5 Effective Tricks To Beat Your Dog's Boredom and To Keep Him Busy Indoors

Dogs need their daily dose of exercise like a walk in the park or play time in the yard. This keeps their energy levels healthy and it also keeps them from being bored. Naturally curious, bored dogs have a tendency to get into trouble and make a mess around the house. So put all your pet's energy into fun and productive indoor activities especially during rainy season.

Here are 5 ways to keep your dog busy and happy indoors:

Play fun, interactive games

Dogs love it when you play with them. If the weather does not permit you a game of fetch or tug-of-war out in the yard, you can easily improvise and enjoy these games indoors. Choose a wide space in your home and opt for a lightweight ball if you plan to play fetch. This is a good way for your pet to get some exercise during rainy days. Playing a game of tug is also a good workout for your pet and a good way to teach him impulse control.

Teach your dog a cool new trick

If you have plenty of time to kill inside the house, might as well make it productive. Use this time to teach your pet a new trick that he will enjoy and at the same time be beneficial for you. Teaching him a simple trick like fetching your slippers or the newspaper can be fun for him (especially if you have tons of treats), on top of having a job to do.

Introduce puzzles

Dog Puzzle

While dogs need regular physical exercise, mental stimulation is just as important. When he can't play outside, take advantage of this time by introducing puzzles to his toy collection. Solving dog toy puzzles with him will not only relax and exercise his mind, but will also teach him a thing or two about patience.

Give him a massage

Make indoor time more relaxing for your pet by giving him a massage. Quick, daily dog massages help relax tense muscles, reduce anxiety, improve circulation and relieve stress. It also creates a great bonding time between you and your pet.

Schedule a play date

If the weather is bad, chances are that your friends' pets are also stuck indoors. Host a play date for your pet your friend's dog. Invite them over for some play time - this way your pup will still have his much-needed interaction with fellow dogs even if he can't play outside.

Beat your dog's boredom with these simple yet effective tricks for keeping him busy indoors!

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4 Reasons Why Any Ol' Ball Won't Do For Your Dog

The majority of behavioural issues with dogs comes from one major source: they are simply not stimulated enough. When they lack stimulation in their environment or daily routine, they will frequently act out and express that energy and restlessness in other, typically more destructive ways. Some canines are happy just chasing around a dog ball for an hour or so a day. However, every dog is different and needs different toys and types of stimulation.

Here are four different types of stimulation that pups require. Your dog may exhibit one of these types of play predominantly, or all of them given different situations and moods.

1. Does Your Dog Chew?

Some toys are meant to stimulate your dog's natural instinct to chew and bite. Rope toys, bones, and dental chew toys are great options for low- to medium-level chewers, and will help keep teeth and jaws strong. Rubber chew toys are better for aggressive chewers, as they are exceptionally durable, and can often come in different shapes for hiding treats or unpredictable bouncing. These toys help fido work out his chewing muscles, as well as his brain.

Puppies, older dogs, or those with sensitive gums can still get the same chewing benefit from latex and vinyl toys. With any dog, be sure to discard toys once they start to fall apart, as this could be a choking hazard.

2. Does Your Dog Chase?

Many pups, particularly those belonging to the hound family, are natural and instinctive chasers. These dogs have hunting instincts that push them to chase anything small. For this type of dog, anything that can fly or bounce erratically is sure to exercise your pup.

There are a number of different types of fetch toys, including frisbees, ropes, and dog balls, so you can find one that your dog will chase, and won't be too hard on their teeth and gums. New interactive dog toys will actually throw the ball or dog toy for you, giving your dog tons of exercise, without tiring you out.

3. Is Your Dog a Cuddler?

If you have ever noticed your dog carrying around a favorite toy, sleeping with it and constantly mouthing it, your dog may be more of the carry and cuddle type of player. These dogs love soft, plush toys made of fleece or other fabrics. Your dog may develop a certain fascination with one toy. As a dog plays with a toy, it starts to absorb and exude the dog's smell. This in turn causes the dog to enjoy and play with that toy for longer periods of time.

4. Does Your Dog Need Frequent Rewards?

Some dogs like to work on problems or puzzles in exchange for something tasty! This type of dog likes interactive toys that help them overcome boredom. Balls and other shapes with hollow areas are great for keeping dogs occupied for long periods of time. By filling this type of toy with some dry kibble and peanut butter, you are giving your dog hours of entertainment and exercise.

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