With the State of Nevada Office of Epidemiology advising the public to stay away from many of our favorite doggy swimming holes (like Washoe Lake and smaller pools around Lake Tahoe) due to toxic blue-green algae, avoiding standing water this summer is probably a good plan. But, what are you supposed to do to entertain, enrich, and tire out your dog if it’s too dang hot to play outside, and you can’t go swimming? Here, have some ideas, friends:
Teach a new trick.
Ideas: shake, roll over, speak, spin, or high five – there are lots of tutorials on YouTube. Or, check out our next Super Tricks class!
Feed a meal in an interactive puzzle toy.
We like the Kong Wobler, Buster Cube, Kibble Nibble, or Bob-a-Lot for their durability, rattling sounds, and unpredictable movement.
Build a homemade mini agility course
…in the backyard, using hula-hoops, kids’ play tunnels, mini pools, poles, and whatever else you can think of. Kids love this one, too. Help the kiddos lure your dog through the various obstacles. Fastest lurer to do the whole course wins!
Scavenger Hunt
Leave your dog inside while you hide kibble or treats around your back yard. Remember where you left it – you may need to help your dog find it in the beginning.
Puppy Ping Pong.
One person restrains the dog while another person calls the dog and rewards them with a treat or a toy when they arrive. Now switch!
Hide and Seek (another kid-friendly favorite!)
Have one person restrain your dog while you hide from them. Make noises until they find you and reward with something yummy! If your dog has a reliable down or sit stay, you only need one person for this game.
Bobbing for Apples
Fill a kiddy pool in your yard with a few inches of water, and toss some apple pieces in there. Watch your dog learn the new skill of fishing them out! (Not an apple fan? try freeze
-dried meat treats, or any treat that floats.)
On again / Off again
Lure your dog onto a mat or their bed with a treat, and reward once all four feet are on it. Ask for a sit or down stay. Release your dog with a verbal cue and then throw a treat away from the mat. Repeat. How fast can you get your dog to go to their mat?
Have an idea? Let’s hear it in the comments!
