Activities For Russian Toy Terriers
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Introduction
The Russian Toy Terrier is a small, tenacious dog with boundless energy. They need a family that is willing to help them harness their energy to become productive members of their family. Being a small dog with a big attitude, there are numerous activities that they can participate in to burn energy, provide comfort and joy and keep them happy. There are plenty of activities that will fit any budget and energy level. Be sure to research each activity before deciding to give it a try!
Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs are not the same as service dogs. Therapy dogs provide comfort to those in need whereas service dogs perform specific tasks for disabled or infirmed people. Service dogs go through vigorous training; therapy dogs must have knowledge of basic obedience and be well behaved. The Russian Toy Terrier is a great choice for therapy work because they are a toy breed that loves to be snuggled and held. They would do well going into nursing homes, hospitals, or schools and providing comfort and support. Dogs can actually earn therapy dog titles through the American Kennel Club (AKC) based on the number of visits they make. They can earn five different titles through the AKC Therapy Dog Program.
Trick Training
Trick training is a great way to spend time with your Russian Toy Terrier. It is relatively easy to teach your dog a simple trick, such as to shake hands. It does take a little more intense training to teach harder tricks such as putting away their toys or fetching your slippers. All trick training requires repetition and plenty of praise and treats. Always keep training session short, about 30 minutes, and positive. Never be negative when trying to teach your dog a new trick. They will not find it fun and will not willingly do what you want. Once your dog has learned a few tricks, you can amaze your friends at your next dinner party by having them perform what they have learned.
Hall Ball
Hall ball is basically a modified version of fetch. This is an especially fun activity for a small breed dog such as the Russian Toy Terrier. All you need is a ball and a hallway; treats are not necessary but would probably be greatly appreciated by your dog. Hall ball is played by placing your dog at one end of the hallway and then rolling a ball away from them. Once the ball is rolling, you tell them to fetch and they chase after the ball. Toy breed dogs can get plenty of exercise by playing hall ball with you for only 15 minutes.Â
More Fun Ideas...
Puzzle Toys
 Puzzle toys are a great way to keep your dog’s mind sharp. Start them with an easier puzzle so they do not become discouraged and avoid the puzzle toy. Use a treat that your dog finds irresistible to ensure they are interested in figuring out how to get the treat out of the puzzle. Russian Toy Terriers are known for using their feet so you can make your own puzzle toy by putting treats in a muffin tin and then putting tennis balls in the cups over the treats. They have to move the balls before finding their treat.Â
Barn Hunts
The
tenaciousness of the Russian Toy Terrier will come in handy if you want to give
barn hunts a try. During barn hunts, your dog must search through a maze for a
live rat. Do not worry; the rats are kept in plastic tubes so the dogs cannot
harm them. But your dog learns to use their natural instincts to sniff out the
rat. Your dog can even earn barn hunting titles.
Conclusion
Your Russian Toy Terrier may be small, but they are a bundle of energy and need to be involved in activities to keep them from getting bored or into trouble. There are several different activities that you can do with your small dog that are fun and help you form a closer bond. There are even some activities that allow your dog to earn titles through the American Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club. Try a few different activities to be sure you find the right activity for your dog.