found or more challenging.  The dog seeks out the treat and enjoys the reward.

Conclusion

These are just a few ways to increase the energy levels expended by your frisky and feisty Rustralian Terrier.  Because this hybrid pup is intelligent, it becomes vital for you to be able to manage their activities, keeping them from becoming bored and avoiding those annoying and destructive behaviors which all dog owners have experienced.  These are not the only things you can do with your dog, but they serve as triggers to start your creative juices flowing to devise games to play with your beloved pet.