Top Activities For Teddy Roosevelt Terriers

Introduction

President Theodore Roosevelt once said that Americans should "walk softly and carry a big stick." The terrier that carries his name walks softly while on the hunt, and the "big stick" for the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a proverbial one, but the dog is a formidable ratter, a skill that makes them a prized farm pup. Like the former president, the terrier that carries his name is an avid hunter and is just as tenacious as other terriers. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is highly adaptable. They are also quite active, and they thrive when allowed to participate in family-oriented activities.

Earthdog Trials

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

60 min

Items needed

sand

Pillows and Towels

Activity description

Terriers are known for their penchant for digging. What better way to allow them to work out this desire than by enrolling them in Earthdog trials? Sponsored by the AKC and a number of local clubs, Earthdog training presents your furbaby with live quarry (generally large rodents protected from harm by a see-through protective barrier). Your dog will first be required to find the rodents by scent. As they continue to participate, they length of the scent trail will increase. Earthdog trials are timed, so you'll want to train at home as much as possible in preparation. Practicing does not require a lot of funds and can typically be done in all types of weather.

Step

1

Building a course

You can allow Fido to practice in your own backyard. Worried that your sweet Teddy might try to dig in your flowerbeds? They won't when you present them with a big pile of sand meant just for them! You can pick up a bag of sand at your local hardware store. Once your "dirt pile" has been established, hide a favorite toy (leaving just a small portion visible) and encourage your furry pal to dig away.

Step

2

Training indoors

Before creating the outdoor course, you might go through a few trial runs indoors. Gather some old towels or pillows. Place a few smelly treats on the floor, then cover with the towels and pillows. Encourage your canine companion to go after the reward at the bottom of the pile. Start using the same command you'll want to use when outdoors - you can say "dig it" or "find it," just be consistent.

Step

3

Participate

The American Kennel Club sponsors a number of Earthdog competitions across the United States. The dog is initially given an "IQ" test - introduction to quarry - by placing the dog in a ten foot tunnel that ends at an angle. At the end of this angle are a number of rats protected behind a set of bars (the AKC never sanctions any activity that might harm any animal). As the level of intensity increases, so does the level of difficulty for your Earthdog. Tunnels will increase in length as well as the number of turns your pup must make in order to find their quarry.

Dog Park

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Normal

60 min

Items needed

leash

doggy waste bags

Activity description

The energetic Teddy can frolic for hours if you'll allow them to do so. They love to play indoors, but they thrive outside. However, you may not have a proper backyard in which the Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can run and play. No fear - your local dog park is a free venue where you can provide your perky buddy with a wide variety of activities in all types of weather, as long as you are dressed for the elements. These activities may range from the walking track to training opportunities. In addition, the Teddy can also use the dog park as an opportunity to socialize, something that they need in order to properly get along with other dogs.

Step

1

Trip to the park

Before taking your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier to any dog park, you will want to ensure that they have had all their vaccinations including booster shots. Next, you will want to have taught your pup some commands before allowing them to go off-leash (an option at some parks). Keep it simple - "come," "sit," and "stay." are sufficient for a younger dog. Furthermore, if you have friends who have an older, more experienced dog, invite them over so that your puppy can be exposed to a friendly dog before being inundated at the dog park.

Step

2

Leash time

You will need to supervise your young dog on their first few trips to the dog park. Although in a perfect world everyone would be cautious with their beloved pooches, not every pet parent will supervise their pup as well as you do. Until your dog knows how to behave and handle approaches by other dogs, never allow them to go off the leash, even in areas where this is allowed.

Step

3

Introductions

Socialization is a key activity to teaching your dog how to behave correctly. Again, you'll want to supervise any interaction between your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier and other furry pals. Be prepared for a little good-natured bristling and perhaps a little low growling. This is normal behavior between dogs and nothing to worry about. As long as your dog is wagging their tail, this is just normal behavior regarding the "pecking order" among dogs.

Tug of War

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Normal

30 min

Items needed

sturdy rope toy

treats as a reward

Activity description

Anyone can play tug of war with a dog, right? Well, it's really not that simple. Terriers and other breeds that are rather independent may attempt to "take over" a game of tug of war. With the proper training of simple commands, though, you can enjoy a stamina-building game of tug of war with your Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. Of course, you will want your dog to know the words "good" and "no." However, the most important command is "leave it." This will help to leave you in control of the game at all times. Don't forget to let Fido win every once in a while as it establishes confidence in your pooch. Play at home often - tug of war is a free lesson in manners!

Step

1

Teaching "leave it"

"Leave it" tells your dog to walk away from an item - whether the item is food, a toy, or the rope with which you play tug of war. This command is key to ensuring that your tenacious terrier realizes you are in control of this game, and you always will be. You'll need to have a treat in your hand, and the objective is to get them to leave the treat alone.

Step

2

Teaching "leave it" part II

Part I of this command involves getting the dog to hesitate when you hide a smelly treat in your hand. When they hesitate, say "leave it," and praise them. Next, you'll want to open up your hand with the proffered treat. Have another treat hidden behind your back. Say "leave it." When the dog hesitates, praise them and give them the hidden treat.

Step

3

Play the game

Now that Fido has the ability to "leave it," you can begin playing tug of war. Allow your furry friend to win a few times; then, especially if you notice them becoming a little too rough for your liking, command them to "leave it." Have a food reward handy for successful "leaving."

More Fun Ideas...

Take a Stroll

Every dog can benefit from a brisk stroll in the neighborhood with you. The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier can easily walk for the better part of an hour if you are game to do so! Break their walks into smaller, fifteen minute intervals for the best results.

Put the Toys Away

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a very astute little dog, meaning they pick up on tricks and training rather quickly. You can teach them to put their toys into a storage container or basket. However, you'll need to show them what you want them to do, and you will need to heap praise on them when they are successful. Food rewards may help reinforce their good behavior.

Conclusion

The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is a pooch that does resemble their namesake. President Roosevelt was an avid hunter; in fact, the teddy bear was named such because Roosevelt refused to shoot a baby bear in the Mississippi Delta on a hunting trip (he was an avid hunter, but he also believed in a fair hunt). Teddy Roosevelt was also a tenacious leader, much like the headstrong Teddy Roosevelt Terrier. This loving little dog is quite active, and they greatly enjoy any time interacting with their family.