Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Your Smooth Foxingese is a hybrid mix of the Pekingese and the Smooth Fox Terrier. This hybrid combines the elegance of the Pekingese with the superior nose, hunting skills and high energy of the Smooth Fox Terrier, resulting in a small moderately active canine companion who needs approximately 60 minutes of vigorous daily exercise every day. While the Pekingese was bred primarily for as companions for royalty, the breeding of the varieties of Fox Terrier involved more functional uses related to hunting, accomplished by chasing foxes out of their dens for capture by their handlers. Because of the contributions to the gene pool by the breed parents, your pup’s nose and energy levels need to be managed appropriately to keep them healthy and happy. Wag! can offer some suggestions for the mental and physical stimulation of your clever Smooth Foxingese.
Frisbee toss is a game which began as a children’s game but quickly caught on as a “fetch” action for our canine companions. Chasing an object is a natural tendency for the canine species, and this is especially so for the Smooth Fox Terrier genes that make up your pet. If you don’t already own a Frisbee disk, you can easily purchase one at any toy department or store. They aren’t expensive and reusable as long as they continue to “fly” and are not severely chewed. Frisbee toss is best played in sunny weather, and couldn’t be easier to learn, either from your point of view or your pup’s. You fling the disk in any desired direction, keeping an eye out for dangers lurking in the area in light of other humans and animals. If you have never played this game with your pooch, we suggest that you start with short, low flings and work up to the higher and farther ones as you both acclimate to the game. Keep your play periods to 15 to 20 minutes duration to avoid overtiring your darling doggie. Frequent rest periods, with hydration and treats works wonders for all participants.
The Nose Work activity played indoors or out, encourages the canine to use their natural scenting abilities. This ability is mainly present in the Smooth Fox Terrier breed parent, giving your hybrid a high prey drive. If your dog has never participated in this type of game, you’ll need to start with familiar scents and patiently teach them to search for them. Teaching your Smooth Foxingese to scent out a tasty doggie treat isn’t as hard as you might think. The game components cost very little since you probably already have some yummy dog treats in the house, and empty cardboard boxes are easily found in any grocery or department store. Because the game doesn’t need a great deal of space to play, it is played indoors or out, day or night. By involving your precious pooch in this type of game, you are honing a skill which is passed down from their breed parents, not generally utilized in the family pet. Have a 6-foot long leash handy when you're playing this game in an unsecured or unfenced area.
The cup game is another nose work activity. This one involves using sturdy cups, not easily tipped. Using three cups, you need to place a treat or toy beneath one of the cups when the dog is not present. The dog is called to the play area and encouraged to locate the cup under which the treat or toy secreted. Again, the dog receives immediate gratification upon successful completion of the task.
You are the proud owner of a loving, intelligent and moderately energetic canine hybrid. All of that love and energy, if pent-up and not expended regularly, can result in the development of some annoying habits that shout boredom! Management of the physical and mental powers of your Smooth Foxingese is required to avoid the destructive behaviors that accompany boredom. We have provided some suggestions for activities which are fun for you and your canine companion, as well as develop and hone natural skills not generally employed in the role of family companion.