Ever find yourself staring at your dog, knowing you should really get out there and walk the poor thing (who is staring at you pleadingly every time you go near the front door)?
Here are some ideas for keeping the sanity…
Games Inside Many dogs can easily learn to play hide-and-seek with you. It is a great way to strengthen that recall and you can get the whole family involved.
How about the carnival “Shell Game”? Rustle up 3 containers with lids from the recycle bin, cut a hole in the lids. for the first round, put a treat in one open container and show your dog there is something inside. Let him eat it. Then, again with no covers, let him or her watch you put a treat in and then mix the position of the containers. Let him/her eat the treat. The next round, use the covers and let him find the proper container by using his nose. Once your dog understands to find the treat, you can keep him engaged for quite a while.
The muffin tin game is among the favourites in my household. Put treats (one or two will do) in each section of a muffin tin and cover at least half of them with something like a ball, stuffed toy or filled Kong. Hold the tin steady on the floor and watch as your dog tries a variety of strategies to get the treats.
Fetch down the hallway works for many small dogs.
New toys I love going in to the petshop bargain bins to see what interactive and stimulating toys they may be carrying. Tug toys, for example, will provide fun, exercise, and interaction. Stuffable toys are wonderful to stimulate that brain. Just a note to be aware of your dog’s waistline and reduce their meals by appropriate amounts to compensate for the extra treats. (I often measure out their kibble in the morning and use it to fill the Kongs and roller balls and puzzles so I know I am not adding any extra calories to their day.)
Nose work Give that huge sensory gland a workout by hiding treats throughout the house for a searching game; lay some treats out on an old towel and then roll it up. You may have to hold the corners as he or she unrolls it to find the treasure; See how many cushions your dog can flip up to find the treat you hid underneath; Put a bunch of treats in the bottom of a box and then crumple newspaper over it so they can scrounge around in it.
Go Shopping…Together
Along with the pet stores, there are some businesses that will allow dogs to come in to the shop. I have seen a couple around the Glebe and passed one last night close to the MEC around Carling. He or she will be pleased to get out of the house. It is also an excellent opportunity to practice little behaviours like sit, leave it and politeness around people and doorways.
Make a Puppy Play Date
Sometimes we, too, can feel a bit shut in. Why not call a doggy friend and arrange a playdate in a backyard. you get to sip some hot tea, chat with a friend and watch your two canine pals have a good romp.
These are just a few ideas to keep you and your dog feeling connected on those days when you just cannot make it outside. Exercise is key in reducing unwanted behaviours, so I encourage you to plan on at least one good walk a day and augment your dog’s activities and learning with some of the examples above…or, you may have your own boredom busters. Feel free to share any of your favourites.
Best,
Colette