Tuesday 14 August 2012
It’s A Dog’s Day Out!
For many of us a dog is an integral part of the family. We feed them, walk them, play with them, love them and get back unconditional love in return. But are we doing enough for them?
Have you ever had a dog that has raided the bin when you are out? Pulled your box of tissues to bits, chewed shoes, pulled cushions off the sofa or just generally played up… why is he so naughty you think!? But it may not be the case that you have a ‘bad dog’, these could be signs that your dog is bored and this is his way of finding his own entertainment. Unfortunately this is often in ways that we do not find entertaining or amusing!
Dogs are very intelligent creatures and love having activities and ‘jobs’ to do to keep them mentally stimulated. I have heard many people say that their dog is too stupid or too lazy to do something new but dogs of all size, shape and age are capable of learning a new activity. It is just about discovering what is right for them and what it is that motivates them.
There are so many different activities to choose from it can be difficult to know where to start. One option is to look at what your dog was originally bred to do and find a suitable alternative activity. For example Springer Spaniels were bred to flush out game from bushes and have very good noses so may enjoy doing Scent Work. Newfoundlands were bred for water rescue work and often enjoy swimming and retrieving toys from the water.
But nobody knows their dog better than you; if they love tennis balls how about Flyball? Something a bit calmer, how about Obedience? Never underestimate the activities that you can do in your own home. Lay a trail with a smelly toy for them to track down, get them to pick the treat from under the right plastic cup, teach them a new trick … open your mind and the possibilities are endless! Most importantly, whatever you chose, it should be something FUN that both you and your dog can enjoy together.
Look out for ‘A Dog’s Day Out’ at Wood Green, Godmanchester on Friday 2nd Nov. There will be a chance to try out some doggy activities and get lots of ideas for fun at home!
3 Comments
I rehomed a dog who had had six previous homes and a very big history of escaping, four years ago. Now aged 11 years young, she enjoys fun agility, obedience, rally 0 and also works as a PAT dog. She is fit, happy, loves her "jobs" and is far too content to think about escaping. She is also a correct weight now (enormous when we got her) and never has time to be bored! She loves long beach walks, swimming, playing ball etc, all things she had never experienced.
We supplement walks with training and 'finding' games. The benefit is that both of these can also be done indoors and she can go all over the downstairs looking for her treats, or we spend time adding commands to what they do naturally - it's not only Lulu that enjoys this time together
I have a 2 year old collie and she enjoys finding hidden toys and treats around the house and practising all the commands we have taught her. Our new game is choosing the correct hand the smelly cheese or meat is in, she does get very excited and really enjoys it. We have taught her names of people in our family and the other day i told her to take me to 'nans house' she walked across town leading the way and we got there...! i enjoy teaching her new things just as much as she enjoys it!