More and more, the conventional wisdom these days is to stay at home as much as possible. At first, this is quite the change of pace for most of us, and we may find ourselves bored after a few days of confinement. Well, just like us, our dogs get bored too! Here are some ideas on how you can both slow down, and take advantage of this new routine.
1. Play
Be silly. Get down on the ground with them. Laugh, Chase bubbles. Watch how your dog plays with other dogs, and then try to mimic that. This is the best- you will bond and have fun at the same time. Both you and your dog will feel better after each play time, and the stress of life will momentarily be lifted away. Just be careful not to overwhelm your dog with your enthusiasm. Watch your dog and see how they respond to what you are doing.
2. Exercise
So far, Central Wisconsin has not been as affected as much as other harder hit areas in the country, like California or New York. Taking Fido for a walk is still considered a low risk activity, as long as we stay an appropriate distance away from other people. Spring is just around the corner. This might be a really good time to brush up on our dog’s “polite walking” skills. Added bonus: we’ll be continue to be active, too !
Just like us, there are daily exercises you can do indoors with your dog that will help him keep fit and muscled. For instance, asking him to place two front feet on a box will help develop his core stomach and hind end muscles.
3. Enrichment Games to keep that mind engaged
a. Find the treats
Hide several treats around the room. Don’t let Fido cheat by letting him look! Let him in the room so he can sniff out where you’ve hidden the goodies. This will keep you sharp, too, since you’ll have to remember where you hid them all, LOL.
b. Garbage in a box
Another game to play – put a bunch of scrunched up paper, empty cardboard toilet paper rolls, tennis balls, etc into a big bowl or a cardboard box. Let your dog into the room, and then toss some kibble in the box. Your dog should start rooting around, pushing things aside, to get to the kibble. Trust me, most dogs LOVE this game and it’s super simple. It can also build confidence. If your dog isn’t sensitive to noise, you can graduate to metal noise makers, like empty aluminum cans and wadded aluminum foil.
4. Train tricks
Trick training is fun and a “no pressure” way to spend quality time with your dog. You can start with simple tricks, like “Shake” and increase the difficulty as you and your dog progress. One organization, “Do more with your dog” has excellent how-to videos on You-tube.
5. Learn something new
OK, no more excuses. Maybe you never could quite find the time to train manners with your dog or “fix” a problem behavior? Crate training? Come when called? Politely going through a door? What one thing would you change about your dog’s behavior? Identify one or two areas you’d like to improve, decide what do you want your dog to do instead. Make a plan and get going !
6. Brush your dog, trim nails their nails, brush their teeth
It will be especially important to keep up with this aspect of your dog’s care since many groomers are closed for business right now. This will be easier for those of you with short coated dogs, like a Lab, than it is for people like me with heavy, double coated dogs, like an Australian Shepherd. Get your dog used to handling by you, brush them daily to get that shine in their coat. Trim those nails so they don’t develop feet problems. And everyone should brush their teeth.
7. Quiet entertainment
In the evening, you may want your dog to settle down before bedtime. Here are some ideas to keep your dog entertained while you relax and unwind.
a. Let them have a 10-15 minute supervised chew session. Research what may be the best chew item for your dog. (Future blog topic?). Bonus: helps lean tartar off their teeth.
b. Stuff Kong toys with applesauce, kibble, broth, etc and freeze. Then give (on a mat) for an after dinner treat. Frozen kongs are especially helpful for teething puppies – the chewing and cold helps sooth their teeth pain.
8. Give your dog a massage
You don’t need to be an expert massage therapist to give your dog a massage. Just gently use your fingers to put mild pressure on muscle, or slide your hand slowly up and down their fur. As with all things, watch for your dog’s response. If their eyes are looking sleepy, you are on the right track. If they flinch or raise their head or paw, you may be applying to much pressure or may have hit a sore spot, so be aware.
Report back and let me know how it goes ! Bonus points for posting video on my Facebook page (PlayNTrain K9).