Activities For Smooth Fo-Tzus
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Introduction
The Smooth Fo-Tzu, while a mouthful to say, is not a challenging dog to own. In fact, once you establish a list of fun activities to stimulate both body and soul, you will find they are a lovely, family-oriented pet that will suit apartment and house life well. The Smooth Fo-Tzu is a cross between a Shih Tzu and a Smooth Fox Terrier. They get their quick wit and energy from the Fox Terrier and the lovely temperament and lap dog traits from the Shih Tzu. If you are looking for new activities for your furry friend to enjoy, the suggestions below may grab your attention.
Commando Crawl
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Any Day
Free
Hard
10 min
Items needed
Treats
Activity description
Smooth Fo-Tzus are intelligent dogs that need continual mental stimulation in between walks, trips to the dog park, and other fun activities. Why not take the time to teach them new tricks? Learning how to commando crawl is not only a fun party trick but is something you and your pup can work on in 10-minute increments over a period of days. It may be hard, but it's a free all-weather activity you can do indoors and outdoors. It's also bound to be enjoyable not only for your dog but you as well. Get the treats out and get started!
Step
1
Lie down
If your dog doesn't know how to lie down, then they won't pick up the commando crawl all that easy. Teach them how to lie down by first making them sit. Point to the ground and lower a treat until they slide down onto their bellies. Give them the treat while using the trigger words 'lie down'. Repeat until you can use both motions and words to get them to do as you say.
Step
2
Learn to move
Tell your Smooth Fo-Tzu to lie down and lie down with them within arm's reach. Face your dog and pat the floor with a treat in your hand, saying the trigger word 'crawl.' In many cases, your dog won't immediately crawl to you, but will instead try to get up and walk. In this case, gently push them down and create a barrier over the top of them with your legs to get them to crawl. Move the treat along the ground in front of you, and when they crawl, say 'crawl' and give them the treat.
Step
3
Lengthen crawl
Once you have mastered getting your dog to lie down and begin crawling, you can work on extending their crawling distance. Use the word crawl and move the treat further away, offering plenty of praise as they move. It may take several days to increase the length, but if you're patient and offer treats and positive attention, your Smooth Fo-Tzu will pick it up far quicker than you think.
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Dog Park
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Toy
Doggy waste bag
Activity description
Thanks to Shih Tzu parentage, the Smooth Fo-Tzu can be the most well-rounded dog who is a friend to anyone and everyone. Unfortunately, it can take early socialization with both animals and people to carry this trait on through later life. That's why trips to the dog park become so important from puppy through to mature dog. When you let them play with dogs of a similar size on a weekly basis for an hour, they can learn to adjust to sharing their space and time with others. What's more, this activity is free, easy to do, and you only need a waste bag, leash, and toy.
Step
1
Choose a park
When you bring your Smooth Fo-Tzu home as a puppy, it's an excellent idea to start looking for close dog parks to attend. However, you must ascertain criteria. Given the Fox Terrier parentage, your Smooth Fo-Tzu may be an escape artist. Find a dog park that caters to small dogs and has exceptional Fort Knox-style fencing.
Step
2
Take it slow
Your Smooth Fo-Tzu may be nervous the first time they go to the dog park. They are in a new environment with new people and pets, and it can take a while to adjust. Take it slow. Walk them around the outer edges of the park and let them take in all the sights and sounds. Within 10 minutes, you can take them in.
Step
3
Play
With your toy in hand, you can coax your dog into the small dog pen for an hour of fun. You can either interact with them on their own but near other dogs, or encourage them to play with others. In either situation, your pup is learning to play side by side with others, creating a well-rounded dog in later life.
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Fetch
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Rainy Day
Cheap
Easy
20 min
Items needed
Fetch toy
Activity description
When the rainy, wintry weather sets in, it can be a challenge to make sure your Smooth Fo-Tzu still gets enough exercise. After all, you will not want to be taking them out in the torrential rain for a walk! That's why fetch becomes such a valuable game. Not only does it ensure your pup can get as much exercise as possible if you live in an apartment, but if it's raining as well. It's cheap, easy, takes up only 20 minutes of your time, and you also only need one toy. It will become your dog's favorite activity in no time.
Step
1
Choose a toy
Not any toy will meet the mark in a game of fetch. It needs to be a toy your Smooth Fo-Tzu wants to chase, as well as being lightweight and aerodynamic. What's more, given their small mouth, it needs to be small enough for them to bring back to you quickly and easily.
Step
2
Clear an area
Because you are playing inside on a rainy day, you need to pay attention to where you are playing. Clear an area away from all your fine china, and make sure there is plenty of room to the sides and straight ahead. The further you can throw the toy, too, the more exercise your Smooth Fo-Tzu will get.
Step
3
Play fetch!
Now that you have set aside a space to play, you can get to work! Sit on your couch watching TV and throw your Smooth Fo-Tzu's toy as far as you can. After 20 minutes of chasing it and bringing it back to you, your pup will be incredibly tired - all without ever having to step outside!
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More Fun Ideas...
Walk
It doesn't take a lot to wear out a Smooth Fo-Tzu, which is why a walk makes an excellent activity. You can attach a leash or harness, then head to your local park, walking track, or even around your neighborhood. Try to get into the habit of walking your pooch every day for at least half an hour. It won't do you any harm either!
Hide and Seek
Does your dog like to hide their toys and treats so you can't find them? Then reverse the roles with hide and seek. Now it's YOUR turn to hide their toys and treats for them to find! You may need to help them, but it can be a fun way to pass the time while catering to their mental and physical requirements.
Conclusion
When you own a Smooth Fo-Tzu, you get the best of both worlds. The Smooth Fox Terrier brings a spring in their step and a bit of spunk and attitude, while the Shih Tzu is loving, friendly, and adorable. The result is a dog that will provide you with love, affection, and sass for a number of years. All they ask in return is plenty of fun activities that will keep them out of trouble and pawsitive reinforcement to ensure they remain on the right track.