Activities For Westphalian Dachsbrackes

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Activities For Westphalian Dachsbrackes

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Introduction

If you were looking for a dog that was affectionate, friendly, loyal, suitable for family life, but that you could take rabbit hunting, you no doubt ended up with a Westphalian Dachsbracke. Of German descent, the Dachsbracke is a scenthound with short fur and short legs that loves to please and is in their prime when they have a job to do. While they may have little legs, however, you shouldn’t underestimate them. Once they get a whiff of prey, they can be off like a shot, waiting for you to follow them and see what they have. When you bring your Westphalian Dachsbracke home, you will soon learn they are a not a dog to leave to their own devices. They need plenty of stimulation and physical activity. We’ve included a few options below that may help to keep both owner and pup happy.

Rabbit Hunting

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Expensive

Hard

12 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Blankets

Water

Food

GPS collar

Activity description

Because the Westphalian Dachsbracke is a scenthound, you will soon discover they are exceptionally talented with small prey. Due to their short stature and keen nose, they can smell out a hare or rabbit before being able to dig them out of hole and burrows. Therefore, if you’re an avid hunter yourself, taking man’s best friend along for the trip could be the best decision to make. They are bound to notice so many furry critters that you can’t. On this day trip, you may find there are a few things you need to organize and prepare, and it won’t come cheap. You will need food and water for yourself and your dog, a leash, blankets for if the chill gets too much, and a GPS tracker, so you know where your pooch is. Then, when you have everything ready, you can hit the road for a successful hunt.

Step

Hunting location

If you know what you want to hunt with the help of your dog, you need to decide where you want to go. There are several lucrative hunting destinations in the United States, but you will need to do your research to find out where they are. What’s more, you need to establish whether you need permits, homeowner permission and whether there are set times of year you’re allowed to hunt. Research is crucial in the preparation stage.

Step

Arrange gear

Because you will be out for the entire day, your dog’s and your comfort are essential. You need to prepare for an overnight stay even if you don’t intend on staying, and make sure you write a list of all the essentials you need to carry. What’s more, make sure people know where you are and when you will be back.

Step

Go hunting

With bags packed, it’s time for you and your eager Westphalian Dachsbracke to hit the road in search of those furry critters. With man’s best friend by your side, you’re bound to find the hunting experience is far more successful than if you went alone. Your scenthound will smell out the prey before you even get a chance to load your gun.

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Obedience Training

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Leash

Treat

Activity description

When it comes time to train your Westphalian Dachsbracke, you may find it’s not as easy as it has been with dogs you have owned in the past. While your pup aims to please and be of service – and behaves when they have a job to do – they can also be set in their ways. Stubborn and a little bit pig-headed are a couple of ways to describe your furry friend. However, the earlier you can get started, the better. Set aside one hour per week, grab your dog, a leash, and a treat, and head to an all-weather facility for six to eight weeks of training.

Step

Set goals

Before you enlist the help of a trainer, find out what you want to achieve. Do you want to be able to have them come back when you call? Sit? Stay? Depending on the age of your dog, you may have a different set of wants than someone else. Without knowing what you and your dog need to work on, it can be hard to establish a starting point.

Step

Find a trainer

For young dogs between six weeks and six months, puppy school is the best place for many dogs. Here, they can learn essential skills such as sit and stay, but they can also socialize with other dogs which is crucial for later life. If your dog is over six months old, then regular dog training will suffice. You can learn all the same skills if you haven’t previously, as well as ironing out habits your pup has developed over time. If you are struggling to find a trainer, ring your vet, a local dog club, look online, or talk to friends and family.

Step

Begin training

Training begins at a facility but ends at home. While you attend one one-hour session per week, you also need to be practicing what you are learning at home. Practice makes perfect, and given the stubbornness and assertiveness of the Westphalian Dachsbrackes breed, you may need to keep training long after your sessions have finished.

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Nature Walk

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Free

Normal

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Doggy waste bag

Activity description

Even though your Dachsbracke has short legs, that doesn’t mean they don’t require a lot of physical activity – or can’t keep up. Believe it or not, a quick stroll is not going to cut it. So, when the sun’s out, and you have one or two hours up your sleeve, grab a doggy waste bag and a leash and head out on a nature walk. The sometimes-challenging terrain and the kaleidoscope of sensory pleasures for your pup are bound to evoke plenty of happiness. The best part is, you get a workout while bonding with your dog at the same time.

Step

Choose a route

Most towns and cities have different nature walks and tracks hidden away on the outskirts of town. Ordinarily state-funded, they are well maintained and often dog-friendly. Before you head out, gather a list of potential tracks within proximity to your house. There are bound to be several one or two-hour tracks that can satisfy your dog’s need for exercise and your desire for variety.

Step

Go walking

With a few track options in mind, it’s time to head out the door. When you’re walking your Dachsbrackes, keep a steady pace but avoid running. While your dog is a quick runner, their strides are far smaller which means they can lag behind over time. What’s more, don’t let them off their leash – especially not on a nature trail. Because they are a scenthound, they can be off quicker than you can call them back.

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More Fun Ideas...

Food Puzzles

If you don’t have time to leave the house with your dog, you can cater to their mental stimulation requirements with a food puzzle. Dachsbrackes are inquisitive and curious, so you can utilize a challenging food puzzle which they are bound to work out in no time. You can make these out of items you have around home, or you can buy them pre-made from pet stores and veterinary clinics.

Tug of War

If the weather is dismal and you’re having a lazy weekend, there’s no reason why your pup can’t enjoy stimulation at home. Tug of War is a thrilling game for any dog, and the Dachsbracke is no exception. You may either knot up an old piece of clothing or utilize a pre-made dog rope. Once they latch onto the other end, spend 20 minutes or so playing rough and tumble until they’re tired and ready to sleep.

Conclusion

When it comes to providing enough physical and mental stimulation for your Westphalian Dachsbracke, you need to put your best paw forward. A 20-minute stroll or leaving them in the yard is not going to be enough. In fact, the less interaction you give your pup, the more behavioral problems they will have. Try out these activities above and reap the rewards of a well-rounded dog.