If your favorite activities are going to the park and dog-friendly restaurants, it can be hard to come up with ideas for things to do at home with them. There are, however, plenty of enterprises that don’t require putting yourself at risk. Here are ten ways of spending quality time with your pet at home!
Run up and down the stairs
Living in a two-floor house is all you need to keep your dog fit and engaged. Simply sit on the top of the stairs and throw his favorite ball down the steps. That’s it! Now watch Fido run down the steps to catch it and up to give the ball to you. Repeat ad infinitum!
Play fetch in the backyard
If you have a backyard, even a small one, it is time to use it. Find a ball or a stick and play fetch, It won’t be the same as the park, but the trick is to throw it faster and more! Alternatively, why not chase your dog around the sofa for ten minutes?
Have your dog on your lap while working
If you have a small dog, take every chance you have and have him on your lap. If they are quiet enough, we are sure they will love to nap away while you video conference. Psst, no one needs to know - I’m doing it right now!
Play hide and seek
The day my husband taught our dog to play hide and seek was a happy one. There are many resources online, but the gist is to redirect your dog’s attention, hide and make a noise for him to find you. Remember to act super happy when they find you!
Play games with everyday chores
Sweeping the floor? Let your pup chase the broom! Tidying up the bedroom? Throw things around to entertain them! This is a good way to turn a boring time into a great time.
Have meals at the same time
Dogs are very social animals. That means they hate being apart from you and thrive on sharing activities with you. Try giving them food at the same time as you eat dinner, and enjoy having that time together.
Create an indoor obstacle course
Let your imagination run free with this one! You can arrange small walls made from pillows, chairs for them to jump and plants for them to divert from! Wait for him in the end and award him the prize: your undivided attention.
Don’t forget the belly rubs
That is definitely high on the list of priorities for your pet. Now that you are home so much, it’s time to set the world record for most belly rubs in one day!
Hide treats around the house
Make your companion work for their treats. Hide them behind the sofa, under the bed, and inside a box and set your doggo on a mission. Say the same thing every time he finds one and he will soon learn the game!
Get your pet new toys
If your pet seems bored, there is still online ordering to save you. Puzzles, licking mats and tug war ropes are great allies when you need to distract your pet in a positive way. They will love you for it!
Doing the activities in this list is a sure way to fight boredom and to keep you and your four-legged friend occupied and happy! How do you spend quality time with your pet at home, share with your fellow readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I keep my pet active when stuck at home?
A: There are plenty of ways to keep your pet moving indoors — stair exercises, indoor fetch, obstacle courses made from household furniture, and hide-and-seek games are all great options. Even short, frequent bursts of play throughout the day can help meet your pet's exercise needs when outdoor walks aren't possible.
Q: Is it okay to have my dog on my lap while I work from home?
A: Yes, having your dog nearby or on your lap while you work can be comforting for both you and your pet. It reinforces bonding and helps reduce your dog's anxiety about being separated from you. Just ensure they have their own comfortable spot nearby so they can rest independently too.
Q: How does hide and seek benefit my pet?
A: Hide and seek is a fantastic mental and physical workout for dogs. It engages their natural sniffing and tracking instincts, reinforces recall commands, and provides stimulating entertainment. You can hide yourself or hide their favorite toys and treats to keep the game fun and varied.
Q: Why is sharing mealtimes with my pet important for bonding?
A: Eating at the same time as your pet creates a shared routine that strengthens your bond and gives your pet a sense of security and structure. It also reinforces positive associations with you and helps regulate your pet's feeding schedule, which is important for their digestive health.
Q: How do I create an indoor obstacle course for my dog?
A: Use household items like cushions, chairs, blankets, and cardboard boxes to build a simple course with jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. Guide your dog through using treats and praise. Keep sessions short and fun, and always make sure the area is free of sharp edges or slippery surfaces to keep your dog safe.
Q: How often should I rotate my pet's toys to keep them engaged?
A: Rotating toys every few days keeps them feeling new and exciting to your pet without the need to constantly buy new ones. Put some toys away and reintroduce them after a week or two — your pet will often show renewed interest in a "forgotten" toy as if it were brand new.
Author: Laila Newman
