Dogs will love to have your attention, but of course you can't always make time for them. Many dogs exhibit destructive or unhealthy behavior when they are not getting proper attention and entertainment. Keep in mind that dogs are intelligent animals so they need a lot of stimulation. Boredom that arises can encourage dogs to display unwanted behavior. Therefore, it's a good idea to take immediate steps to ensure that your dog is entertained.
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Method 1 of 4: Spending Time Together
Step 1. Train your dog
By practicing new tricks, you train and challenge his mind. Dogs need to be entertained because they get bored easily. In the open (natural habitat), dogs get a lot of mental stimulation. Therefore, you need to give it mental stimulation. Be productive by teaching him new things, or practicing new behaviors. Surely he will appreciate the attention you give.
- Train your dog to do something. He will be entertained by learning to do daily chores, such as picking up newspapers or bringing slippers indoors. Dogs love to do such work so the exercise provided (eg picking up something) can be beneficial for both you and your dog.
- Teach him the names of his toys. Dogs can learn to associate objects with their names, just as they associate verbal commands with actions. Whenever you play with him with a certain toy, try repeating the name of the toy. After that, he is able to pick up certain toys when you command him to.
- Teach him how to beg. Dogs can learn that certain positions or body language have meaning, especially to you. For example, he may have learned and understood that by touching or nuzzling your arm with his nose, you must feed him. If you want to change that behavior or body language, start rewarding him if he manages to sit down and wait patiently. Over time, he will associate the position (sit politely) with the item or food he wants.
Step 2. Try taking regular walks together
A walk (whether short or long) is better than no walk at all in one day. Therefore, try to take at least 10 minutes each day (or longer) to walk your dog around the house. When you have more free time, such as on weekends, try going for walks to the beach, forest or other pleasant places as longer durations and distances can be beneficial for both you and your dog.
- Start taking a different route. Taking the same route every time you take her for a walk can tire her out for a walk. By taking a new route, he will see and smell new things and enjoy them.
- Take a short break in the middle of the trip. You can also make your walks more enjoyable by stopping in the middle of the trip. Try lunch at a restaurant or coffee shop that allows visitors to bring dogs. Or, stop for a while at a friend's house and let your dog play with your friend's dog for a while (make sure the two dogs have gotten to know each other beforehand).
- Take toys with you when you go for a walk. Bring his favorite toy (eg a Frisbee or ball) to keep him entertained during the walk. Stop at a nearby park (especially a pet park) and play a game of throw and catch after a long walk.
Step 3. Play with the hose
If the weather is hot, put on a bathing suit (or casual clothes) and turn on the water tap that is attached with the hose. You can play with water by spraying it on your dog and, of course, yourself. If your dog is afraid of water (or afraid of getting wet), don't play this game. In addition to using a hose, you can also use a garden sprinkler (sprinkler). In addition, there is also a small device specially designed as a toy for dogs that can be attached to the end of the hose.
Step 4. Play a game of hide and seek with your dog
Hide the treats in different places and let him find them. Every time he manages to find one of his treats, give him a compliment and pat him on the head. You can also hide yourself and let it find you. Just make sure that when you hide, your dog won't run anywhere else.
Step 5. Go swimming together
Go to the beach and swim together. Some swimming pools (especially shops or pet care centers that have pool facilities) usually have dog-only swimming events at the end of the month. If there is a reservoir or lake (with clean, swimable water) in your town, take your dog for a swim with you.
Step 6. Play a game of throw and catch
You can play this game anywhere-in the backyard, at the park, at the campsite, at the beach, and anywhere else (especially in the open). Use a ball, stick or other dog-safe object. Games like this can be a fun way for your dog to get some exercise while you don't need to move around much. Some types of toys, such as the frisbee, are specially designed so that they can float long distances. Of course, the long distance your dog has to travel to pick up the toy can increase the challenge in the sport.
Step 7. Massage your dog
Like humans, dogs can also experience muscle aches or pains. Therefore, a massage can be a pleasant treat for your dog. If he has a fairly calm character, it will be easier for you to tell him to stay calm during the massage. However, if he has an energetic character, it's a good idea to wait until he's exhausted after playing before trying to massage him.
If you don't feel comfortable giving your dog a massage, try finding a therapist who specializes in dog massage in your city
Method 2 of 4: Providing Entertainment for Dogs When You're Not Home
Step 1. Hide his treats around the house so he can find them after you leave the house
You can design fun hunting games for your dog by hiding some of his favorite treats in different places in the house. For example, you can hide the treats under the cushions of a chair or tuck them in your shoes.
- Make sure your dog doesn't see when you're hiding treats or he doesn't have to use his sense of smell to find hidden treats. If he had seen it, he would have known where the snacks were hidden.
- Keep in mind that sometimes dogs get too caught up in the fun of this activity. If you feel that your dog might break or destroy something while trying to find hidden treats, don't hide treats in risky places. Keep snacks hidden in safe places, such as behind a chair or under a high table.
Step 2. Try to find a 'friend' for your dog
If you have two or more dogs, chances are they won't be bored. Also, try taking your dog to a dog park or pet park. If your friend has a dog, plan a 'date' for both your dog and your friend's dog.
- Dogs are social animals so they need friends.
- Sometimes other animals can befriend dogs (not just fellow dogs). For example, a cat who was raised with a dog (or at least one who is friendly to dogs) can be a great companion for your dog.
Step 3. Turn on the television
There are several television channels, Youtube channels, and even movies (on DVD) made especially for dogs. With high-quality photos displayed on a high-resolution flat-screen television, your dog can have hours of entertainment when you're not at home. Make sure you direct his attention to the television screen while the video is playing so that he knows he should be watching television.
- If you don't have a television, you can turn on the radio. Radios can produce soothing sounds for dogs.
- You can also set the channel or show any program on the television to make your dog feel that there is activity at home (and he doesn't feel alone either).
Step 4. Purchase a remote electronic gaming device
Several types of dog toys are specifically designed to work with modern electronics so you can still play with your dog from anywhere. Try buying one of these types of toys. The toy can be connected to your office computer or smartphone.
- Toys like Petzilla can help you give your dog treats, anytime and from anywhere.
- The iFetch toys and app allow you to play catch and throw with your dog, from wherever you are.
- Whistle is an app and device like Fitbit (apps and devices with GPS for counting steps and tracking location), but designed specifically for dogs.
- Try purchasing a baby monitoring kit that comes with a camera and can be connected to a smart device so you can keep an eye on your dog from anywhere.
Step 5. Buy a puzzle game for your dog
There are lots of challenging toys to keep your dog busy. Try searching the internet for toys he might like. These toys can reduce stress in dogs caused by boredom and separation anxiety.
Method 3 of 4: Choosing Toys
Step 1. Buy a distraction toy
Toys like Kongs or busy-box can be great choices. These types of toys can entertain your dog by making him try to find treats that are hidden or put in toys. For example, Kong is a type of toy that can be filled with peanut butter or jelly/jam. In order to enjoy the treat, the dog must make an effort to get the treat out of the toy. Toys like these can keep your dog focused for a long period of time. Because toys like Kong are made of very strong and durable rubber, they can be bitten and there is no risk of harm from ingested parts of the toy.
- Get your dog to make more of an effort to enjoy his food. Put the food in the toy so he has to try to get and eat it. Not only will this be an additional activity for your dog, but it will also benefit the digestive process as he will eat more slowly.
- By 'locking' or placing food in a hard-to-reach place, you can ensure that your dog will stay busy for a long time to retrieve the food.
Step 2. Prepare a large, thick piece of bone
Many dogs have to struggle to chew on large bones or even to simply bite and lift them. This means that the dog can concentrate on nibbling on the bone within a few hours. These very large bones are often taken from the leg bones of cows or the bones of other meat-eating animals that are safe for dogs. Many pet shops usually sell such bones.
Step 3. Buy a laser
As long as you are careful not to shine it around your eyes, lasers can provide interesting entertainment for dogs. Although commonly used as a cat toy, dogs can also have fun with laser light. However, be careful not to over-joy him. While obsessive light-related behavior can occur in any dog breed, not all dogs will exhibit such behavior. Apart from that, there are also some 'safer' ways to play with lasers to prevent obsessive behavior from showing up.
- Decide how to start and end the game. For example, aim the laser light at the same spot or point (eg at your hand) each time the game ends.
- Use the laser to direct your dog at his favorite treat or toy to distract him from the laser light.
Step 4. Place a large basket of toys on the floor
Let your dog try out different toys and find out what he prefers to do with them. You can even toss some toys in the air or hide them around the room to make playtime even more fun. The more items or toys your dog has, the less likely it is to take or use your items as toys.
- Put toys in separate places so he doesn't get hung up on the first toy he sees and grabs it right away. For example, you can put a Kong toy in the kitchen and a toy ball like a Buster Ball in the guest bedroom (if you let it roam around the house).
- If he's kept in a cage, provide him with some toys that don't require him to move much so that the treats stored in the toys can be removed. Make sure the 'challenge' is difficult enough for him to take so that he takes a lot of time to complete.
Step 5. Blow soap bubbles to entertain your dog
There are some dogs who like to play with soap bubbles. Try buying a bottle of soap bubble liquid specifically designed for dogs (or a non-toxic and child-safe bubble product), then blowing soap bubbles to entertain your dog. He may already be happy just by looking at the bubbles, or he may want to try catching them with his mouth and feet. Whatever your dog's reaction may be, this activity can be an interesting and unique way to entertain him.
Method 4 of 4: Getting Professional Help
Step 1. Find a pet care center (especially one that specializes in caring for dogs)
Leaving your dog in a pet care center can be a good option if you have to be out of the house for hours. If you have to work long hours, or have to work longer hours than usual, you can take your dog to a pet day care center. Unlike when he is left alone at home, there he can play with dogs and other people, and new toys. Of course, this will prevent him from getting bored and ensure he is properly fed and defecated.
- When you want to leave your dog at a pet care center, ask questions such as how many dogs are left with your dog, how many people are watching the dogs, and how the day care provider selects and 'screens' the dogs that can be kept for safekeeping. ensure that the dogs in custody are healthy.
- Keep in mind that pet care is often quite expensive.
- Not all dogs have the right personality or allow them to be placed in a pet care center.
Step 2. Hire a dog walker (the person in charge of walking the dog)
If pet care is too expensive, try hiring someone to take your dog for a walk. Usually he will pay attention to your dog and give him the opportunity to walk and exercise outdoors. Of course this can help your dog to stay calm and not feel bored when you have to work all day.
- Check for proper dog walker attendant references.
- Make sure your dog likes the attendant you hire.
- Prepare a plan or a substitute officer if at any time the main officer is unable to attend and work.
Step 3. Find a pet sitter
If your dog needs a lot of attention and has a lot of energy, you can try hiring a pet sitter. This option is suitable for situations where it is not possible to take your dog to a daycare center (or, at least, if the cost of pet care is too high). Pet sitters may visit several times a day, or even stay at your home for long periods of time to care for and look after your dog. This can be a great option when you need to go on vacation without your dog, but keep in mind that even if the pet sitter you employ will be coming every day, he or she may only be visiting briefly.
