When will the rain stop? Not sure about you, but here at Dog Days HQ we’re getting close to over the BOM map looking like a Jackson Pollock painting.
Outside of donning your favourite wellies (shout out to Merry People!), waterproof mascara, least favourite cap, jacket and brollie to brave the mushy park, here are some ideas to keep you and your favourite fur friend (moderately) sane in these drenched times.
Hide and Seek
This can be done with toys, treats or even you! Ask your pup to sit in one room, and hide the things somewhere else. Come back (or call if you’re hiding) and ask your dog to ‘find’, ‘seek’ or ‘where is it’. Nothin better than seeing their flagging tail in excitement mode for a few minutes while they use their nose to find the surprises.
Have a furry mate over
Invite a do over that your pup loves. Rumbling should ensue, releasing endorphins and using energy. Throw some toys and treats in the mix - awesome. Plus, you can do a swap, and your dog could visit next time, keeping things interesting with new toys, new smells and some time away.
Puzzles You don’t need expensive plastic toys to play enrichment activities! All you need is a tea towel, some treats and away you go. You could make a cardboard puzzle using a tissue box, and some scrunched up paper, or an egg carton and some twine. Get creative! Or check these out for some inspo.
New tricks Learn something new with your dog. Perhaps you’d like to try ‘shake’ or teach your dog to weave between your legs? Remember, it’s as much about training them, as it is you so reward your self with a treat after five minutes of training too.
Toys Go to your local charity shop. Hit Vinnies’ up. Head to the soft toy section. Find a couple that you think your pup will like. Wash them if you are so inclined. Give to your dog. Let go of all of your type A tendencies, slight OCD, and LET YOUR DOG PULL ALL OF THE STUFFING OUT. Yep, you head me. It’s so, so good for them. Mimics disembowelment. Gives them a rush of the good old days. But actually does help reduce cortisol, so. Let them.
Got any other good ones? Let us know. Good luck out there.
