Top Activities For Scottish Cockers

Introduction

If you are looking for a medium-sized dog with not a significant requirement for physical activity, then a Scottish Cocker might be the breed for you. This loyal, loving, affectionate and fun dog is a cross between a Scottish Terrier and a Cocker Spaniel. Because it’s a hybrid breed, you can expect to get the sweet, loyal, and social nature of a Cocker Spaniel, the intensity of a Scottish Terrier, or a healthy balance of both natures. Even though you don’t need to run your Scottish Cocker for miles to deplete their energy levels, you still need to devote time to cater to their need for love and affection. Scottish Cockers are not dogs you can leave on their own as they are known for their barking. Put your best paw forward with these activities below.

Dog Park

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Toy

Doggy waste bag

Activity description

If the sun has made an appearance and the weather is too lovely to spend hanging around home, then a journey to the dog park could be in order. This fun, free activity is one your dog will look forward to every time, and only requires the use of a toy, leash, and doggy waste bag. While you have to set an hour aside for a dog park visit, you get so many benefits in that short amount of time. Your dog will be able to socialize with others, all the while burning off all that pent-up energy in a new environment.

Step

1

Research

While you may wish to visit the dog park on a whim without a lot of thought, the inclusion of the Scottish Terrier into your Scottish Cocker makes it essential to plan and research. You need to know whether your dog’s temperament is suitable for others, or whether they need to go to a quiet park. It’s also worth considering whether the dog park you are thinking of visiting has an enclosure for smaller dogs or whether it’s a free-run area. One or the other may not be suitable for your furry friend.

Step

2

Start slow

Instead of unclipping your dog from their leash and immediately putting them into the enclosure, it’s crucial that you take it slow. Not every dog has the confidence to run off and make themselves known to other dogs. Instead, they may be more shy or nervous, and in need of your encouragement. To ensure you start off the visit on the right foot, take them for a walk around the enclosure. Study their body language carefully, and if they show signs of excitement rather than nerves or fear, let them into the pen.

Step

3

Play

Once you let your Scottish Cocker into the dog park to play with other dogs, you will find they will have the time of their lives. In that 60-minute visit, they will be running, jumping, and burning off so much energy. To spice things up, you can even give your dog a toy to share with their new friends. Before long, you will find that a trip to the dog park is a fun activity that you often include in your dog’s weekly routine.

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Nature Walk

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Doggy waste bag

Activity description

If you’re partial to a nature walk, then don’t forget to take your furry friend with you. The smells, sights, and other animals around you are going to evoke a lot of excitement in your dog. What’s more, the hour-long walk in sunny conditions is going to ensure this free activity is one your dog will enjoy. The best part about a nature walk, however, is that it benefits both you and your dog. You get your daily requirement of exercise, while your dog gets to spend time with you away from home. If you think a nature walk is the best activity for you and your Scottish Cocker, it’s time to get the process underway.

Step

1

Plan a route

Depending on how long you want to be away from home for, or where you are in the United States, the courses can vary. However, that’s not a bad thing. Instead, it opens the doors of opportunity to take a different nature walk every time you head out. You can opt for the beauty and excitement of the Grand Canyon National Park or something more low-key such as Lighthouse Point Park or Runyon Canyon Park. These are all dog-friendly spots that are bound to appeal. Have a look online to find dog-friendly nature walks and hikes near you.

Step

2

Walk

With a route in mind, it’s time to get your walk underway! Remember to take your dog for a walk on a leash and don’t forget to carry a doggy waste bag. And, due to the Scottish Cocker’s high prey drive, you need to have eagle eyes. Watch out for wildlife your dog may see and try to chase. Anything small and on the move is enough to make your dog want to take up the chase.

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Fetch

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Fetch toy

Activity description

Scottish Cockers don’t require a lot of physical activity, but they do crave attention. Ensure they get enough of both by playing a game of fetch. It’s bound to be a welcome addition to their routine. Fetch is an excellent activity option because you can play it both inside and outside, it’s affordable, and it only takes up to 30 minutes of your time. What’s more, you can play it while sitting on your couch watching TV. All you need is a fetch toy and an enthusiastic dog who wants to play with it and run around like a lunatic!

Step

1

Buy a toy

Almost anything can become a fetch toy, but you can also buy specific toys for fetch from any pet store or vet clinic. Typically, they have decent aerodynamic features, are long-lasting, and are safe for pets to chew. Pay a visit to a pet store or have a look online if you haven’t already got such a toy. Options are abundant.

Step

2

Play

To play fetch takes minimal effort from you but can provide your pampered pooch with a lot of fun. Clear an area inside your home, or head out to your yard. Sit back, relax, and throw the toy for your dog to chase. As their little legs run back and forward, they are bound to tire quickly.

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More Fun Ideas...

Food Puzzles

Scottish Cockers are smart dogs with a need to understand and engage with everything. If you are looking for an exciting activity that will engage them and take their attention off you, then a food puzzle is an excellent option. You can make one at home or even buy food stuffer balls and similar toys that require your dog to put on their thinking cap.

Car Ride

Because Scottish Cockers can be quite anxious (and noisy!) when you leave them on their own, it’s in your best interest to take them with you where possible. If you are heading to the store or on a quick car journey, it can become a fun activity for your dog as well. If you buy a seatbelt harness, they will be more than happy to come with you, sitting in their seat and watching the world.

Conclusion

When you adopt a Scottish Cocker, you never know which genetic combination you’re going to get. It’s going to be a bit of a lucky dip. However, whatever mixture of the two breeds you get, you are bound to find they become your best friend in no time. If you want them to spend their life doing fun things, then put your best paw forward and try these activities above.