Variety is the spice of life, and just like us, puppies and dogs will get bored doing the same thing day in day out. You will soon learn that there are certain types of games that your dog enjoys more than others – often this will relate to his breed, and what “type” of dog he is.
See if you recognise your dog here:
The Ball Hog – is obsessed with fetching and chasing just about anything. Often come from breeds that work with their mouth, such as retrievers and gun dogs.
The Athlete – has endless energy to burn – will run all day. Often dogs from herding or hunting breeds
The Nose Dog – loves nothing more than following his nose around and around. Often from breeds used to track scent, such as hounds, beagles
The Couch Potato – is the master of the “do we have to?” look, just love sitting in front of the fire Examples include greyhounds, basset hounds, and bulldog.
The Diggy Dog – just loves to dig and dig. Often also like to chase small animals, usually breeds such as terriers, or the dachshund.
The Smart Cookie – bored easily and loves to learn new things. Often from a breed used to performing work, such as herding livestock
This week we will feature The Couch Potato. Watch for the next one next week or let us know which one you like to see next.
In general, dogs love to have a morning and evening exercise session, with at least one session being dedicated to aerobic exercise. This is best performed in a fenced (safe) off lead area and can include running or playing with other dogs, swimming, playing fetch etc. If there is no safe area where your dog can be off lead, running beside a jogger or cycler are also good aerobic exercises for dogs. (But remember, as mentioned earlier, not for puppies!) Always ensure your dog is safe from traffic if biking or rollerblading with him.
You can even train a dog to run on a treadmill if he is confined to an apartment or small house. Aerobic exercise releases endorphins, which will have health benefits for your dog as well as have a calming effect on his behaviour.
The Couch Potato.
Generally happy to settle back down after going for a walk, and not particularly keen on a long run to the park
Common Couch Potatoes include Greyhounds, Basset Hounds and Wolfhounds.
Good Activities & Games:
Walking. Either a number of short walks or long leisurely walks – whatever your dog prefers. Try to visit new places where there will be new smells and sights to see regularly and often.
A good way for the Couch Potato to get out and about is to accompany you when you are out and about town on errands, or maybe visiting with friends at a cafe. Take a portable water bowl with you and he can socialise while you do!
Hide and Seek with a toy such as a Kong containing treats can be fun for your dog. Start off with fairly easy “finds” and your dog will learn to go look for his treat. Working for food inside a Kong or other similarly designed toy gives your dog mental stimulation as well.
Let us know what other activity your Couch Potato like to do