Tips On How to Play With Our Dogs During Lockdown
Dog TipsDog Games, Jul 20, 2020
By Pilar Garrido , for www.dogwhispererhq.com
Being at home during the COVID-19 lockdown may not be easy for you or your dog. However, it is important that we remain as calm and collected as possible, because everything we feel and how we react can be transmitted to our pets. A good way to distract ourselves and our pets, and to keep them active, is to play games with them.
Games with our dog should take five to ten minutes, three times a day. Whenever we start a game with our dog, we should also be the one to end the game. Games will help reinforce the strong bond that we have with our dog. In addition, it helps with obedience; an obedient dog is easy to bring anywhere and will follow our command not only at home but out in public (when we are more able to be out in public, that is).
So, with all that said, let the games begin!
Here are a few ideas on how to play with your dog during the lockdown:
1. Any game that stimulates a dog’s sense of smell and creates interaction is good. I would recommend the use of the classic Kong toy. I also have seen some homemade toys such as the ‘Spin-out dog treat games’ or the ‘towel game,’ where a treat is inserted inside a rolled towel. Throughout the game, the dog will keep rolling the towel in search of the treat. There is a link below in “References” on homemade toys. When doing this, make sure the toy is big and strong enough to prevent any damage or the possibility of your pup accidentally swallowing the object.
2. Make sure that your dog does not run around the house like crazy, jumping over the bed and the sofa. Dogs are like children and, if not monitored correctly, they can get injured. Finding a safe area can be beneficial so long as it provides a good place for interaction with your dog.
3. Go back to the basics. Take a moment to educate your dog with the use of basic commands such as: be quiet, sit, lie down, bark upon command, stay and come upon command — or even teach them to dance to music! I have even seen a trainer teaching her dog to do jumping jack. Take it to the next level. The possibilities are endless.
4. If you have a special walking machine at home for dogs (like a doggy treadmill), take advantage of it. The important thing to remember when encouraging your dog to exercise is to take into account the dog’s breed, age and health. For some dogs, jumping a few times or playing hide and seek at home are more than enough. For others that have disabilities, the use of smell exercise games or the classic Kong toy are beneficial. Consult your veterinarian if you are not sure which type of exercise is good for your dog. Never force a dog to do physical exercise if she is tired or in pain
5. We can find mental or intelligence-based toys for dogs in any pet store or we can buy one on the internet. Before purchasing, please ensure you read the instructions carefully and don’t buy one based on appearance alone. Some toys can be good for your dog and some are not. We can also make our own toys, which is both creative and affordable (please see the links below).
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Remember, dogs do not spread or transmit coronavirus. However, if they go out on the street, it is important to clean their paws once they return to the house. It’s a good preventive measure.
During this period of mostly staying indoors, take the opportunity to learn more about dogs. There are lots of educational books out there. The more we know our dog, the better we are in communicating our language — spoken and body — and the stronger our bond with our dog becomes. Playing with our dogs helps.
Stay home, be safe and always love your dogs!
References:
Aureli, Dr. F. (2003 – 2020). Animals and Human Experience the Same Emotions. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2005-09-animals-human-emotions.html
Hoole, J. (2010- 2020). Dogs may reflect their owner’s stress levels, finds research. Retrieved from http://theconversation.com/dogs-may-reflect-their-owners-stress-levels-finds-research-118368
Spin-out dog treat games. Retrieved from https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d2/6f/82/d26f82c5d48e5a9e96adcb0fe732bdbc.jpg
The Classic Kong toy. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-A9pL7_3do
Homemade toys.
(1) Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_o5rBbEKkFw&feature=emb_rel_end
(2) Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s24bXJN7bOw
(3) Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncrPdmoRee8
Insider. (2017). Golden Retriever is the Master of Self-Control. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nko0mn3r-eM
Coren, S. (2020). What Are the Limits of Canine Learning?. Insider. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/201107/what-are-the-limits-canine-learning