10 Ways to Entertain Yourself and Your Dog While Following Social Distancing Guidelines

TALES BLOG /10 Ways to Entertain Yourself and Your Dog

When Netflix can no longer keep boredom at bay and the news is just too much, look to your four-legged friends! Pets have been in heaven the past few weeks since most of us have been working from home. As dedicated dog moms and dads we should cherish this time to bond with our beloved furry friends. Connecting with our animals not only benefits them, it relieves our stress and improves our happiness.

1. Muffin Pan Puzzle

You’ll need tennis balls, treats of any kind, and a muffin/ cupcake baking pan. Place treats (in some but not all) of the cups of the baking sheet, and cover each of the cups with the tennis balls. Present the sheet to your dog and encourage him to find the tennis balls with treats hidden underneath. Each time you play, change where you place the treats in the baking tray.  

HIP also uses puzzles for bonding and learning!

2. Dog Massage

  If it feels good to you, it probably feels good to them! Butt rubs and belly scratches are widely popular.  

3. Dog Yoga

For those who enjoy at home yoga, try it with your dog! While you are doing your stretches and poses invite your furry friend to join you. If he seems comfortable, you’ve found a new workout partner!  

4. Build forts and Obstacle courses out of cardboard boxes

Wondering how to get rid of all those cardboard delivery boxes piling up in your home? Here’s a creative solution! Build forts, obstacle courses and other structures for your pet to enjoy.    

5. Dog Treat Baking

You may not realize, but lots of dog treats are made of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. With items such as flour, peanut butter, veggies, eggs, and milk you can create tasty treats your dogs will love. Search the web for recipes and be mindful of any allergies your dogs may have and visit https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets to research which foods are poisonous or hazardous.

Here are a few of our favorite recipes:

https://www.acozykitchen.com/homemade-dog-treats/

https://www.thekitchn.com/edible-gift-recipe-homemade-dog-treats-134276  

6. Teach New Tricks

Teaching dogs takes time and patience. You probably have the time if you are working from home and if you don’t already have patience, it may be time to develop some! Go online or download e-books for proper training techniques.   Check out HIP staffer Vicki Shay teaching her dog Fred how to “sit pretty” in the video above!

7. Dog Photography

Whether you have the latest and greatest professional camera or simple an I-phone, you can have fun snapping pics of your pup. For the best pictures, remember to be aware of lighting and shadows, get down on your dog’s level, be patient, and be ready to take lots and lots of shots.  

8. Take Your Dog on a Car Ride

We all are probably feeling a bit stir crazy from time to time. Giving yourself and your dog a chance to get out of the house will relieve the stress of feeling like prisoners in our own homes. But remember to be safe and roll down those back windows if your dog (like so many) likes the wind in his face.  

9. Go On Walks or Runs

Get out there with your pup and work on that summer bod! You will both be happy to get fresh air and proud of how fit you will be, come summer.  

Speaking of exercising with your pooch, don’t forget to register for Mutt Strut 2020 rescheduled for October 3rd. Sign up by clicking this picture!

10. Learn About Volunteering With Your Pet

Hand in Paw has created a virtual tutorial on how to become a volunteer! Watch it and learn all the ins and outs of becoming a Hand in Paw Therapy Team. You could be the next start HIPster team!