Times are undeniably strange these days during the coronavirus quarantine. Days are starting to run together, and I think just about everyone is missing social interaction! I’ll admit that I’m feeling just a tad bit stir crazy – maybe you are too? Thankfully, I’ve come up with a few fun ideas that may keep you and your pup from too much boredom. Since we all have a bit of extra time on our hands these days, let’s go ahead and embrace this 1-on-1 time with our dogs!
New Puzzle Toys!
I’m not sure if I know any dog that doesn’t love a brand spankin’ new toy! Interactive treat toys like a puzzle toy can keep them entertained for quite a while. A treat toy like a Kong that can be filled with different yummy things is another great start – did you know you can fill it with peanut butter (or their favorite treat of choice) and freeze it? It’ll take them a lot longer to work on after it spends a few hours in the freezer. I’d say that’s a win-win for everyone!
Another suggestion I have is to rotate toys throughout the next few weeks. For example, this week use only let them play with a handful of their favorite toys, and then next week put those away and put out a totally different selection instead. Mixing it up keeps things fresh!
Muttropolis, a pet store in San Diego, has a ton of unique toys to choose from to keep your pet busy. HERE are all their interactive toys in one place, which is probably where you’ll want to start. Take a look and treat your dog while supporting a local business (which is so important to do right now)! Did you know they’re also offering free shipping or curbside pickup, whichever you prefer?
Also – do you have a backyard to play in? If so, have you ever introduced your dog to a bubble toy?!
Get Active!
How about going for a quick walk or jog? Getting fresh air isn’t only beneficial for your pet, but also for you!
The owner of Zen Pet, Denise, says:
As our beloved animals watch us spending more time at home, perhaps glued to our computers or iPhones trying to stay connected on social media. Perhaps our love for them can be our reminders for us to put down the phone for a few minutes and get some fresh air.
The benefits we receive would be much needed vitamin D & exercise “while keeping our social distancing” and our doggies would be delighted to get more exercise, smell the spring flowers and can collect the smells of the day. Some countries have reached the point where all movement outside is restricted, but even in those places walking the dog is allowed as an essential exemption.
Our pets are our greatest teachers in uncertain times, learn from them. It’s simple; love one another.
I love that perspective! How true! Zen Pet is one of the top pet sitting & dog walking companies in San Diego, so Denise knows what she’s talking about.
Alternatively: do you have stairs in your house? Put them to use and tire your dog out by jogging up and down the stairs together, or maybe tossing a ball up a flight to fetch. (Safely, of course! No tripping over each other or tumbling down the stairs!) It’s not only a workout for them, but for you too! I’m willing to bet that you’ll both get a good nap afterwards. :)
Training
Who says an old dog can’t learn new tricks? (Or re-learn the old ones he/she should already know?) Training and working on obedience is a great way to bond and make use of the extra time you get to spend with each other. Click HERE to get a list of some fantastic ideas on different tricks to work on to get you started!
The incredible trainers over at Specialty Dog Training in North County are suggesting one specific skill to work on:
Name recognition and focus – it is so important for your dog to love their name, respond to it consistently, and focus on you instead of the millions of distractions around them. By having strong name recognition, you’ll be able to get your dog’s attention and they will respond better and follow commands better when they are tuned-in and focused on you.
Click HERE to see their tips on exactly how to work on name recognition at home right now. (They also list some pretty incredible deals they’re having right now!)
Or: have you ever tried to set up a makeshift agility course in the living room? If not, I highly recommend it! You can keep it simple by having them jump over the couch cushions or go through a blanket you set up as a barrier. Successfully completing an obstacle course will definitely help boost their confidence!
Games
One of my personal favorite games that I play with Bailey is “find the treat!” It’s super simple – I let her sniff a treat, have her sit & stay, I then go hide the treat somewhere in the next room in a place that’s mildly challenging to find. Then I call her, she searches for the treat, and eventually she finds it & we celebrate! This is a great way to work on some obedience while also giving her some positive reinforcement. Bailey is allllll about treats and would probably agree that it’s her favorite game too!
I hope these ideas spark some inspiration during this trying time. Not to mention provide a bit of distraction too; reading the news can be a scary way to spend time these days, but dogs have an amazing way of centering us in the moment and reminding us to simply be happy. And who couldn’t use more of that right now?
I’d love to hear how you are passing the time with your pet while you’re both in quarantine! Stay safe, everyone!
