As we are at home now more than ever, why not find some fun ways to interact with and stimulate your dog during safer at home quarantine. All those walks through the neighborhood have probably gotten a little boring for both of you by now. Mental stimulation is very important for a dog and can tire them out just as much as exercise can. Below are some ideas to keep them busy and happy.
Find it Game
This is one of our favorites! Let your dog have a whiff of his favorite snack and then tell him to sit and stay in one part of the house. Run into another room and hide a few of his snacks around the room. In the corner on the floor, on the coffee table or on a low shelf – place treats at nose level or lower. Call your release command and tell them to “search” or “find it”. Stand back as their nose does all the work. Remy just goes crazy for this and wants to do it over and over again.
Teach Your Dog a New Trick
Why not You Tube something new to teach your dog? When are you going to feel you have the time again? Shake, spin, roll over, play dead, down, sit pretty, are just a few tricks you can teach. We have been working (again) on “hold” – having Remy hold an item in his mouth. I have tried and given up over the years. What a great time to start again! Dogs love to figure out whatever you are asking for them to do. Let’s all come out of quarantine with our dog learning a new trick. Please show us yours!
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys keep your dog thinking and busy while you are working from home. Our customers love these treat dispensing balls from Starmark Pet Products . Snuffle mats are popular and you can make your own. There are puzzle toys for your pup to poke, prod, sniff, and scratch at. I don’t think you can go wrong. Stuffing a kong with some treats so they have to figure out how to get them out or stuffing and freezing with some food will keep them occupied for quite awhile. We like to stuff our kong with greek or goats milk yogurt and treats and freeze for a few hours. Natural peanut butter is always popular as is bone broth and treats.
How have you and your best friend been keeping busy while at home? We’d love to hear from you!
