Fun Activities and Sports for an Active American Foxhound
The athletic American Foxhound thrives when given regular opportunities to put their stamina, speed, and instincts to good use. While they love a good long walk, Foxhounds benefit tremendously from more vigorous and engaging pursuits that challenge their bodies and minds. Here are some great activities and sports for providing your Foxhound with the outlet they need.
Hiking and Backpacking
With their endless endurance, Foxhounds are built for hitting the trails. They’ll happily trek for miles over all sorts of challenging terrain. Go on regularly scheduled hikes through hilly areas, forests, or nature preserves. Just be sure to bring along plenty of water and take occasional breaks. If your Foxhound is well trained, they may enjoy carrying their own backpack loaded with water and treats!
Field Sports
Foxhounds were bred to hunt prey by scent across vast fields. Simulating field sport activities allows them to put their nose and athleticism to work. Take your Foxhound to a large open area and hide toys or treats in high grass or bushes for them to sniff out and uncover. You can also trail drag toys soaked in special scent to create a mock fox hunt. Always reward their natural tracking abilities.
Agility Training
The Foxhound’s lithe frame allows them to ace the jumps, ramps, tunnels, teeter-totters and other obstacles of dog agility courses. Find a facility offering agility training and enroll your Foxhound in classes suited to their skill level. They’ll delight in mastering new challenges and showing off their speed and grace. Agility training also builds confidence, focus and the human-dog bond.
Running or Jogging
Your Foxhound can make an ideal running or jogging companion thanks to their tireless endurance. Start gradually with short distances and work up to longer lengths adapted to your Foxhound’s age and fitness level. Make sure they’re properly hydrated and avoid overexertion, especially on hot days. Your Foxhound will love dashing alongside you at a brisk challenging pace.
Fetching Games
Fetching tennis balls, frisbees or other safe toys allows your Foxhound to delight in chase, capture and retrieving – activities that come naturally to them. Play energetic fetching games in a securely fenced area so they can sprint flat-out without running off. Watching your Foxhound leap high to snatch a disc or repeatedly return a tennis ball is a rewarding sight.
Hiking and Backpacking
With their endless endurance, Foxhounds are built for hitting the trails. They’ll happily trek for miles over all sorts of challenging terrain. Go on regularly scheduled hikes through hilly areas, forests, or nature preserves. Just be sure to bring along plenty of water and take occasional breaks. If your Foxhound is well trained, they may enjoy carrying their own backpack loaded with water and treats!
Field Sports
Foxhounds were bred to hunt prey by scent across vast fields. Simulating field sport activities allows them to put their nose and athleticism to work. Take your Foxhound to a large open area and hide toys or treats in high grass or bushes for them to sniff out and uncover. You can also trail drag toys soaked in special scent to create a mock fox hunt. Always reward their natural tracking abilities.
Agility Training
The Foxhound’s lithe frame allows them to ace the jumps, ramps, tunnels, teeter-totters and other obstacles of dog agility courses. Find a facility offering agility training and enroll your Foxhound in classes suited to their skill level. They’ll delight in mastering new challenges and showing off their speed and grace. Agility training also builds confidence, focus and the human-dog bond.
Running or Jogging
Your Foxhound can make an ideal running or jogging companion thanks to their tireless endurance. Start gradually with short distances and work up to longer lengths adapted to your Foxhound’s age and fitness level. Make sure they’re properly hydrated and avoid overexertion, especially on hot days. Your Foxhound will love dashing alongside you at a brisk challenging pace.
Fetching Games
Fetching tennis balls, frisbees or other safe toys allows your Foxhound to delight in chase, capture and retrieving – activities that come naturally to them. Play energetic fetching games in a securely fenced area so they can sprint flat-out without running off. Watching your Foxhound leap high to snatch a disc or repeatedly return a tennis ball is a rewarding sight.