Hey Woofa’s,

I know I keep saying this but – WOW – has this year turned out very differently than what we all expected?

Our new norm is very different!   Everyone is busy trying to adjust to working from home, schooling from home or finding a new job etc.

You only have to watch youtube, tictok and other social media sites too see how everyone is trying to keep themselves entertained.

I’ll admit, I love being at home, I’m an introvert and all my favourite things are at home.  It’s my tranquil place I come to when I don’t want to deal with the outside world.  It’s my place of comfort, somewhere to recharge.

So in all honesty, to be told to stay at home is not a big deal to me.

Dean on the other hand, can barely sit still at the best of times, he always has to be doing something or going somewhere, even if it’s to the grocery store every day, or the servo to get milk, or taking Billy for a drive, he has to do something.

So it got me thinking, if you happen to be looking for things to keep you entertained while in isolation.

Why not try these 10 things you can do with your dog?

10 THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR DOG WHILE IN ISOLATION!

1. Walk Your Dog – (if allowed) but don’t overdo it.  Most dogs will walk/run as far as their owner and won’t complain until they are practically collapsing on the ground.  They want to please us, so by all means take your dog for a walk or a run, but remember their legs are smaller.
2. Play Fetch – put aside some time in your day and play fetch with your dog.  If your dog doesn’t know how to play fetch teach them how.
3. Teach Your Dog to Find Their Favourite Toy – if your dog has a favourite toy, teach them to find it.  Go hide it and ask them to find it.  We do this with Billy and his ball, he’s obsessed with his ball, so we just ask, ‘where’s your ball’ and off he goes to find it.
4. Play Go Hunting – Place your dog’s kibble out on the lawn, spreading it all over so they have to use their nose to actually find it.  Or you could place it in a treat toy, which ever way, they need to use their nose and brain to locate it and then eat it.
5. Teach Your Dog NEW Tricks – if your dog knows how to do some tricks but not others, then teach them a new trick each week.  The saying, ‘that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ is a myth that I totally busted.  At age 7 I taught Billy to shake paws.  Dog’s aren’t dumb, they pick up new things/tricks a lot quicker than most humans do.  Just sayin!!!!!  I’m teaching him new things all the time, to help with his insecurity (that’s for another blog post).
6. Train Your Dog’s Bad Habits Away – If your dog currently has a behaviour that you aren’t overly happy with, then train them to do something else.  i.e. if they bark constantly at the door, teach them not to, give them another behaviour to concentrate on when someone comes to the door.   Take the old behaviour and replace it with a new preferred one.
7. Car Rides – if your dog loves the car (& you’re allowed) take your dog for a car ride.  Dean and Billy are currently on a car ride as I type this (Dean needed to get out and about for a bit).  Billy loves going for car rides, as soon as his drive harness goes on, he’s off to wait by the car.
8. Homemade Dog Food/Treats – make your dog some homemade dog food or dog treats.  I’m sure they won’t mind taste testing them for you.  Use the homemade treats for when you’re teaching them new tricks.
9. Play Dates – if restrictions have eased and you’re allowed out, plan a play date with your dog’s favourite pal.  Make sure it’s another dog they know and have played with before, obviously.  Or take them to someone else’s place who they know and love.  Billy loves going to my parents place, he sits at my dad’s feet and gets petting all the time.
10. Dog Grooming – it’s important to keep up with your dog’s grooming, whether your groomer is currently closed or if you’re between groom times.  Keep your long haired dog brushed and knot free, check their ears, eyes and nails to make sure all is good.  If you’re not confident in grooming keep up with regular groom appointments at your trusted local dog grooming salon.

These are some ideas to keep you and your dog entertained during isolation.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

While being in isolation can be hard – spending time with our dogs isn’t.

Take this isolation time to bond even more with your dog, teach them new things, do fun things with them.  Why, because your dog will make you smile and smiling is good for you.

Win win all around.

Have fun with your dog, they will love you for it.

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – WHAT FUN THINGS YOU’RE GETTING UP TO WITH YOUR DOG WHILE IN ISOLATION?

CHEERS