Activities For Clumber Spaniels
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
The Clumber Spaniel is the largest of all spaniel-type dogs; however, do not let the dog's big-boned appearance fool you! This gundog is agile and ready to chase down their prey at the command of their hunting companion. Some history experts believe that the Clumber Spaniel was owned by royalty in the 1800s. The Clumber can often be described as laid-back; although, in order to remain healthy, the Clumber should receive at least thirty to sixty minutes of daily activity. One must be careful when introducing a young Clumber to activity; because the Clumber is a large, heavy-boned breed, the introduction of intense exercise may lead to joint issues or growth problems in the breed.
Scent Training
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Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
30 min
Items needed
treats
leash
Activity description
The Clumber Spaniel has a great nose (as most dogs bred for hunting do). This makes the breed perfect for scent work and scenting trials. Allowing your Clumber Spaniel to participate in scent work provides the dog with an outlet for the breed's natural need to use their nose. Many American Kennel Club-affiliated organizations around North America offer training for scent work. Some offer scent trial competitions. You can obtain information for this from the local clubs' websites. Typically, local clubs will sponsor these scent trails several times a year. Allow your pup to participate regularly in order to give your dog an outlet for the need to hunt.
Step
1
Research the requirements
A great place to start looking for clubs that offer scent trials is the American Kennel Club website. Furthermore, you can find a listing of local (to you) Clumber Spaniel specific clubs on the AKC website. The AKC website can also give you a great deal of information on the standards you'll need to meet in order to participate in the scent trials.
Step
2
Start training
When you participate in scent trials, your dog is typically given an item, allowed to smell the proffered item, and then the item is hidden somewhere on the trail. So, you will want to imitate this at home while training your pup. You may want to start by scenting a toy and hiding it indoors. Then you can start scenting items such as clothing and taking the items outdoors.
Step
3
Practice makes perfect
You will want to practice as much as possible before participating in a competitive scent trial. Begin indoors with a scented item that your dog can find fairly easily and will learn what you expect. Then you can take training outdoors and mimic the real scent trial. Keep in mind that the real competition is not timed, so never push your pup to produce.
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Go Fetch
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Any Day
Cheap
Easy
15 min
Items needed
tennis ball
treats
Activity description
Now and then, the Clumber Spaniel needs to be prodded into working (and exercising). Fetch is a natural game for the Clumber. You can play this game indoors or outside. Furthermore, this is a game that, when the Clumber Spaniel is small, you can introduce slowly in order to keep from injuring the pup's rapidly growing (and heavy) bones. Begin by rolling the ball in a hallway and encouraging the pup to retrieve it (something the Clumber is naturally good at). Keep treats handy and offer lots of praise as your pup plays. Just remember not to allow a dog under one year to be too physically active in order to prevent growth issues.
Step
1
Teach "give"
Introduce the ball as a toy before you begin playing fetch. Allow your pup to play for some time. To teach give, get your dog's attention while the ball is in their mouth. Hold out your hand and say "give." You may have to tug on the ball slightly. When the dog gives you the ball, give your pup a treat and reward them with praise.
Step
2
Get rolling
If you have a hallway or another somewhat enclosed area, take your pup there and roll the ball gently away. The idea is to make sure that your dog does not run and jump to get the ball. Too much pressure on the growing joints of a large dog can promote problems later in life.
Step
3
Take it outside
Once your pup has grown, you can play fetch most anywhere. Headed to the beach? Play fetch in a designated area. Out and about at the dog park? Fetch is a great game to play while visiting the dog park with your Clumber Spaniel. Be sure to work on "give" as a command periodically.
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Therapy Dog
Least Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Moderate
Normal
60 min
Items needed
treats
leash
Activity description
The Clumber Spaniel is very laid-back, but the breed enjoys working. This means that the dog is perfect for work as a therapy dog. Furthermore, the Clumber is easy to train, so once you undertake training your dog to become a therapy dog, then you should see their abilities progressing rather quickly. Children will love the sweet nature of the Clumber Spaniel; adults needing therapy of any kind will also welcome such a laid-back, easy-going dog. Be sure to find out places near you - such as children's hospitals or senior's residences - that will welcome you and your Clumber for the purpose of therapy.
Step
1
Get the info
First, begin looking for therapy dog training opportunities in your area. Also, speak with the heads of organizations such as local hospitals and healthcare facilities (even schools) that might allow you to bring in your Clumber Spaniel in order to do therapy work.
Step
2
Begin training
Of course, every dog will be different, but you should be able to begin training for therapy dog opportunities once your dog is over six months of age. If you are considering using your Clumber Spaniel as a therapy dog, be sure to begin socializing the dog as soon as possible. A calm temperament is a must; this will require keeping your dog well-exercised on a daily basis. Your companion must be non-reactive as well, meaning that they do not startle easily when quick movements take place or loud noises are heard.
Step
3
Participate often
In order to keep your pup's training current, be sure to participate in dog therapy sessions as often as possible or at least on a regular basis. Do you live in an area in which you will need to travel a good bit in order to participate? Keep up the training while your pup is "off." This will keep training fresh.
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More Fun Ideas...
Hiking
The large-boned Clumber Spaniel has a natural endurance level that will allow the dog to join you out on the hiking trail.
Meet the Breed
Do you believe your Clumber Spaniel has a great personality? Does the dog fit the breed standard? You might be able to join in Meet the Breed programs which are primarily interested in promoting the breed.
Conclusion
The Clumber Spaniel is a wonderful companion. They do not require a great deal of activity, but they do enjoy spending time with their human family. Whether you're at the beach, the dog park, or just hanging out at home, exercise can be a bonding experience for you and your pup.