Activities For Small Swiss Hounds
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Introduction
The Small Swiss Hound may be a smaller pup but that does not mean that they are short on personality. This breed is overtly friendly, very intelligent and a keen hunter as well. While they are good family pets due to their petite size and happy tendencies, they definitely need to be provided with plenty to do in order to keep them busy and always moving. These activities will help you and your Small Swiss Hound stay active in new, fun ways.
Remote Controlled Chase
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Remote Controlled Car
Stuffed Animal Toy
Activity description
The Small Swiss Hound comes from a long line of hunting dogs. These pups were bred to find and chase game of all sizes and this desire to run and hunt never goes away - it is in your dog's DNA! Even if your pup isn't a trained hunting dog, you can still take them out for a version of a hunt using a remote controlled car. That's right, your Small Swiss Hound will love chasing that toy around the yard and you will have a blast watching them go! This activity is fairly inexpensive and you can play inside or outside making it the perfect activity for you and your dog.
Step
1
Car search
Begin by purchasing a remote controlled toy car that you can use to play with your dog. While there are pup specific versions, a simple kid's toy will suffice and will also be less expensive. Look for a car that you can make move forward, backward and left to right which will make it look more like a real animal once you set it in motion.
Step
2
Toy attachment
In order to make the remote controlled car look even more realistic and intrigue your Small Swiss Hound more, attach a stuffed animal toy to the car. Tie it tightly so that the toy will not fall off as the car drives around and be sure to keep the rope or tape away from the wheels. Once your "animal car" is ready to go, grab your pup and head somewhere nice and flat where the car will be able to go quickly.
Step
3
The chase
Put the toy car down on the ground near your dog and let them get close enough to give it a quick look. Then, before your dog gets too close, make the car move away quickly, using the remote to direct it away from your dog. Move the car left and right, forward and backward, keeping it away from your dog's paws for as long as you can. How long before your Small Swiss Hound catches the toy? It probably won't take too long!
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Truffle Dog
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Hard
1 hr
Items needed
Stuffed Animal
Truffle Oil
Collar
Leash
Truffles
Activity description
Small Swiss Hounds are a typical hound dog through and through, absolutely loving to sniff and track anything, anywhere. Hounds have the most amazing sense of smell and this gift can be harnessed into a profitable business (or at least into a fun activity!). Training your Small Swiss Hound to be a truffle sniffing dog can prove to be quite lucrative. However, even if your dog never finds a single truffle, they will have great fun being outside sniffing new, exciting places. It may take a little time to get your pup into truffle searching mode but once they learn, they will have this skill for life!
Step
1
Sniff it
Begin by teaching your Small Swiss Hound what truffles smell like. While it may be a little pricey to give your dog a real truffle to sniff, you can opt for truffle oil which is just as pungent but significantly cheaper. Rub the oil on your dog's favorite toy so that they learn to love the scent. Place some oil on a cotton ball and say "truffle" while your pup takes a whiff. The strong smell won't get past a Small Swiss Hound!
Step
2
Indoor practice
Place some of the truffle oil on cotton balls and hide them around your house. Say "truffle" to your pup and see how long it takes for your smart tracking dog to find each hidden object. Give your dog a treat when they bring you the "truffle" and then start the game again. Your dog will quickly liken treats with the smell of truffles and be dying to find more!
Step
3
The hunt
Once your dog has grown sensitive to the smell of truffles, it's time to take them on a real truffle hunt. Bring your dog to a well-known truffle area and get ready to search. Keep your dog on the leash as they sniff the ground, looking for the prize. Let your dog sniff the truffle oil to keep the scent in their memory as you hunt. Hopefully, your dog will find a rare, delicious truffle!
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Doggy Daycare
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Expensive
Easy
8 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Collar
Activity description
While Small Swiss Hounds make lovely pets, they are not happy when kept inside for extended periods of time. They also do not like being left alone, without their family and with no doggy friends. Small Swiss Hounds will become destructive, depressed and potentially aggressive if they are frequently spending time cooped up at home. In order to curb this unwanted behavior, look for a doggy daycare in your area where your pup can go and play while you are away. Doggy daycare can be expensive but it is well worth the cost when you see how happy it will make your pup.
Step
1
Requirements
Think about what you need from a doggy daycare facility and make a checklist. Do you want the center to offer drop off services where you can bring your Small Swiss Hound anytime you'd like or do you need a place with a more set schedule? Do you want the center to provide treats for your dog or do you feel more comfortable bringing your own? Think about what is best for you and for your dog.
Step
2
Search the centers
Once you know what you want from doggy daycare, start looking for ones in your area. Plan visits if possible and see if they offer a free trial for your dog as well. Read reviews online as well to get the insider scoop about each doggy daycare. There are many sources you can use to validate which center you choose!
Step
3
First day
On your Small Swiss Hound's first day of daycare, take a picture of them going inside and be sure to tell the staff of any special needs your dog may have. Call halfway through the day to see how your pup is doing and get a full report when you pick them up as well. Once home, see how your dog acts after a full day away. They will likely fall into a deep slumber after having a fun-filled, exhausting day at daycare!
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More Fun Ideas...
Dock Jumping
Small Swiss Hounds love to play in the water so dock jumping is a game that will come naturally to them. Find a nice long dock and throw a tennis ball off the edge for your pup to dive in after. Have them wear a lifejacket unless you know they are a very strong swimmer.
Treat Hunt
When you and your dog are inside having a low key day, hide a few treats around the house for your pup to find. Your dog will likely put their nose to the ground and be able to find any delicious smelling prize in no time!
Conclusion
A Small Swiss Hound is anything but small. Sure, they may not weigh very much and they may not be very tall but this breed is so full of life that they cannot be categorized as anything but larger than life. Make sure your active dog is getting plenty of exercise each day. This breed also needs a lot of mental stimulation to appease their problem solving brains. Pick any of these perfect activities for Small Swiss Hounds and start making your dog happy today!