Activities to wear out your dog

Most of us are spending more time at home right now and have a lot of time on our hands. Your dog may be driving you crazy. These will be a few things to tire your dog out so you can have some peace and quiet. They are great for working your dogs brain, which will tire him.

Nose games

This may be one of my favorites. It’s super easy and doesn’t require much from you. You’ll just need your dogs next kibble meal and some easy hiding spots. You should start out hiding a few pieces of kibble in easy spots. For example; in the corner of a room, on a shelf that is nose level, in between two objects, on top of a small box, etc. You want it to be easy enough that your dog learns the game and wants to continue looking. If it’s too hard they may give up.

At first you may have to help him a little. Bring him to the general area of a treat or point to one. The more he does it then the easier it will be for him and you can increase the difficulty of the hiding spots.

I also do this outside. I will toss a hand full of kibble out into the yard and the dogs will walk around looking for each one.

Interactive Toys

There are sooooo many toys that you can buy in stores and online. All different levels and require different “skills” to get the treats out. This one is quite simple because all you have to do is give the toy and watch your dog. Some are more like puzzles where your dog has to move or take pieces. Some require a more physical approach like wobble toys or ones that they have to roll around.

I recommend getting a couple different types and seeing what your dog likes.

Train a new trick

Training is a great way to get your dog mentally tired. Plus tricks are fun for you and the dog. Thousands to choose from so you can definitely find some that you love. After this stay at home order is over you can use those tricks to impress your friends and family.

Pick a few that you like and start training!

Muffin tin

A DIY interactive toy, I guess. All you need is your dogs kibble, tennis balls or similar size, and a muffin tin. Put the kibble into the muffin spots, place a tennis ball in each of the spots and let your dog figure out how to get the food.

This may end in disaster if your dog decides to flip the whole thing over, but you do have to admire his “work smarter, not harder” way of life! He will clean up his mess anyway.

Long walk

Nothing beats the great outdoors and a little exercise. Check out some local hiking spots and see if they are still open or just walk around the neighborhood. Whichever your choose, just go on a walk. Let your dog sniff, run around, and just adventure.

If your dog doesn’t walk well on leash then this is the perfect time to start working on it!

Obedience Training

Just like trick training, obedience training is going to tire your dog out. This just has the great added benefit of making your dog into a better balanced and well behaved dog.

Teach him sit, down, come and how to walk on leash without pulling. Once he learns each one then move to different areas. Go from inside to outside, on the side walk, down the road, near a field, where ever you can.

These suggestions are only a handful of the options you have to help wear out your dog. Whatever you choose, just have fun! Enjoy this time with your dog and family because soon everyone will be going back to their busy lives.