Great Dog Activities: Boredom Busters for You and Your Dog

Keeping your dog entertained and productive can be a little tricky sometimes. Thus, it’s actually harder to come up with ideas than to get up and do those activities. In this article, we will provide a list of great dog activities that will keep the both of you active and entertained!

 
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of activities that you can enjoy together with your dog. The great thing with these activities is that they keep them busy, proven to be boredom busters which will prevent them from doing what they like: chewing shoes and occasionally ruining other random objects in the house. We’re the main source of their entertainment so as dog parents, it is our responsibility to keep them productive and to come up with daily “tasks” that will surely benefit their physical, mental, and emotional health.

Keeping your dog active is not only vital for their physical health, it can resolve certain behavioral issues as well. By regularly playing with your dog and performing other related activities with them, it is very likely that problems like anxiety, depression, aggression, excessive barking or chewing, and other destructive habits can be eliminated as well. Activities can also be a great opportunity for your dog to learn new skills and improve their behavior, especially when it comes to following commands.

Despite the multitude of positives your dog can receive from performing physical activities, we still need to keep in mind that all these should be done in moderation and you shouldn’t over-tire them. How much and how often you allow them to play and do other activities can vary depending on their breed, age, weight, and overall health status. If you are uncertain about this, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Your Fitness Buddy: What Benefits Can You Get as an Owner by doing Great Dog Activities

This time of pandemic has been really stressful for most of us, so taking care of our overall health is very essential. Staying productive can improve the quality of our life. Of course, immersing your dog in activities is also essential because it will not only benefit them, it will also benefit you!

Some of the advantages that you can gain include lower blood pressure, promotion of good heart health, stronger muscles and bones, as well as reduced risks of depression. 

Even doing simple indoor activities can provide a handful of positives, too! Playing with them is not only a good boredom buster to keep the both of you entertained, it can also eliminate stress and anxiety. The best part is that it can reduce the feelings of loneliness!

Great Dog Activities for You and Your Dog:

1. Teach your Dog a handful of tricks
   
   
   
   
   

   This sounds very easy for us dog owners but is a challenge for our dogs. Thus, teaching them a couple of tricks is a gateway for new skills and better behavior especially when following your commands. Teach them the basics first and try to level up each time they accomplish something. Some common examples of tricks are:
   

   - Sit-stand-drop-roll
   - Counting through barking
   - Stay
   - Take and leave
   - High five
   - Shake hands
   

   
   
   

2. Obedience Training
   
   
   
   
   

   Struggling with your dog’s behavior? This activity might be helpful for you. Obedience training is a series of activities that can help your dog eliminate bad behaviors as well become more submissive to your instructions through positive reinforcements (giving them treats as a prize, praise, and other rewards). This training is a great opportunity to teach them to go potty and poo in the right place, leash training, self-control, and so forth.
   
   

3. Yoga and Meditation
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Your furry buddy is also your fitness buddy, so why not invite them to your yoga session? Believe it or not, dogs are natural meditators so they’d be great partners. They’re similar to us humans in so many ways, so doing yoga with them can enrich their overall health. Here are some of the benefits of yoga and meditating with your dog:
   
   

   • Improved physical health-- it’s a great exercise to maintain a good weight.
   • Great bonding experience for the both of you.
   • Reduced stress and anxiety-- dogs, like humans, are susceptible to stress, anxiety, sadness, and depression.

    

4. Scent hunting
   
   
   

   
   Your garden is full of endless possibilities for your dog. Scent hunting or nose work is a great activity for them that mentally stimulates them because it uses a large portion of their brain to do the work. Plus, it’s like treasure hunting, but with their nose which is more fun and challenging. This activity can be really tiring for them so make sure to give them treats and give them short breaks to rest and drink water.

   
   

   PRO TIP: Make sure that the “treasures” you use are 100% safe for your dog.
   
   

5. Morning Walk or Jogging
   
   
   
   
   

   Though you are allowed to walk with your dog anytime of the day, it is best to do a walk or jog around the neighborhood during mornings for your daily dose of sunshine vitamin or vitamin D. Moreover, a morning jog is a great way to boost metabolism, which can help the body burn calories throughout the day. Besides aiding in weight loss or maintaining weight, jogging or simply walking also promote mental sharpness, eliminates stress and anxiety, and so much more.

   
   

   PRO TIP: Make sure to wear a face mask when jogging (or walking) around the neighborhood since we’re still living in this time of pandemic.
   
   

6. Brain Games for Dogs

   
   
   

   If you want to keep your dog mentally stimulated, give them dog-friendly puzzles and other games to solve. It will not only keep them entertained, it will definitely entertain you as well!
   
   There are plenty of dog puzzles that you can purchase online or you can make Do-It-Yourself Dog Games.
   
   

7. Make your own batch of Dog Treats
   
   
   
   
   

   If you enjoy baking, then this activity is truly for you! Although, you don’t have to be a baker to do this activity. Homemade dog treats are so much better than store-bought ones knowing that they’re fresh and 100% made of natural ingredients with no preservatives. Baking stimulates our senses and it can also reduce stress; it’s a good boredom buster and it can make your dog happy by giving them the freshly baked treats!
   
   

   
   
   

Keep Your Dog Busy and Entertained with these Great Dog Activities

Being indoors doesn’t mean staying on the couch all day and watching your dog play all by himself. Your dog loves you as much as you love them so carrying out interactive activities with them is a great opportunity to deepen and strengthen the bond between the two of you. Thus, it is not only beneficial to you and your dog’s physical health, it’s also stimulating to the senses. Try following any activity from our list and see how much you enjoy these boredom busters!