TOP 10 Isolation Hacks – Dogs

Looking for some inspiration to keep your dog entertained and happy during isolation? Pet Insurance Australia takes a look at the top 10 Isolation Hacks for dogs.

Now more than ever, taking some time to entertain your pet is important. Fun entertainment will flex their brawn and their brains and allow you some time to catch up on all those emails. Plus, it is a wonderful way to take a break and tune into your four-legged best friend.

1. Fun Training

Ever wanted to teach your dog to roll over, speak, dance or even clean up their toys? With so many educational videos flooding the internet now is the perfect time to zone into your pets’ natural abilities to learn. This is also a great way to entertain the children. Set a new weekly fun trick to teach your dog. Arm yourself with a clear plan, plenty of treats and praise.

2. Scavenger Hunt

Have a daily scavenger hunt for your dog. Take a portion of their daily food and hide this around your home, or backyard. Dogs have amazing scent abilities. Sniffing out their food in this fun ‘find’ game will keep them occupied while fine tuning their smelling capabilities.

3. Toy Revamp

Revamp your dog’s toys. Consider purchasing seven new fun toys and rotate these daily, so your dog gets a new toy every day. These can extend the life of your toys and also your pet’s interest in play. Don’t forget to remove this toy when you add another new one. It’s also a great way to check for broken and damaged toys that need to be removed.

4. Change it Up

Do you always walk the same route every day with your pet?  Consider changing this up. Make a plan, map it out and take a new route. This will allow different smells and sights that will simulate your pets’ senses. Remembering to allow your dog to stop and smell the roses! A good exploring walk is like reading an interesting book for a dog. Taking it slow and allowing your pet to study their environment is a wonderful way to entertain your dog.

5. Spice Up your Walk

Have a high energetic dog and need to burn some extra energy? Consider purchasing a doggy backpack. Also work on your training when out and about. Some ideas include sitting before crossing the road. Sitting on different surfaces – grass, pavement. Asking your dog to ‘stay close’ and then ‘explore’. Adding different elements of advanced training during your daily walk will keep your pet interested and keen to learn.

6. Give Your Dog a Job

When it’s time for you to work, give your dog a job to do. This can be as simple as filling a hollow toy with some treats and peanut butter (always check it does not contain any xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs).  Puzzle toys also work very well – just remember to pick these up when your pet has finished playing. Make a frozen treat. Or even allow your pet to rip up some boxes.

7. Find Your Toys

Teach your dog the names of their toys with the ‘go find’ game. Once your dog has mastered one toy, move onto another. Reward your dog with a praise and play every time they get it right. You can then play hide-and-seek by asking your dog to seek out certain toys.

8. Interactive Play

Don’t’ forget to enhance your pets play by getting involved. A simple game of tug-of-war or fetch is super fun for you and your pet. You can even teach your dog a new game such as Frisbee or ‘find’.

9. TV Time

After all that entertainment consider allowing your pooch to relax with some doggy-themed TV time. There are some great dog TV channels on YouTube that will evoke loads of head turning, a few yelps and interest from your four-legged friend.

10. Learn Doggy Massage

A good massage will relax your pet and is a good way to ‘cool’ down after all the entertainment. Making this a daily ritual will also allow you to take a break from the day and relax alongside your pet.

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash

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