During these hard times, even man’s best friend could easily develop emotional distress. Thankfully, there is something you could do to help your dog cope with isolation and quarantine situations. Rosie Paterson talks to a dog expert to help you figure out how you can keep your dog from developing canine cabin fever. As it turns out, mental stimulation for your pets is just as important as it is for you. Thankfully, following the advice in this blog will provide the much-needed break from boredom for you and your dog. 

Construct an agility course

Now more than ever is the perfect time to create an agility course for your dog at home. Create a DIY agility course by utilizing items such as toys, towels, and cushions that you don’t use. According to accredited instructor, such items are easily available in most homes, and will help reduce the cost of the entire process. She reiterates that your dog will love it, however, she also cautions against giving young dogs too much work to do. ” remember that young dogs should not jump too high, because their bones are still fragile”

Play hide and treat

Most pets love finding hidden treasures, and for a dog, a treat is a perfect treasure. Placing bits of food around the house will provide the perfect bonding activity. She advises that the treats should not be hidden in deep corners. As much as you want your dog to have some activity, if the task gets too hard, she might give up. For instance, putting a few pieces of treats in a used bottle under a plant pot might just be to the extreme” 

To make it all fun, place bits of treasures behind curtains, in cardboards, under the chair, or under scrunched old towels. If you play your game well, your snooping friend will be busy sniffing the treasures out while you carry on with your work conferences. 

Teach a dog some new tricks

Teaching him a new trick might keep him busy for the next few days. If you lack access to the outdoors, use simple commands such as sit, stand, roll, etc. Dr. Chad Dodd of YuMOVE suggests that investing in a training clicker would help speed up the process. 

If you don’t have as much experience with dog training, you can search on YouTube for some great training videos.

Go gourmet

You are not the only one who deserves isolation snacks. Your four-legged friend is equally entitled to snacking. If you have any leftover stock and gravy, pour it into a container, add in some kibble and leftover cooked meat, and freeze. Once the treats dry, turn the ice lolly out. This will work perfectly especially during the summer when temperatures are high. 

Blow some bubbles

Bubbles aren’t just for your babies. If you want to keep your puppy entertained, raid your kid’s bedroom and blow up some bubbles with your puppy. A short session of blowing out bubbles will excite your dog and kill boredom.

Play some games

Some people may think play fetch is a cliche, but it is a cliche that works. Nothing keeps a dog active than fetch. Teach your dog how to fetch slippers and throw them as far as possible. Make sure you use an old pair since an excited dog might tear it apart. 

 According to Dr. Dodd, you should play on a non-slippery floor for safety purposes. You should also not throw items over the balcony since your puppy might just jump over. 

Build a doggy den

Dogs can easily pick up on the owner’s anxiety. To help avoid such a situation, it is better to have an ideal place where your dog can retreat from all the pressure. Set up a den in a location where he can stay undisturbed from your actions and noises such as TV. 

You could fashion a large box or cover a table with blankets. According to Dog Trust, items such as pillows or blankets should be used to prepare a cozy base for your dog. 

Try out any of the above options and your dog will be happy again. You don’t even have to step your feet outside the door.