With social distancing being advised, leaving many of us stuck at home, it can be hard to get active with your canine companion. To help, here are some great ways you can fill up some of your time while also keeping Fido mentally and physically stimulated.
Mentally Stimulating Puzzles
Many owners know all about keeping their pup physically active. But many owners can sometimes forget the importance of also keeping their dogs mentally stimulated. Doggy puzzles are a great way to help work out your canine companion’s brain and keep them occupied. During rainy days especially, dog puzzles can be a great way to prevent your pooch from getting bored and restless.
Go on Long Walks
Getting outside and going on walks with your pup is a great way to get your daily exercise. It can also help in boosting your mood and your canine companions. Also, being outside helps you get a significant dose of vitamin D. This can also go a long way in benefiting our minds and bodies. With many people still working from home, an extra-long walk with your furry friend can be an excellent way to break out of that cabin fever. You can even mix it up and go on adventures to your local parks and trails – just be sure to check that they’re open first before heading out there.
Have More Play Time in Your Yard
Another excellent way to get some exercise in and burn some built-up energy in both you and your pup is by having some extra long play sessions outside. You can set up a homemade agility course and try teaching your pooch some new skills. Or you can play a simple game of fetch or frisbee with Fido.
Teach Fido Some New Tricks
If you have some extra time on your hands, then now can be a perfect time to teach your pooch some new tricks. Or maybe even time to freshen up some old ones. Teaching your pup new tricks is great for their mental sharpness. It also presents an excellent bonding opportunity for the both of you. You could teach Fido more advanced tricks like “stand on hind legs,” “rollover,” or “play dead”. Or build on the basics with “stay,” “fetch,” or “shake”.
With social distancing and spending a lot more time indoors, it can be hard to find ways to fill our time – and can be even harder to keep out pups active. But with these activities, you’ll be keeping both you and Fido healthy and entertained.
