Cocker spaniels absolutely love, love, love to play! These are some of the most energetic breeds with a generally happy disposition, making them a beloved canine companion of choice. Originally bred as bird-hunting dogs, cockers are certainly pleasing as family members, always looking for a snuggle or a lively playtime with your kids. So, you should keep Cocker Spaniel games and fun activities time every day in your routine.
A cocker’s energy level is high and therefore requires regular exercising to keep up with his metabolism. The cocker spaniel belongs to the sporting group, and their competitive nature makes them great for outdoor activities that require physical strength and stamina.
This breed can be soft and loves to cuddle, and playtime is the best way to bond with them more.
6 Fun Activities and Games for Cocker Spaniel
Experts recommend daily walks of about 60 minutes per day to keep your pooch in excellent physical condition. Aside from this activity, you can also include Cocker Spaniel games on the daily schedule. Much like raising kids, your dog needs to be entertained to avoid destructive habits.
Here are some playtime ideas for your cocker that you will both love!
Take your Cocker Spaniel out and try any of these games and fun activities to get your dog up and about:
1. Go Fetch!
One of the classic activities for dogs that keeps them on their toes is the Fetch game. Trust us when we say that dogs love this game. This teaches them discipline and control, in that they have to follow your signals. Obedience training for Cocker Spaniels softly reinforces their learnings, since cockers learn by using gentle and consistent training.
The Fetch game is easy to do once your cocker gets used to the word you use while playing, you can try to teach them this word during you teach them essential dog commands. You can use anything like ‘fetch it’, ‘go fetch’, or ‘bring it’, but make sure you are using the same word every time. Throw a ball or any toy a few paces away, use your key word and watch as he obeys you. To give them extra fun, praise and reward them with a treat for a job well done!
2. Hide and Seek
Much like a child, cockers also love a little mystery game. Hide and seek is another classic child’s game, and your dog will love it, too. It’s as much a mental exercise as it is physical since your dog would have to keep in mind the hiding spots you go to. This game adds to a fun playtime with them, and lets you spend quality time with them. I can be very good practice if you’re dog have a leash pulling habit, as it can help them get used to leash.
If you are playing for the first time, hide somewhere close and call out to them. If after a few minutes they still can’t find you, call them once more. You can try hiding in the same spot until he finds you faster, and then hide in another easy location. Do this a few more times until he gets acquainted tothe mechanics.
Reward with a praise and a treat so they become more enthusiastic as the game becomes more challenging!
3. Tug of war
Another classic game you can play with your cocker spaniel is a good old Tug of war. This game teaches self-control and also reinforces obedience. Tug of war is great to play outdoor, where there is enough space to move around.
Before you enjoy a game of tug, just a little precaution: this may bring out a cocker spaniel’s aggressive side, so make sure that you take control of the game. Let your dog win a couple of times, but introduce them to a loss, too. Letting them win every round might boost over-dominance, but making them lose a lot will decrease their interest. Finding the right balance is key. This game also helps them to get away from biting habits.
To play, use a sturdy rope and pick up one end, then give the other side to your dog. Tug your end gently until he tugs back on his end. Let him do this for a few more times and then tell him to drop the rope. Reward him with a pat and a treat!
4. Hunt the treasure
Cocker spaniel games like Hunt the Treasure allow your pooch to sharpen their senses, especially if they’re urged to hunt something they love like a treat or favorite toy This is a fun activity you can do in the summer season. The cocker spaniel is originally bred as a sporting dog trained to brave dense thicket to hunt woodcocks (hence the name). That said, this is one of the most appropriate activities for them!
You can start this game by first showing them the item they have to find, then quickly hiding it somewhere they can’t see. You can make gestures or commands to guide and encourage them to hunt the treasure. It’s easy to enjoy this fun game indoors even when the weather outside isn’t too fair.
5. ‘Which hand?’
Straightforward as it sounds, the ‘Which hand?’ game offers a lot of fun for your dog, especially when they’re trying to guess if your hand has the treat. It’s also very easy to learn for your cocker! With their keen sense of smell, they can pick the correct hand and enjoy the treat at the same time.
6. DIY agility course
Agility training is often neglected by dog parents, thinking that it’s costly and time-consuming. However, you don’t have to seek a training center to do it because you can set up a do-it-yourself course at home! What you need are simple materials like cones and see-saws plus your creativity in designing the course.
It doesn’t have to be complicated—just introduce your cocker to a few obstacles and treat them with goodies for every hurdle they successfully overcome. Once they get used to this game, you can add more to the course and watch your pooch get more agile as time goes by!
Conclusion
Cocker spaniel games that allow your dog to interact with you bring not only entertainment but also nurture your loving relationship with each other. It’s vital to keep your dog from getting bored, which could lead to destructive behaviors. These fun activities can keep your cocker spaniel stressed-free and stop activities like digging. Overall these games and fun activities not only bring fun but also enhances their physical and mental well-being, too!
A quick tip: let them Sit and Wait before starting any game to reinforce discipline. Cockers love to have fun, and so will you when you play these games with them!
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