Entertaining Dogs :: V.I.P. Petfoods (Aust) Pty Ltd

V.I.P. Pet Care & News

31st Oct 2007

Entertaining Dogs

Most people are aware of how to care for their dog’s physical health needs. However the mental well being of dogs is often still not given the attention it needs. Good psychological health means your dog will have a more enjoyable life and you and the community will be saved from behavioural problems such as nuisance barking and destructive behaviours.

Here are a few tips on how to keep your dog entertained and happy:

Provide regular exercise outside the yard.

Dogs need to burn off all their energy or else it can be channelled into nuisance behaviours. Time outside the yard provides mental stimulation and even dogs in the biggest yards can become bored if not taken out regularly.

To cater for your dog’s mental health needs, the exercise requirement of young active dogs is at least 30 minutes, twice a day, every day !

Attend formal training classes.

As well as teaching your dog manners, training also provides socialization and some much needed mental stimulation.

“Away from home play”.

Consider activities such as agility courses, fly ball and trips to the beach or park if your dog is fully vaccinated.

Using food to entertain.

1. Food can be fully hand fed and used as rewards throughout the day when your dog behaves correctly.

2. Food can be hidden in different locations and your dog must search and find it before it can eat. You can vary the spots where you put the food.

3. Providing bones or raw hides can provide your dog with hours of valuable chewing activity.

4. Food can also be used in certain dog toys, such as treat balls or Kongs.
To make a treat bottle at home:

Simply take the lid and plastic ring of a 2lt plastic milk bottle
Cut a few holes in the sides just big enough for the treats to fall out
Place treats or dog biscuits inside.
To make the bottle extra enticing smear a small amount of peanut butter or vegemite on the outside.

To make an ice treat at home:

Place some dog treats in an ice-cream container
Fill with water, you may even like to add a little gravy powder for additional flavour
Freeze
Once frozen tip the ice treat out of the container for your dog to enjoy.

Toys at home.

Toys can be very useful in keeping dogs occupied. There are a large variety of toys available and it is worth experimenting to find toys your dog really enjoys. Kongs are enjoyed by most dogs and provide a challenge, stimulation and good chewing exercise. Whatever toys you decide on, it is important to rotate them so that the dog does not become bored.

Try a Toy box, and each day vary the toys the dog has access to.

Amusement areas and games at home.

1. A lot of dogs like to dig and it is important to provide an area where they can do this without destroying the rest of the yard. Digging pits such as a children’s clam shell pool filled with sand is great. You could bury bones or toys and they can have fun digging them up.

2. Find games your dog likes and play regularly

3. Sound: Try leaving a radio on when you are not at home. You could even connect it up to a timer, so that it can go on at different times of the day.