During these difficult times, if we have to isolate, this has a knock on effect and our pets mental health can suffer. We’ve put together this blog to give some ideas for enrichment and entertainment to keep your furry friends happy, whether it be due to isolation or if you need a bit of time to catch up on work or chores, this list should help:
- Cupcake tin puzzle.
Using some of your dogs favourite treats, why not fill a cupcake/muffin tin with some treats and then cover these with balls or other kinds of toys and encourage your dog to search for the treats.
- How about making an agility course for your dog? You could use furniture (indoor or outdoor), cardboard boxes, tunnels etc. This is a great way to keep your dog active and a great way to help keep us entertained too, who can come up with the best course?!
- Towel puzzle: a simple and quick game to set up to keep your dog entertained. Roll out a towel, sprinkle over some treats and then roll into a sausage shape and let your dog have fun searching for the treats. Did you know, Scamps and Champs sell a range of tasty treats? Find out more at: Pet Treats – Scamps & Champs (scampsandchampspetfood.com)
- Just as children love a good ball pit, so do dogs! Fill up a paddling pool or something similar with balls and sprinkle in some treats so your dog can have fun hunting for them!
- Tug of war – a classic but one our dogs really love. This helps give your dog a little bit of exercise whilst keeping them happy as they get to spend some quality time with us.
- As we are at home more often than not at the minute, why not take the opportunity to teach your dog some new tricks? There are plenty of hints and tips how to do this online and it will certainly keep your dog busy.
- Cardboard boxes! A great source of free entertainment. Perhaps hide some treats in a box which is then hidden inside other boxes. If you are worried about using boxes from an outside environment due to Coronavirus – leave the boxes out of reach for a few days first.
- Hide and seek. Dogs will love this. Ask your dog to sit and stay and then go off an hide. Maybe take some treats along for when they find you!
9. Snuffle mat. Snuffle mats are great for stimulation and can be used to relieve boredom. Hide lots of small tasty treats for your dogs to sniff out. I use the small fish treats and apples chopped up very small. Below is a picture of my 3 dogs with their snuffle mat.
- Treat your dog to a walk with one of our fantastic team – they can take your dog out for an exciting walk while you catch up on work if needed. Walks can be one off or a regular treat.