Have a young addition to the fur family? Or just an active and energetic pet pal? Here are some ways you can keep your best friend entertained while you are away at work. Remember, your pet should be exercised everyday and these activities should not be used to substitute regular exercise. The best way to avoid problem behaviours is to make sure your dog is well exercised everyday- use these tips to supplement your regular routine.
Treat Dispensing Toys
One of our favourite ways (and probably their's too) of keeping our dogs and puppies entertained is to use a variety of treat balls and other dry food dispensing toys that require your pet to work for their food. Use good quality safe ones so that they don't swallow bits of them. It is best to start with some easier ones and then build up to more complex ones. Use parts of your dogs regular meals inside these toys to avoid overfeeding. Another good point of giving meals this way? It slows down food-a-holic dogs!
Hide and Seek- Food Edition
Try hiding some of your dogs dry food around the yard so that when you leave he or she has to spend time searching for their breakfast. This will assist in avoiding problem behaviours such as barking, digging, or chewing things in the yard they shouldn't be.
Chew Toys
Kongs and nylabones make great chew toys and can be essential for teething puppies. If you are home and find your dog chewing something they shouldn't be, trying saying "leave" and swapping the forbidden item to a chew toy! Avoid plush materials that encourage dogs and pups to rip them up- such as teddy bears.
Brisket, Don't Risk-It
Raw hide treats can be great when you are home with your dog, but dogs can choke on them so be careful and use under supervision. If you want to leave your dog alone, try a raw beef brisket bone or long marrow bone instead. These will keep your dog occupied for hours and are less likely to splinter or break apart when chewed. A lot of dogs enjoy carrots or an apple quarter too. Remember to never allow your dog to access corn cobs even though many love to chew on them. They can cause serious intestinal blockages as dogs cannot digest them.
Tyre Them Out
Tie a small tyre to a tree branch or a rafter under the house and fill it with dry food. Your dog will spend lots of time chasing it around and getting treats out- loads more fun that pulling clothes off the washing line. Remember to tie them safely and ensure your dog cannot get tangled in the rope.
Keep it Cool
Provide children's plastic paddling pools to keep your dog cool (not for really young puppies or dogs that aren't confident in water). Fill this with water in the summer or with sand or dirt for digging in. Encourage them to use this instead of your garden!
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