Been feeling a bit bored of late? Well don't worry - we've got your back with 5 activity ideas during quarantine with your pup!
1. Paw! Practice some tricks
Yum! Practice some simple tricks. Photo Credit: Abbey Warne, Editor
Why not use this time to practice some tricks with your dog? This will be an especially great time to do this if you have a new pup who needs plenty of training, or if you have a slightly disobedient one! Basic tricks include asking them to give you their paw before you give them a treat and getting them to sit down before you give them a treat.
It's important to teach dogs these basic skills because Dogs Trust believe that training its vital to help exercise your dogs brain and can help build up a positive relationship between the dog and its owner.
Find out more here
2. Practice some walking
Practice some dog walking on a nice sunny day! Photo Credit: Abbey Warne, Editor.
There can't be a better way to make the most of your one form of exercise per day than to practice some effective walking techniques with your dog! Again, this will be especially important if you own a new pup or if your dog can be slightly mischievous on a walk!
What's even better than that you ask? Well, according to Sam, the owner of Wee's and Walk's dog training in Newcastle, you can even practice some techniques in the house.
She said: "If you have a new dog, it's important that you get them familiar with the lead and collar at home before going out for the first time."
When you do take your dog out however, Sam believes that one of the key things owners should practice is recall, she said "When you practice recall take high value treats (e.g chicken) and make sure that you reward the dog every time they return to you to build positive association."
3. Snuggles and movie night, anyone?
Room for a little one? Photo Credit: Abbey Warne, Editor.
Having time to chill with your pup is essential for that all-important bond between the two of you. One great way to unwind is to pop a blanket that you don't mind getting a little mucky or hairy on the sofa, to protect it from being covered in pup hairs. Then, put some treats in a bowl and make sure you have some snacks for yourself too, put you or your dogs favourite film on and settle down for the night! Pawfect!
According to The Pet Gourmet, it's better if you put on a film which involves dog themselves, unless of course your dog is particularly reactive. The reason for this is because it will work to spark your dogs interest and help them engage with the film.
Films of their recommendation include; Marley & Me, A Dogs Purpose (A Wag Favourite!) and A Dogs Journey.
4. Doggy Treasure Hunt!
Our Editor's dogs haven't quite got the hang of the game yet.. Photo Credit: Abbey Warne, Editor.
This is a perfect time to play some good old games with your loyal companion. A dog treasure hunt is a great time to spend some quality time together, and will be sure to keep them engaged for a while.
The website Wag includes some key advice on how treasure hunts can be done, and if you own an older dog they be really beneficial to them, as they can help reinvigorate their senses.
All you will need for this is some treats! Make sure you hide multiple treats around the house, and then stay with your dog while they try and find this, don't just leave them. They need your encouragement to help them find their rewards!
5. Fetch!
"Hmm, wheres the ball?" Photo Credit: Abbey Warne, Editor.
Haven't played this game in a while? Well, now is a perfect time to get involved with it again, in your own garden. Fetch is a particularly great time to practice recall and to encourage your dog to give you the ball, before you can throw it for them again. If your dog can be particularly stubborn with this, then treats is a great way forward to help encourage them come back to you and (eventually) drop the ball.
This will definitely keep your dog entertained for while, make sure you encourage them if they are particularly new to the game, so they can develop an effective understanding on just how it works!
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