Activities For Smooth Fo-Chons
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
A Smooth Fo-Chon is a breed with the parentage of Bichon Frise and Smooth Fox Terrier. The result is a small toy dog that loves you to carry them around, use your lap as a resting place, and be around you all the time. The Smooth Fo-Chon is also a dog with a high prey drive, natural dislike for many other animals, and a love for chasing wildlife. As a result, you need to get quite creative with your activity choices. Here are a few to get you started.
Beg
Popular
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Any Day
Free
Hard
10 min
Items needed
Treat
Activity description
Given the small size of your Smooth Fo-Chon, you may find that teaching them tricks is far more achievable than it is with larger breeds. Beg is one such option that will give you both a lot of joy while also providing your dog with mental stimulation at the same time. You can carry out training in 10-minute increments, use a treat to encourage them to learn quicker, and benefit from the somewhat challenging difficulty level which can see this free all-weather activity take a few days or weeks. Once you master it, however, your Smooth Fo-Chon will be the life of the party.
Step
1
Teach sit
The first step to teaching beg is mastering the all-important command 'sit.' If your Smooth Fo-Chon can't sit on command, they won't learn beg. Teach your clever furry friend to sit down with the use of repetition and treats before moving on to step two.
Step
2
Trigger word
Beg is going to be your trigger word which you will need to use consistently. Give your Smooth Fo-Chon the sit command, then begin lifting a treat into the air. As soon as they start moving to get the treat, say the word beg, then reward them with the treat.
Step
3
Increase distance
The goal is to get your Smooth Fo-Chon on to two feet, in the beg position for their treat. Over time, work on increasing the distance required for your pup to reach for the treat, only giving it to them when they get one or two feet off the ground.
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Fetch
Popular
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Any Day
Cheap
Normal
10 min
Items needed
Treat
Two toys
Activity description
Fetch can be a game that many dogs pick up quickly, but it's not something all dogs will. Some will see you throw their toy and wonder what you expect of them! However, with practice and training, this all-weather activity can be one that's effective for keeping your four-legged friend fit and healthy. They will have to run and chase, use their minds, and wear themselves out in the process! You also only need two toys and a treat to learn, and this game has a regular difficulty level for your Smooth Fo-Chon. Once your energetic pup masters it, it will be your go-to activity both indoors and out.
Step
1
Drop it
Firstly, teach your dog to drop their toy. Every time they pick it up, use the command 'drop it,' and give them a treat when they do. You need your dog to drop any item they have chased as soon as you tell them, to effectively teach them to fetch.
Step
2
Bait and switch
The next step is known as bait and switch. Begin by throwing a toy for your dog to chase, then when they get it, throw another toy in the opposite direction. Doing so gets them used to coming back to you. After a few times, don't throw the second toy but call their name. They will bring the toy toward you, and use your trigger word 'drop it' before throwing the second.
Step
3
Merge all steps
Now that your dog has learned each stage of the game, you can run through the entire fetch process seamlessly. Throw one toy, have your dog bring it back, and then say 'drop it.' Reward them with praise and pats. You can then move on to other fun games!
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Walk
Popular
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
30 min
Items needed
Leash
Doggy waste bag
Activity description
You might think that a walk is not a fun activity, but for a small dog like a Smooth Fo-Chon, it's more fun than you think. For most of the day, you will have them inside your house or apartment, so the opportunity to head out into the wide world on a sunny day with you for half an hour is bliss for a dog! What's more, it's easy, you only need a waste bag and a leash, and it gets you both out enjoying the sunshine without spending a cent. A walk is more effective for a Smooth Fo-Chon than you think.
Step
1
Set routes
Given your Smooth Fo-Chon's high prey drive and dislike for dogs and other critters, it's important to establish routes that bypass many of these things. Otherwise, your 30-minute walk can turn into a three-hour one! You may like to head down back roads, on nature trails, and through local parks.
Step
2
Walk
When the sun's shining, your pup is going to be chomping at the bit to head out for a walk - especially when they see you put your walking shoes on! Don't be afraid to change up their route each time you go out - even lengthening it if you feel their energy levels are a little higher.
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More Fun Ideas...
Weasel
Given your Smooth Fo-Chon's high prey drive, it makes sense to harness it with an animal they can't hurt or scare. A battery-powered weasel might be it. This critter features soft fabric and a plastic ball with batteries inside it. It then flips and rolls around your floor, encouraging your Smooth Fo-Chon to take chase!
Car Ride
Smooth Fo-Chons love to go anywhere and everywhere with their owner, and in the car is no different. Find their car seatbelt harness, then strap them in for the journey. You can then take them with you on errands, letting them see all the people and places whizzing by out the vehicle window.
Conclusion
If you're a couple or individual living in an apartment and feel like you can never own a dog, then think again. A Smooth Fo-Chon's small size makes them perfect for apartment life. If you happen to own this small and spunky pup, then count yourself lucky. Their character, energy, and charm will put a smile on your face at every opportunity.