Greencross Vets Working from home? Struggling to keep your dog entertained? For those of us with kids, it is not too different. To keep your furry friend from getting bored, keep their mind working and provide plenty of physical exercise to ensure a healthy, happy pet. Here are our 5 top tips to keep your dog entertained!
1. Keep them active
Not only is this good for us, but it’s also good for our pets. Short, brisk walks multiple times a day allow our dogs to get out and explore their surroundings (they will naturally do this, sniffing as they go along). Outdoor adventures provide excellent mental stimulation, and this activity outside is relaxing for dogs and for us, too!
Dogs love it when they get extra attention. Another good way to keep them engaged is playing a fun game with them, like a game of fetch. Most dogs enjoy the thrill of a chase and will have fun running back and forth; all you need is a throw toy and a bit of space for them to run around. Before you play, please ensure that the space is free of any objects that could hurt them.
If you would like a more vigorous play session, tug-of-war is a great option. You could use a rope tug toy, a toy with handles, or even a long strip of cloth with knots for grip. Some dogs can play this game all day long, but don’t let them get too tired. Remember to keep play sessions short so your dog doesn’t get bored. Take care not to vigorously pull on the toy so as to avoid damage to their teeth.
2. Food games and puzzles
These encourage physical activity and alleviate boredom. They also present a novel way for you to feed your dog. You can feed your dog through enrichment toys such as a KONG toy – these are usually filled with kibble or tasty treats. You can improvise at home and use toilet rolls, filling them with dry treats or even sprinkling food in trays to keep their minds active!
This can provide hours of fun and mental stimulation for your pet. Remember to ensure that any treats or food given this way are accounted for in their daily caloric intake. When we are home with our pets, it can be tempting to overfeed them. If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight, chat with our friendly Greencross Vets team today.
3. Toys
With some creative thinking, you can find ways to enjoy endless fun and activities with your dog using simple items found around your home. Many dogs love to chase, so throwing toys or balls for them to retrieve is great exercise. Playing tug-of-war or fetch in the yard is a great way to increase activity and interact with your dog. You can hide toys around your home and encourage your dog to find them. Our partners at Petbarn have all your pet essentials and a great range of toys to choose from so you can find the perfect toy for your dog.
If your dog has lots of toys, we recommend rotating them to keep them interested. Try giving your dog two or three toys each day, then taking them away and replacing them with other toys. Your dog will get excited when they see a toy they haven’t played with in a long time.
4. Allow them to chew
Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs and is a way of exploring the world. It is also a great way to beat boredom and relieve anxiety. Remember to ensure your dog has safe chew toys that are right for them. Ensure the toys are made of durable, pet-safe materials and are the right size for your pet. If a chew toy is too small, they may accidentally swallow the toy. Not only can chewing help with boredom, but it can also reduce other destructive behaviours in some dogs, especially with puppies.
Ask our team at Greencross Vets if you’d like to learn more about choosing the right chew toy for your best friend.
5. Scent work
Dogs love sniffing, and they have an excellent sense of smell! You can use this natural instinct as a great way to interact with your dog. Gather some of your dog’s kibble and some delicious treats, and whilst your dog isn’t there, hide the treats and kibble around your garden. You can try placing treats in areas where your dog needs to step up or sniff around an obstacle to find them. Place your dog on a lead, or simply encourage them to follow you around the yard and find the treats. Reward your dog when they find the treats. This game will fill in time and keep your pet from getting bored. It is also a great way to feed your dog their meals over the course of the day.
Train your dog
If you are spending more time with your pet, you might as well make the most out of it by training them. Check out our training video and start training your pup.
Finally, keep an eye on your dog’s diet to ensure you are not overfeeding your pet. When we spend more time with our pets, we tend to give them more treats than usual. It can be very tempting when they look at us with their gorgeous puppy faces!
If you have any questions about your pet’s health or wellbeing, chat to our team at Greencross Vets today.
