About Norfolk Terriers

Fun With Your Norfolk Terrier

Bobbing-For-Treats This dog game will give your dog the ability to pick up floating or sunken objects from water, plus it's fun watch with other dogs that join the dog-party! It is basically the canine version of bobbing for apples. Since no self-respecting dog is going to get his muzzle wet for an apple, all you need to do is substitute dog biscuits, hot dog slices or other treats. Experiment to find some that float on top, some that float just below the surface and some that sink. If you're having a summer pool party, you can use a child's wading pool and let each dog splash around after the treats. For more formal affairs you can use a large bowl or pot. There's a reason you don't just fill up your bathtub, though: One sight of it filled with water and all your doggy guests will head for the exit, sure you have a dreaded bath planned! Fill your pool or water bowl with lukewarm water. If you're using a bowl or pot, change the water between contestants; if you're using a pool just empty it after the entire contest. Let each dog have a practice bob until he gets one treat. Then start the clock and see how many he can grab in two minutes. Can anyone get them all? A variation on the theme for a ball-crazy puppy is to fill a kiddie pool with tennis balls. See how many balls each dog can pick up and give to his person in one minute. The person is allowed to get in the pool and encourage the dog in any way, and she can take each ball from the dog as soon as the ball is totally out of the water. The person can even help by picking up balls herself - of course, using only her teeth.

Enthusiastic fetching. Flyball dogs are rapid fetchers. To build your dog's excitement, throw the ball, hold him back for 10 seconds, and then let him sprint after it.

Looking for a fun activity with your Norfolk? Whether you are a spectator or participant, Dock Diving can be addictive!

The Muffin Tin Game Amy Samida, of the Naughty Dog Café, in Ann Arbor, told me about the “Muffin Tin Game.” Amy found it online and we’d both love to hear from its inventor, so we can sing his or her praises. Take a 6-muffin tin and put a treat in each cup. Place tennis balls in about half the cups. Once a dog has found the uncovered treats, he usually figures out that knocking away the tennis balls reveals more goodies. As your dog gains experience, you can start hiding treats under only some of the tennis balls and using a 12-muffin or 24-muffin tin. Some dogs, Amy tells me, find it’s the most fun to smack the muffin tin and send all the balls and treats flying -- which you could go with, assuming your breakables are somewhere else. Or you could take Amy’s suggestion of screwing the muffin tin to a large piece of plywood. Keep your dog hard at work!

Tunnels: Norfolk LOVE to play tunnel. You can buy an inexpensive children's expanding nylon tunnel which can easily be stored. Secure the tunnel initially so that your dog can see a toy or treat just a short distance from the entrance. Run alongside the tunnel or sit at the other end to persuade him through. Reward your dog with toys or food at the end.

Jumping. Make your own agility or flyball hurdle by placing a broom or PVC pipe across two plastic buckets. Hold a treat on one side, and encourage your dog to jump over.

Backyard tunneling. Using a nylon pipe tunnel, coax your dog inside it with food. Run alongside the tunnel or sit at the other end to persuade him through. Reward your dog with toys or food at the end.

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