Top Activities For Biewer Terriers

Introduction

A Biewer Terrier is an adorable toy breed dog, similar to a Yorkshire Terrier. They are an active breed and do require a significant amount of time participating in various activities to keep them content. Being a small dog, they do not require large spaces to exercise. They are happy, lighthearted dogs and usually love toys and anything they carry in their mouths. Keep plenty of toys and chews on hand to keep them entertained when you cannot spend much time with them. Take some time researching different activities for toy dogs and pick games and activities you can do with your Biewer Terrier.

Barn Hunt

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 hr

Items needed

Hay bales

Live rats

Plastic tubes

Treats

Collar/Leash

Activity description

While barn hunts are still a relatively new sport in the dog world, it was initially developed for the natural born ratters. Now, dogs of all shapes, sizes, and abilities are encouraged to give barn hunting a try. Since the Biewer Terrier originated from the Yorkshire Terrier, they do have hunting instincts that can be tested at barn hunts. To be successful, a dog must be able to maneuver within the barn setting and hunt live rats contained in tubes. Barn hunt objectives are to locate the live rat and signal to their owners that they have found the rat. This must be done within a specified amount of time. Empty tubes or decoys are placed throughout the maze and are filled with used rat litter. Your Biewer Terrier must be able to discern which tube contains the live rat. It can be moderately expensive to train and participate in barn hunts. This activity is held in any type of weather except stormy; be prepared to get sweaty, dirty, or even wet and chilled.

Step

1

Know the rules

Barn hunts have specific rules that must be followed by all participants. There is even a Barn Hunt Rulebook that is available for download and everyone interested in getting involved with this sport is encouraged to read it. Just like with every sport, there are some off-the-wall rules such as not being allowed to touch the straw, even when your dog is not hunting. Barn hunts are family friendly because one rule that is strictly adhered to is that there is no swearing or harsh language allowed during the barn hunt. Do not be intimidated by the rulebook, take the time to go watch a few barn hunts and ask questions of the participants; many people will be more than happy to help you learn.

Step

2

Introduce rats

Most dogs will be naturally curious about small animals; since rats will be defensive when meeting dogs, make sure they are introduced through a ventilated cage. Introduce the live rat slowly and feed off of your dog’s curiosity towards the rat. Once your dog has been introduced to the live rat, it is time to introduce the tubes that will house the rats during the barn hunt. Put the live rat inside the tube and let your dog get used to seeing the tube with the rat.

Step

3

Hide tubes

Once your dog knows what a live rat is and is comfortable seeing them in the tube, it is time to start hiding the tubes. Start easy and hide the tube at the very beginning of the hay bale maze. Give them plenty of praise and treats when they sniff out the rat. Once they are consistently finding the easy to find tube, start hiding it in harder to find places. Your Biewer Terrier will associate treats and praise with finding the tube with the rat.

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Doggy Fashion Show

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Doggy outfits

Accessories

Runway

Treats

Camera

Activity description

With their long, luxurious coat and cute little faces, Biewer Terriers make ideal models for your next doggy fashion show. You can host a community fashion show and raise money for your local animal shelter or you can do a private fashion in your home for your family to enjoy. If you already have a closet full of clothes and accessories for your Biewer Terrier, a fashion show is cheap to put on; however, if you have to purchase new clothes and accessories it can get pricey. You will also want to set up a runway for your dog to strut down in their outfits. Make sure your camera is close by to snap some photos for your Instagram or Facebook accounts.

Step

1

Outfits and accessories

Every great fashion show has a theme. You will want to decide on your theme and start picking outfits with accessories. If this is a community-wide fashion show, you will probably want to form a committee to help clothe all the doggy models participating in the show. Make sure clothes are easy for the dogs to move in and will not cause a tripping hazard; safety is important.

Step

2

Set up the runway

An in-home show is easier to set up than a community fashion show. No matter where the doggy fashion show is being held, make sure there is plenty of room to dress your dog and a sturdy runway for them to walk down. Have treats and water bowls ready for the dogs that are modeling in the show. Be sure to have cleaning products on hand for any accidents that might happen on the runway or behind the scenes. Set up chairs for any guests you are expecting to enjoy the show.

Step

3

Candid camera

Even though you are probably going to be the one changing your dog’s outfits, have fun while doing so and keep your camera close for those candid moments that you will never be able to re-create. Make sure your dog is also having fun. If your dog begins to pout and not enjoy their time in the fashion show, take a break and give them a treat and let them have a drink and rest.

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Agility

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

45 min

Items needed

Collar/Leash

Agility Equipment

Treats

Activity description

Agility is becoming a very popular sport and many people are giving it a try after watching the fast-paced action on television during the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Agility is simply racing through an obstacle course as fast as you can. The dog with the fastest time and fewest mistakes is the winner. There are several different divisions and big dogs do not compete against small dogs. Biewer Terriers can excel at agility because of their active, tenacious attitude. Once they master all the obstacles, they will race through the agility course with no qualms. Agility can be pricey and it is recommended that you join a dog club that offers agility training to keep from having to purchase the obstacles for your backyard.

Step

1

Watch and learn

Before diving into the world of agility with your Biewer Terrier take the time to go in person to watch a few agility trials. Talk with other people competing and get a feel for the atmosphere and decide if this is the sport for you. You will learn more from seeing agility in person than you can ever learn just watching the trials on television or YouTube.

Step

2

Start training

Expect your dog to be a little unsure of many of the obstacles when first introduced. This is where being a part of a dog club comes in handy. You can use the buddy system and have your dog buddy up with a more experienced dog and follow them through the obstacles. Have plenty of treats ready to entice them through the obstacles and give them lots of praise when they complete an obstacle. As your dog becomes more comfortable with the course, they will begin picking up speed.

Step

3

Enter a trial

Once you feel your dog is comfortable with the agility course, it will be time to enter an actual agility trial. The first few trials will be to test your ability as well as your dog’s ability. Do not have expectations of grandeur and dreams of a first place finish when you enter your first trial. You are still learning and you should simply enjoy your time with other dog lovers. Use the first few agility trials to learn some insider tricks from seasoned competitors.

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More Fun Ideas...

Doggy Day Spa

There are several doggy day spas that have popped up across the country. These day spas can be pricey and if your dog does not enjoy being away from home, they may not enjoy this pampering experience. You can have a doggy day spa right at home by spending time bathing, grooming and giving a manicure to your Biewer Terrier. This is a good opportunity to spend quality time with your dog and make sure they are squeaky clean and relaxed.

Visit a Sick Friend

A well-behaved dog can be the just what the doctor ordered and if you have a friend that is not feeling well, take some time and go for a visit with your Biewer Terrier. The main purpose of a Biewer Terrier is to be a companion or lap dog. Therefore, they will be a comfort to an ill friend. Do not overstay your welcome and make sure your dog knows their basic house manners before going for a visit.

Conclusion

A Biewer Terrier is an elegant, toy dog with luxurious coat. Most people see the Biewer Terrier as only a lap dog, unable to get out and get dirty like other dogs. However, the Biewer Terrier still has terrier tendencies and loves to play outdoors and participate in dog sports. Take time to research the various dog sports and other activities you can do with your Biewer Terrier and pick a few that seem interesting to you. Simply enjoy spending time with your little canine companion.