Having a dog is an enjoyable experience. These pets have long been domesticated to live among us and provide love, support and companionship, all at the same time. While living in our homes, dogs live independently, using their cognitive processes to interact with you and their surroundings. However, they thrive when their attention is on you and others.
Are you looking for a deeper connection
with your dog? Training dogs can be difficult, but it is gratifying and helps
you gain a special understanding of these amazing animals. To help you get
there, here are seven ways to engage your dog.
Have a Play Date
Petting your dog as you go by or taking
them out for a bathroom walk is the usual interaction. However, schedule a
dedicated time together to get more focus and attention out of them. This is a
pet play date when you leave all distractions behind to engage directly with
them.
You can roll around on the floor and play
with their favorite toys, talk to them, and be very hands-on. They love this
type of interaction and will participate 100%.
Taking the date to the park or hiking is
also an option. Remember, your focus is on them, so leave your phone in the car
and be together for an hour or so.
Do Some Obedience Training
Dogs love mental stimulation, so short
obedience training bursts keep them engaged. Work on short, simple commands
that they can comprehend and remember, and praise them for it with praise,
petting and treats.
They quickly understand the rewards system
and want to show you all their tricks. Spend 5-10 minutes every day reviewing
previous commands and introducing new ones so they can recall behavior when
needed.
Introduce Different Dog Food
Rotational feeding is an excellent strategy
for your dog's overall health and is ideal for engaging their senses. Dogs love
different tastes and quickly form preferences that appeal to their taste buds.
Go to your local pet store and ask about
the best products, including famous brands like Orijen dog food.
They can give you valuable insight into what your breed prefers and how to
change their diet successfully with a rotation strategy. You can mix dry and
wet food, human foods beneficial to your pet, and raw food. Variety will keep
your dog guessing and excited about mealtime.
Get Some Challenging Toys
Dogs love to play and will chase anything
you introduce them to. To challenge them and improve engagement, find some more
challenging toys for them to use.
These can be puzzles where they have to use
patience and strategy, thinking instead of reacting. Food dispensing toys work
well for this because they earn a tasty reward. Sniffle mats are also fun for
them because they have different textures and materials where you can hide
treats for them to discover.
Automated toys will keep their brains
active by engaging all five senses. Rotate their toys so they don't get bored
of the same ones, and teach them their names. This practice can be a fun game
where you ask them to get specific toys to bring you.
Provide Outdoor Viewing Access
Set up an area beside a window where your
dog can comfortably look out. They love to see what's happening and will watch
for hours if you let them.
Crack open the window so they can hear and
smell the sounds. You can keep them company here; they will bark to alert you
to what they see happening outside.
Watch TV with Them
Dogs don't like silence, so bring them up
on the couch when you watch your favorite TV shows and movies. You'll be
surprised to see them "watching" and even reacting to things that
happen. This keeps them alert and present, knowing they are safe beside you and
not barking for your attention.
Put Together a Treasure Hunt
This will engage your dog. A treasure hunt
is when you hide your dog's favorite toys and treats around the house for them
to find. You lead them around, room to room, as they hunt using their senses,
rewarding them with praise and petting for each successful find. There are many
places to hide items, like under a rug, in their bed, in a pile of clothing, or
even in your pocket. Do this regularly.
These are seven ways to engage your dog.
Commit to spending time with your pooch so they know they are wanted. In
return, you will get a life-long companion who is always beside you, whether
you ride or die.
