So you can tell your dog is bored but it's way too hot out or it's pouring rain, or maybe you've caught a cold.
There are many reasons why you may have to skip your walk today, but now your dog has much excess energy and you need a way for him to let loose.
Provided you aren't just making an excuse so you can be lazy, although a day or two here and there of being lazy doesn't hurt anyone, here are a few ways to keep your dog occupied and allow him to burn off some of that energy.
1. Play Hide and Seek
No don't go and hide and expect your dog to come find you, after all he'll probably just follow you there anyway. Put your dog in another room, then go and hide some food in certain areas around the house.
Not too much food that he eats too much and becomes over weight, but a little here and there. Make sure the places are easy to get to, but have one or two that may require a little effort.
At first you may have to show your dog what you are doing, by taking him around and acting all surprised by what you find. Then eventually, after some practice, your dog will catch on and it will be a fun game for him to play.
2. Call up a Play Mate
Now this is assuming you don't have another cat or dog for your dog to play with. Simply call a friend or family member who has a dog, that your dog gets along with and likes to play with.
Now the two of them can chase each other up and down the hall, burning excess energy and having social interaction at the same time.
3. Food Dispensing Toys
Here's another fun way to keep your dog occupied. Get a few food dispensing toys, a couple that aren't so complicated and then a few that are a bit tougher.
Then start off by giving your dog the easy ones and let him figure out how to get the food out, as he rolls it around on the floor or tries to tear it open. Next as he starts to get used to it and finds them easier and easier to get into, up the complication a bit and make it a bit tougher.
This not only burns off his energy, but builds on his intelligence as well. Although a smarter dog may not be what you looking for if you want to keep him from doing such activities, such as climbing on the counter.
4. Go for a Drive
Yeah it's not much exercise for your dog, but if he likes car rides, this option at least will provide your dog with plenty of amusement.
5. Do Some Training
Yeah it may not be a whole lot of fun for some dogs, but if you remain positive and give plenty of treat rewards then your dog may soon learn to like it.
Plus this way you are, hopefully, improving your dogs behavior and at the same time providing your dog with some much needed exercise and one on one time.
6. A Good Old Fashion Game of Fetch
Get a ball and find a hallway and then just have some fun. Now your dog may not want to bring the ball back but eventually he'll learn that if he brings it back you'll throw it again. Or maybe your dog will just find the fun in keeping the ball away from you.
These are all good ways and there are plenty more. You can even make up games and other activities yourself. But what you want is something where you know you'll remain positive, burn that excess energy your dog has and something that is generally fun for your dog.
Personally, depending on the dog, money situation, etc., I'd recommend getting your dog a friend. That way your dog will always have someone to play with, whether you are around or not, sick or whatever else.
You don't necessarily need another dog, as some dogs like playing with cats just as much as another dog.
But then most cats don't like to play once they get a bit older. Although there is the odd exception, such as a Savannah cat, one of those will where your dog out and still have plenty of energy.
But that all depends on whether you want and/or can afford another pet. If not just use these and other fun ways to keep your dog occupied on those days where you come up with an excuse not to go for a walk.
And that's the lets Face it Facts.
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