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.

Before you go on a date, it’s important to know what questions to ask and what to look for. Use these questions to get to know the person you are meeting and get to know them better. Here are some ideas: 

Questions to ask on a first date

Whether you’re on a first date or trying to build a lasting relationship, there are certain questions that can help you learn more about someone. These questions may reveal a lot about a person, including their interests and passions. These questions are also a good way to find out if two people are compatible.

One of the best questions to ask on a first date is, “What is your favorite show?” If you’ve selected a spot for the date, this is an icebreaker that can spark a conversation. It’s also a great way to find out what your date likes, and you can plan a movie night around that.

Red flags to look out for

The first date is a great time to learn more about each other, but there are some common red flags you should watch out for. For instance, if your date is always complaining about their ex, it’s probably not the best time to get to know each other. It’s also an indication of their lack of maturity and open-mindedness.

If you have a strong sense of your own personal values, you should be able to spot the red flags of a potential partner.

A typical day in your life

One of the best first date questions is to find out about the person’s typical day. It is better than asking about their job title or what they do for a living. This question will allow you to learn about their personality, lifestyle, and interests. You may also want to ask them about their hobbies or where they get their inspiration. If it turns out they’re a sugar daddy in their spare time, that may be something you want to know.

Other topics to ask about your date’s life include their favorite movies or concerts. While this might be a tricky subject to discuss, it can help you to learn more about your date’s interests and values.

Pet peeves

While your date may not share your pet peeves, you can ask about them anyway. This way, you’ll be able to learn about her past arguments and influences. 

A pet peeve is a constant annoyance. If you are in a relationship, it’s normal to have pet peeves. No two people are exactly alike, and there are bound to be things about your date that annoy you. The key is to find out whether your pet peeves are deal-breakers or not.

What are your thoughts on relationships?

If you’re looking for a serious relationship, it’s important to ask your date about their thoughts on relationships. This question will help you to gauge their level of commitment and whether they’re looking for something long-term. It’s also a good way to find out if they’re open to the idea of a relationship with you.

If they’re looking for something more casual, that can only work if you’re looking for the same thing. It’s important to be on the same page. Otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

What are your thoughts on marriage?

This is another question that can help you gauge your date’s level of commitment. If they’re not open to the idea of marriage, it’s probably not worth pursuing a relationship with them. However, if they are open to the idea, it’s a good sign that they’re looking for something long-term.

Do you have any deal-breakers?

A deal-breaker is a quality or behavior that you absolutely cannot tolerate in a partner. It’s important to know your deal-breakers before getting into a serious relationship. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation that you’re not happy with.

Conclusion

Asking questions on a first date is a great way to get to know the person you’re seeing. It’s also a good way to find out if they’re compatible with you. Be sure to ask about their thoughts on relationships and marriage, as well as their deal-breakers. These questions will help you to gauge their level of commitment and whether they’re looking for something long-term.

Gangster films are among the most popular movies on the planet. Long have we enjoyed thrillers around the Mob or psychological dramas delving into the minds of crime lords. Hollywood has long been living off the tales, and they continue to do so, producing some fantastic movies in the process, including The Traitor and The Irishman more recently.

With gangster films, you get many actors and directors who have carved themselves a niche within them, from the likes of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, to Bob Hoskins and Ray Winstone on British soil.

But what are the best gangster films of all time? We run through five of our favourites…

The Long Good Friday

The Long Good Friday gave Bob Hoskins his breakthrough role as well as providing Helen Mirren with one of her more iconic early roles. Released in 1980, it follows Harold Shand, a London gangster who is planning to redevelop parts of the city’s Docklands.

In order to do so, the American Mafia are involved, but it’s not smooth sailing for them, with the IRA and rival gangsters seemingly devout on destroying those plans, including Pierce Brosnan in his first film role. 

Such was the accuracy of Hoskins as Shand, it’s believed he was even congratulated on his performance by one of the Kray Twins.

Casino

Casinos have long been a popular part of Hollywood too, and Casino delves into the gambling scene of the 1970s and 80s. It’s a time very different to now, where more people are enjoying online gambling sites like casino777.nl than in the casinos of Las Vegas, but it was the perfect backdrop to Martin Scorsese’s epic gangster movie.

Released in 1995, it saw the director join forces with Robert De Niro once again, with the actor playing a casino boss appointed by the Mob. But like any gangster film, trouble is on the horizon as the Mafia’s grip on the city lessens and lessens.

The Godfather

The greatest gangster film in history undoubtedly comes from Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather. Starring Marlon Brando, the movie is completely timeless and has some of the most iconic scenes in gangster movie history. Many have tried to replicate, but none can compete.

Everything about it just oozes class and it will be a movie that is never knocked from top spot in this category.

Goodfellas

This Scorsese masterpiece is his finest piece of filmmaking and is a fast paced classic that sees De Niro in another brilliant gangster role, starring alongside Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci. It’s a movie that inspired the likes of The Sopranos and much of Quentin Tarantino’s work, and the film itself is adapted from the 1985 book Wiseguy by Nicholas Pileggi, who also wrote the screenplay. 

It won multiple awards, with Joe Pesci taking an Oscar for his supporting role, while it cleaned up at the BAFTAs and to this day is considered one of the best and most influential movies ever.

Sexy Beast

There are so many other films that could have made the cut in a final five, not least The Godfather Part II, but we didn’t want to include other parts of franchises, and it would be a travesty to leave out Sexy Beast, another British gangster classic.

Starring Ray Winstone, this 2000 movie is all about his character trying to settle into retirement. And he is certainly doing that, out in Spain, until Don Logan turns up, a psychotic gangster played by the great Ben Kingsley. He makes Winstone an offer, which ultimately cannot be turned down in what is one of the most intense movies of all-time in the genre.