Fun With Your Norfolk Terrier

Blanket Hurdles While buying an outdoor agility course for your pooch would be ideal, not all of us have the money or space for it. Be creative and make a simple obstacle course inside your home with the help of a few everyday objects, like a couple of old blankets (or towels, whichever you prefer). Clear out enough space in the living room so your dog can run freely without hurting himself or your valuables. Place one or two rolled-up blankets on the ground (depending on how tall or agile your dog is). Walk your dog through the course and have him hop over the blanket a couple of times. Once he’s got the hang of it, ask him to stay at one end of the room and then call him from the other. He’ll use the rolled-up blankets as a fun and safe hurdle. If you find that your dog is an expert at this game, mix it up and use a few more rolled-up blankets throughout his “course.”

Scent work with hidden treats Teaching your dog to discover prizes using only his nose is a great game for the body and mind. While all dogs have a great sense of smell, sometimes they have to be reminded to use it, and this exercise can get your dog excited about solving the problem of the hidden prize. Set up a bunch of boxes or opaque containers (start with at least four or five) upside-down next to each other and, without your dog seeing you hide it, place a prize (a favorite toy, a bone, a treat, whatever works) under one of the containers. Next, encourage your dog to smell the boxes and as he (hopefully) pauses at the one with the prize, lift up the box and enthusiastically congratulate him on his discovery. Let him eat the treat, fetch the toy, or indulge in whatever prize your dog found. Soon, your dog will know what's expected during this game and be excited to sniff out the prize. Keep adding more boxes and space them at farther intervals to increase the challenge as your dog's scent work improves.

Educational Toys: Young Norfolk Terriers need a creative outlet for all that brain power they are developing. They are easily bored and always looking for some form of entertainment. Providing educational toys that encourages problem solving keeps them entertained in a healthy way and the interaction of the dogs with these toys provides endless enjoyment for owners. Keep in mind that most of these toys are intended for dogs with adult supervision and participation.

Running With Your Dog: Many dogs need more exercise than a walk can provide, especially in winter when outdoor exercise is limited due to inclement weather. Dogs that have excess energy or were bred to work such as Norfolks will enjoy an opportunity to stretch their legs. Burning off excess energy can help reduce anxiety and can lead to better behavior within the confines of the home.Make sure to check with your veterinarian before you start running with your Norfolk. Running offers several great benefits to a dog’s health, but it is not for every dog. Dogs who have heart conditions, difficulty breathing, are over-weight or suffer from over-heating, may not be cut out for a daily run. Even a dog that appears to be in perfect health could suffer from a physical problem, such as elbow or hip dysplasia that could worsen with a jarring exercise such as running. If you have a puppy, make sure that a running routine will not be harmful to developing bone

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