With so many streaming services available in a click and tonnes of movies releasing online, it is tough to get bored nowadays. still, sometimes you may feel saturated and need some break from your television or smartphone.
This is the reason why a lot of people own dogs who can be an excellent companion and also a source of entertainment at times. Dogs have become so popular recently that you will find Asian dog breeds in the west and western breeds in Asian continent. If you also own a dog and trying to find out things to do that can be entertaining for you as well as your dogs, we have listed a few suggestions below.
1. Fetch:
Taking your dog for a game of fetch is really the best time of their day. Dogs love to fetch, especially the working dogs who were bred to chase or fetch the hunting catch. Fetching is ingrained in their genes but we do not hunt anymore, hence, they just become couch potatoes. Instead, take them out in an open space to play fetch with them and they will happily do it the entire afternoon. You can also play fetch with them in swimming pools as you will be combining two of their favorite activities together.
If you have space in your house like a long balcony or a corridor, you can continue the game indoors. Just ensure the floor is carpeted so that the dog does not slip and choose a soft ball which does not bounce much and wreck your stuff.
2. Tug of War:
When indoors, a great way to entertain yourself as well as the dog is a good game of tug of war. If you enjoy games, both you and your dog will love the game. It is a suitable game to break all the boredom of the dog. Just ensure you use the right toy for it. Tug ropes are the best which will not damage your dog’s teeth. Use a long rope so that the dog does not bite your hand by mistake while playing. Let the dog win a few times, which will keep it more interested.
3. Organize a Scavenger Hunt:
If you are looking for ways to keep your pet engaged and its mind stimulated, you need to come up with creative ideas. Dogs love to seek, which also means they love to search for hidden treats. This is an easy game that requires nothing additional. Just hide a few treats throughout the house and let the dog search for it. This is a long game as even if the dg finds all treats, the anticipation that there are more will keep it going. Hide the treats in places where the dog can reach. You should remember to clear any leftover crumbs as you do not want pest to move in.
4. Spend Some Time Training:
Learning is another form of entertainment for the dog as it is being rewarded with treats. It can be fun for you too as you will be spending more time with your favorite pet. Training means you get closer to your dog as it understands what you are asking it in the form of commands. This is a bond building process which you should never skip. Even if you have trained your pet, keep repeating it every day to ingrain it in their brains.
5. Take Them for Swimming:
There are pools that let owners swim with dogs. If you enjoy a dip, why not take your buddy along? They are natural swimmers and will love to chill with you in the pool. You can also take a all along to play fetch with the dog inside the pool which will keep them busy while you enjoy your swim.
6. Play Hide and Seek with People:
As kids, we loved playing hide and seek, but obviously as adults, we find it kiddish or do not have company to play with, as it may seem odd. Well, not when you have a dog at home. Dogs love to seek for hidden things and when it is you who are hiding, they are more curious to find you as they are pack animals. This is a stimulating game for the pet as well as will help you spend fun times. You can involve your family members too in the game to make it more interesting. Ask your dog to stay in a spot and ask everyone to hide in different locations, like behind the curtains or below the bed. Instruct the dog to find a particular person and when they do it, offer them a treat.
The dog will get super excited to find people hiding and it will burn their energy. When you see your dog trying to find you, it is really amusing and when they find you, the excitement in their body language is pure love.
7. Cuddle with Your Dog:
If you have run out of ideas on how to entertain yourself at home, look no further if you have a dog. Did you know that just hugging a dog can drive happy hormones in you, uplifting your mood and getting rid of stress? Any dog owner can vouch for this, to be honest. A few dog breeds are particularly good at helping your mood swings. This is why people with emotional instability opt for an emotional support dog that can sense mood swings and help you keep your reactions under control.
The Bottom Line:
Owning dogs is not just about entertainment but also responsibility. If you are an existing dog owner, you must be aware of this and if you are planning to get a dog, please learn about the responsibilities beforehand. Sometimes taking care of a dog can be an overwhelming experience. While you may be a dog lover but being a dog owner takes much more. If you feel you cannot deal with the responsibilities, you can always help the shelters with adoptions and other activities to be a part of the dog world.
