Most everyone knows that their dogs must walk. It is in their DNA. But most people do not think about engaging their best friend in mental stimulation. What kind of life is it to just hang around the house all the time? Get up, go for a walk, eat, lie around, eat, go for a walk, bedtime—routine is boredom. Play with the same old toys, chew the same old bone, for how many years?! Dogs become bored, depressed, and lethargic, and sometimes behavioral issues begin to show up.
Your Kids need some excitement in their lives, as do you! Change things up, challenge them, involve them, excite them, interact with them, stretch their learning curve, strengthen your bond. They get to be with you, and you are talking to them. This is love!
There are toys they can roll, tip, open, push, or chew to get a treat out of. You could step that up a notch by hiding some treats around the house and have them play Hide and Seek, making it more difficult each time. Learn to dance together. There are many books available. Check the library. A great one is 100 Dog Tricks! If you have a high-energy Kid or family, then do agility, swim, hike, disc dog, dock jumping, or paddleboard. I can’t wait to hear how happy and engaged you and your Kids are!
Learning Games, by British trainer Kay Laurence, is chock full of ideas for how to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated while improving their behavior.
Doggie play dates, socialization outings, nosework, and more
www.dogster.com/dog-training/engage-dog-indoors
How to use a treadmill, Hide and Seek, doga (dog yoga), and more
www.cesarsway.com/tips/thebasics/indoor-activities
Work on a new trick, play interactive games, run errands, give your dog a job
Introduce your dog to new faces, give them new toys, rotate the old ones
www.cesarsway.com/training/dogtraining/6-Great-Ways-to-Challenge-Your-Dogs-Mind
Teaching them to help you clean up, put away their toys! Create an obstacle course, under, over and through, and more
www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/7-rainy-day-games-to-play-with-your-dog
Rover’s Rest Stop is grateful for your loving all the wonderful Kids you have adopted. We are at an all-time high of adoptable Kids. Please share to give them all a happy ending!
Stop by our Meet & Greet events the second Saturday of each month or call 480-600-2828 for more information. Don’t forget, we do pet sitting/boarding so you can travel! The Kids are in need of donations for medical issues, too.