Get outside with your dog:
Go for a walk with your pup, but instead of hustling around the block or rushing back to run your errands or do the laundry, set some extra time aside to let your dog wander and smell the bushes, watch the squirrels, and sniff the neighbor’s dog (with it’s permission of course), and I have a feeling you will enjoy the walk, too.
Put those dog tricks into action:
Apply the tricks you’ve taught in other ways. Ask your pup to retrieve various objects around the house, once she has a solid retrieve. Ask her to drop the ball in all sorts of objects, from tall to tiny containers. Be as excited as she is about every success!
How to Keep a Lonely Dog Entertained
Mental stimulation is important for all dogs, but If you have a very intelligent dog, it is even more important to keep your dog entertained. This is especially true if you have a working-breed who doesn’t have a ‘job’ to do. Prevent negative behavior and distress by keeping your dog’s brain working with these tips:
Engage in Scent games – hiding treats and letting your dog find them (bonus if you use a command!) will get your dog’s brain working and keep him entertained.
Play Hide-and-Seek – Your dog will be endlessly entertained and build confidence with a game of hide-and-seek. Hone in on those search and rescue skills!
Teach Your Dog New Tricks – the phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” simply isn’t true! Dogs of all ages can learn something new. Teaching your dog new tricks will not only strengthen the bond between you and your dog, it will expend some of his mental energy.
Dog Daycare – while dog daycare is not suitable for all dogs, some dogs may benefit from the all-day play and interaction with other dogs instead of being alone at home while you are at work.
Take Your Dog Somewhere New – take your dog to a new park, a walk on a different route, or even to a dog-friendly coffee shop where he can experience new sights and smells. A change of pace will help stimulate your dog’s brain.
Utilize Brain Toys – Toys like the PupPod engage your dog’s senses and challenge them. With six levels of increasing difficulty, your dog is not only entertained by the PupPod, but actually gets smarter!