As a dog owner, you want the best for your furry friend – a long, happy, and healthy life. While regular vet visits and high-quality nutrition are essential, there are also engaging activities you can do at home to boost your pup’s overall wellness. Here are three fun ways to help your dog thrive mentally and physically.
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Learn New Tricks
Teaching your dog new tricks and commands provides important mental stimulation to keep them sharp. Start with basic behaviors like sit, stay, and shake, then move onto more advanced tricks like rolling over, playing dead, and jumping through a hula hoop. Keep training sessions short and rewarding with praise and small treats. Aim for 5-10 minutes per day. Learning new skills prevents boredom and forges a closer bond between owner and pet. It’s a mutually beneficial brain exercise!
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DIY Obstacle Course
Set up a homemade obstacle course in your yard using objects like tunnels, platforms, poles, and hurdles. Adjust difficulty based on your dog’s mobility and athleticism. The course should include activities like weaving between poles, running up and over platforms, and jumping low hurdles. Start slowly and provide encouragement. You can even run the course together! Obstacle coursework builds strength, balance, coordination, and confidence in your pup. It provides vital physical exercise too. Swap elements regularly to keep your dog entertained and engaged.
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Hide and Seek
No special tools needed for a rousing game of hide and seek! Have your dog sit and stay in one room while you go hide in another part of the home. Call their name to release them, then reward with praise and treats when they find you. Increase the challenge by adding household props like blankets or boxes to hide behind. This game taps into your dog’s natural scavenging instincts, providing mental stimulation along with a chance to practice obedience training. Try hiding toys or treats around the house for them to sniff out as well. Your clever pup will love showing off their sleuthing skills!
Incorporating regular enrichment activities like learning tricks, conquering obstacle courses, and playing hide and seek games helps raise a happy, stimulated, and healthy dog. Mentally and physically tired dogs exhibit less anxiety and unwanted behaviors as well. So switch up your exercise routine with these three fun DIY options.
If you’re looking to further optimise your pup’s wellbeing, be sure to also provide them with quality nutrition packed with probiotics. Dig-In Digestive Gravy Powder is an all-natural prebiotic supplement that supports gut health and digestion in dogs. Simply mix into their meals for digestive regularity, balanced nutrition, and an overall boost in wellness from the inside out. With Dig-In and engaging at-home activities, you can give your furry best friend the care they deserve.
