Activities For Smooth Foxkers
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
A Smooth Foxker is a Smooth Fox Terrier crossed with an English or American Cocker Spaniel. The resultant breed is one that can be a watchdog, faithful companion, and a fun addition to your family. However, given their Smooth Fox Terrier parentage, they have a strong hunting instinct that can overpower the gentleness of the Cocker Spaniel. A Smooth Foxker requires an experienced owner or family with no young children. They also need plenty of mental and physical stimulation, such as from these activities below.Â
Grooming
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Rainy Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
Pin brush
De-matter
Comb
De-shedder
Activity description
Because of the Cocker Spaniel parentage, it's very likely that your Smooth Foxker will have a thick coat that requires regular grooming. It's also a coat that attracts sticks and other foreign objects to become tangled within. That's why grooming becomes such a necessary activity. It's also one that, once you buy the combs and brushes for, can become more cost-effective than regular trips to a professional groomer. It also allows you to spend time with your Smooth Foxker! Spend half an hour on a rainy day grooming man's best friend. When they are smooth, clean, and matt-free, they will thank you for it.
Step
1
De-matt
It's easy for your Smooth Foxker's fur to become knotty and matted. It's not a sign of neglect, but rather a sign that your pup likes to get outside and explore! The first step of grooming is to take care of those knots and matting. You can snip out the larger knots that won't brush out, or you can use a de-matter to work them out.
Step
2
Brush
With the larger knots out of the way, you can now use a pin brush to work out the fine tangles. With the right brush, you can work these out easier than you think. A de-shedder can help to remove loose and unnecessary fur as well.
Step
3
Comb
The final step of the all-important grooming session is to comb your Smooth Foxker's fur until you don't come across any tugs or tangles. Your comb should glide right through. Your pup can then go outside and undo all your hard work!
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Fetch
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Any Day
Cheap
Hard
20 min
Items needed
Fetch toy
Treat
Activity description
It can be a challenge to find an all-weather activity to appeal to your Smooth Foxker, but fetch could be it. While it might be hard to learn how to play, once they get the hang of it, it will become their favorite activity. It's also one you can enjoy inside and out, takes 20 minutes of your time, and only requires a fetch toy. If you want to tire out your dog without leaving the property, fetch is how. Get the lessons underway and show your pup how fun a simple ball or similar toys can be!
Step
1
Chase
Not every dog knows how to run after an item and collect it. You may have to start with teaching them to chase. Throw their favorite toy a short distance away, then run after it getting them to chase it. Use positive encouragement and reward them for chasing it with a treat. Repeat this process until you are confident they will chase an item if you throw it.
Step
2
Retrieve
Before you can get your Smooth Foxker to bring the toy back, you need to teach them to retrieve it. Throw the toy for them to chase, then get another toy and throw it in the opposite direction. They are learning the process of chasing, retrieving, and coming back to you.
Step
3
Bring it back
Once your dog gets into the habit of going past you to retrieve another toy, you can ask them to "drop it" to the first toy they are holding. Doing so gets them used to chasing something then bringing it back to you and dropping it. With each part of the process, reward your pup with a treat.
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Walk
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Sunny Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Leash
Doggy waste bag
Activity description
Caring for your Smooth Foxker doesn't have to be hard work. Instead, they are more than happy with a walk if it means they get to spend time with you outside your four walls. Pack a waste bag, hook on their leash, and hit the road. An hour walk is easy, depletes your dog's energy resources, and doesn't cost a dime. The best thing about a walk, too, is that it can take you anywhere. On a whim, you can end up miles from home! You can then return with a tuckered pup who won't get up to any mischief for the rest of the day.
Step
1
Choose a route
Not every Smooth Foxker is going to get along with other dogs - especially if their personality leads toward their Terrier parentage. So, it's in your best interests to travel walking routes that are not as densely populated as others. These might include country back roads, unused school fields, and more.
Step
2
Walk
An hour-long walk can be all it takes to satisfy a dog that's chomping at the bit to get active. Your Smooth Foxker is no exception. They will jump at the opportunity to go out with you in the fresh air, burning off their pent-up energy.
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More Fun Ideas...
Hoop Jumping
Do you think your Smooth Foxker has what it takes to learn new tricks? Test their intelligence with hoop jumping. You can coerce your dog to walk through the hoop with the help of a treat. Repeat the process and slowly add height to the hoop so they end up having to leap through it.
Car Ride
Are you going somewhere fun in the car? Let your pup come along for the ride. As long as you don't leave your dog unattended, and it's not a hot day, there's no reason why you can't buckle your furry friend in for the journey and let them out of the house. They will love being able to view all the happenings out the car window!
Conclusion
Smooth Foxkers make fine companions, loving nothing more than to hang out with their owner and do fun things. However, they do require a bit of love and attention, as well as a firm hand. Take the time to try out these activities above and challenge both yourself and man's best friend.