Summer is here, and it’s time to get outside and have fun with your dog. Here are a few ideas.
Get or make a flirt pole. It’s easy to make. Just get a pole, an old broomstick, for example, fasten about 6’ rope to it, and tie a toy on the end. You hold the pole and have your dog chase the toy. Go gently at first. There can be a lot of fast movement by your dog, and they aren’t used to it. But 5 minutes of this game can be a great way to give your dog some exercise. Just be sure to let them sometimes win by catching the toy. They are available for sale online if you don’t feel like making your own.
Make a scent work game. This can be as simple as taking 3 plastic cups, hiding a treat under one, and telling your dog to find it. You can also use a muffin tin and put tennis balls in each muffin cup with a treat hidden under them. Make it more challenging and only hide a treat under one ball. This is a self-rewarding game for the dog, and most dogs love it. Mental stimulation can be as tiring as physical exercise. Frisbee is another favorite. Again just start out slow, like with the flirt pole. Your dog needs to build muscle for these games, so don’t play too long or too hard.
And last but not least, hard toys stuffed with treats. Some companies make toys specifically for this, and it entertains your dog for quite some time. I hope these suggestions give you more ideas about how to enjoy and bond with your dog even more.
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