Five ways to entertain your dog during the coronavirus outbreak

Life under lockdown means that although dogs can still go for daily walks, owners are finding new ways of entertaining their four-legged friends.

The Dog Aid Society of Scotland has been helping to rehome canines across Scotland for more than 64 years, and while its operations are temporarily on hold due to the coronavirus crisis, the team there have put together a list of ways to ensure dogs are occupied during this period of outdoor restrictions.

Outdoor exercise

Dogs need daily exercise to improve both their physical and mental health – and to prevent behavioural problems.

There is no evidence to say a canine can carry the Covid-19 virus, but dog walkers are currently only able to leave their house once a day, and households with more than two adults will have to take it in turns to walk their pets used to more than one outing a day.

As long as there is a two-metre space between individuals, and social distancing rules are adhered to, dogs can be properly exercised outdoors near the home.

Teach a new trick

One way owners can entertain both themselves and their pooch indoors is by teaching them a new mentally stimulating trick that can help reinforce the bond between dogs and their humans.

Teach them to roll over or give their paw using treats as a reward. There are many videos and articles online that have step-by-step instructions on how to train dogs to do tricks.

Interactive fun

There are many games available that require a dog’s full concentration, such as ball dispensers and treat-dispensing puzzles.

Clare Rodger at Blackford Avenue-based Dog Aid Society of Scotland has been using Kong toys to occupy her two-year-old Border Terrier, Morty.

However, she maintains that you don’t need to spend lots of money to entertain this way: “You can be quite inventive around your house. Try tying a bit of string between two chairs and, on the string, attach some apple and strawberries for the dog to pick off.”

Sniffing around

Dogs are thought to be able to smell 1,000 times better than humans, and sniffing is integral to their mental wellbeing.

Clare says: “If you have a garden, spread kibble across the grass and let them sniff around for their food rewards.”

This could be a great way to make a dog’s dinner time more exciting, and for those who don’t have a garden, hiding food around the house works just as well – but be sure to keep a note of each hiding spot so food does not go off.

Set a routine

Some lucky dogs, like Morty, are accustomed to going to the office with their owner during the day. But for others who will be currently thrilled at the extra attention and cuddles during the weekdays, it is important to set up a routine where the canine has some ‘me time’, so that when normal service resumes they will not be too negatively impacted.

“You can go into a different room so your dog is still getting time to chill out how it normally would during the day,” advises Clare.

“I am very aware that Morty has had separation issues previously, and I want to ensure that he remains happy when I leave him alone. So, once he has been out for his daily exercise, I go into the garage and shut the door to use the treadmill which gives [him] the illusion of me being out.

“If they get used to having company all the time, there is a risk some dogs will get separation anxiety when people go back to work again.”

The Dog Aid Society of Scotland is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation that promotes responsible dog ownership and all their dogs come vaccinated, micro-chipped and neutered.

The team develops extensive knowledge of each dog’s history in order to match them with their ideal forever home.

To find out more, go online and visit www.dogaidsociety.com