Your dog is an inquisitive, playful animal who loves spending time playing and exercising with you. However, your busy schedule might make it difficult to keep them entertained all the time. If you’re worried about your pet’s mental health, here are ten ways to help cure their boredom.
Watching TV
Believe it or not, your dog might enjoy TV as much as you do! Dogs love seeing other dogs on the screen and you can even find dedicated channels with content that dogs like. Try throwing on some TV to keep your pup entertained while you’re out of the house!
Training
You can, contrary to popular belief, teach an old dog new tricks. In fact, dogs love learning new commands and tricks. Spend some quality time teaching your furry friend some new tricks, complete with positive reinforcement and lots of praise!
Tug of War
One of the best ways to entertain your pet and give them healthy exercise is by playing tug of war. Get them a durable rope toy or something similar they can pull on without damaging. Then, spend some time every day playing tug of war with them! They’ll love the chance to bond with you while burning off energy.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a great type of toy for any dog, and they’re especially stimulating if you have a particularly smart pooch. Dog puzzles can challenge your pet’s problem-solving skills and keep them mentally stimulated even when you’re not around.
Foraging Toys
Similarly, foraging toys are a fun way to give your dog treats and keep their minds engaged at the same time. These toys encourage your pup to solve problems and find treats in a way that mirrors their natural foraging behaviors!
Scavenger Hunts
Take your dog with you on a fun scavenger hunt outside after you’ve hidden some treats around your yard or neighborhood. They’ll love spending time outdoors with you and getting rewarded for their natural keen sense of smell.
Sniffing Adventure
Speaking of a sense of smell, your pet canine is an astute detective when it comes to scent. Take them on a sniffing adventure in the wilderness and let them take the time they need to smell around. This helps them get familiar with their surroundings and they can even make friends with animals they never directly encounter—just by sniffing them out!
Atypical Fetch Toys
Every dog loves playing fetch, so this one is a given. However, your pet pup might appreciate an atypical fetch toy. Squeaky balls, glow-in-the-dark balls, and even balls fired from a toy launcher can all help them stay engaged with playtime after the thrill of just grabbing tennis balls wears off.
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Going Out
Take your dog with you the next time you go to a pet-friendly restaurant. They’ll love getting to meet new people, smell new things, and spend mealtime with you. Bring their favorite foods with you so they can eat while you do. This bonding exercise will keep them entertained even as you spend time with your friends!
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Chew Toys
This one is a classic for a good reason. Chew toys help your dog get out their aggression and play without your direct involvement. Just make sure you keep an eye on them if they’re particularly passionate chewers! The last thing you need is for playtime to turn into a vet visit.
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