Image Credit: BC SPCA
April 13, 2020 - 8:00 PM
If staying inside during the COVID-19 crisis is giving you cabin fever, your dog may be feeling the same.
“Physical and mental stimulation is so important for dogs, particularly for certain breeds,” says Dr. Hatley McMicking, general manager of veterinary services for the BC SPCA, in a news release. “But even if you can’t get outdoors as often as you’re used to, there are still ways to ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise and playtime.”
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The BC SPCA is offering the following ideas to keep you and your dog sane:
1. Keep Away
"If you have family members or a roommate to join in, a game of keep away can keep your dog entertained and on the move. Choose a soft toy or ball and find an area free of breakable items. Toss the toy between participants, encouraging your pup to run between you. If your dog starts looking tired or frustrated, give him a turn to catch the toy so he feels satisfied and can take a little break," according to the BC SPCA.
2. Stair ball toss
"Running up and down the stairs gives your dog a good cardio and muscle workout and the elevation will help tire them out. Stand either at the top or bottom of the stairs and toss a ball for her to fetch and bring back to you. Or, if you are feeling energetic, make it a team sport and run up and down the stairs with her."
3. Go fetch
"Find the longest hallway or biggest room in your home and throw or roll a ball for your dog to fetch. Keep going until your dog is tired or starts to lose interest. Provide treats as a reward for returning and dropping the ball," according to the BC SPCA.
4. Chase
"A rousing game of 'chase around the home' will give both you and your dog a workout."
5. Hide and seek
The more the merrier with this game. "Hide in different rooms and call your dog. Once he finds you, reward him with treats and pets."
6. Obstacle course
"You can set up your own agility/obstacle course at home with whatever you have handy – cushions to jump over, a hula hoop to jump through and a tunnel made of chairs draped with a blanket. Reward your dog for successfully going over, under and through the obstacles."
7. Food Puzzles
"Add food or treats to a Kong, food-dispensing ball or food-puzzle toy so that your dog has to work hard to get them out. A variety of commercial food toys and puzzles are available, but you can also DIY-it by putting treats inside an empty plastic bottle or taped cardboard box."
8. Learning New Tricks
Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks? "With long hours at home, there’s never been a better time to work on training and new tricks with your pet. It’s important to always use positive, reward-based training to help your dog learn," according to the BC SPCA.
Learn more at AnimalKind.ca.
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