When trying to keep your dog entertained, you’ve got to think beyond their everyday toys and habits. Like humans, dogs enjoy new experiences. Provide them with some. Dog-friendly entertainment stimulates mentally and physically while also strengthening a dog’s bond with its owner if the activities are done together.
Whether your pup is big or small, active or calm, or whatever their behaviour may be, there are lots of entertainment ideas for your dog on this list that are likely to appeal to them.
Throw a Puppy Party
Invite other dogs to your place. Throw a puppy party! Just remember to fence your yard or contain your furry friends.
Make a Dog Food Puzzle
Hide his best dog food in a dog toy or puzzle and let them work on it to find all the bits. They’ll put forth lots of energy getting at their food, especially if it’s treats or something really tasty that you know they love to eat. Consider using brands like Royal Canin dog food that come highly recommended.
Go Camping Together
It may be tough to find a dog-friendly hotel or B&B. If you want to go on a real adventure with them – even if it’s just one night, try camping. Even if it’s locally, it gets you and them outside and enjoying the fresh air.
Tug Of War Is a Dog’s Favourite
Use any tug toy for this. It’s fun. It lets them release their frustration. It’s a classic game of tugging and pulling, and all you need is a rope toy.
Run or Jog with Them
Are you into fitness? Burn some calories by taking your dog for a short run or jog. If they’re small or lack energy, an alternative is to put them in a basket and ride on a bike ride together. Either way, always start slowly with any exercise like this. Make sure your dog is okay to continue.
Take a Trip to a New Park
Pick a park you haven’t been to before and take your pup with you. Co-pilot your walk and make it an adventure!
Take Them to an Off-Leash Dog Park
Dogs love to run around without their leashes. If you have a fenced-in dog park, let your dog roam free for a little bit and play with other dogs. The act of mingling can boost their spirits and may even help tire them out for later.
Take Them to the Pet Store for New Toys
Let your dog guide you to your local pet store to find new toys for him. Let them choose! It’s an excellent way to stock up on items that resonate with them.
Exercise with Your Dog
Find a safe lake to take your dog to swim in. Don’t have a lake? Try a beach. Just make sure you pack a dog life vest, as not all dogs can swim. If your dog hasn’t been swimming before, it’s better to pack for the possibility that it may struggle.
Create an obstacle course for your dog to run through. Then, set up different agility challenges for your pup and train it.
Scavenger Hunt with Treats
Hide dog treats around the home. Help your dog find them. If you have kids, they’ll love this, too. Be sure to hide treats in sneaky but easily accessible places. This makes for entertaining entertainment for dogs and dog owners.
Play in Your Front Yard
Let them enjoy a day in your front yard. Play in the sprinkler, snow, or fall leaves. Dogs love outdoor time!
Teach Your Dog Tricks
Dogs can learn all sorts of new things. Teach them some tricks! It could be shaking a paw, learning how to retrieve their favourite chew toy or something more challenging like jumping through a hoop. It’s all in your power.
Dress Them Up for Photos
Though not all dogs enjoy dressing up, try dressing up yours and snapping some photos for Instagram or Facebook. This is a fun way to spend the day, and you will get positive feedback from family and friends.
Set Up a Dog Date
Have your dog meet another dog. If you have a friend with a canine, ask them to go for a dog walk together. This is also an opportunity to meet new people in your city and connect with other dog owners.
Bring Your Dog to Work
Do you have a pet-friendly work environment? If your puppy is medium-to-low-energy, you can bring it in. Just set up a bed beside your desk or workspace and let the dog enjoy the new environment.
Visit Pet-Friendly Tourist Attractions
Find dog-friendly attractions in your local area. Take your dog on a walking tour to soak up the sights.