When your pet is feeling cooped up, a great way to keep him from becoming aggravated is to stimulate his mind. One way that we’ve discussed on this blog before to do this is to hide a treat and let him watch you while "staying". Each time he finds one, add another. These will need to be small training treats of course, or pieces of his kibble if he gets excited over that.
Eventually, he will watch you hide several and have to remember how many there were and where you put them (of course his nose will be a great clue provider!). If your dog is small enough, you can create a little obstacle course for him with household items- for example, have him go through the legs of a chair, jump over a step stool, go around two legs of a table, and travel through a "tunnel", which can be constructed the same way a child builds a blanket fort. Prompt him with treats and praise. Many dogs love this- it’s also a fun way to try out being an agility team without the stress of other people and new surroundings.
Another fun one is to teach him hide and seek. Work on "stay" until he has it mastered (including when you leave the room) and go "hide" in other parts of your home. Then call him, and when he finds you, you give him a treat. This is also a great way to reinforce two of the most vital commands (I call them the safety commands) without your dog getting too bored. If you aren’t home during the day and wish to alleviate your pet’s boredome while you are away, try the same concepts of mental stimulation- in his enclosed area (whether you’re using a small room, a pen, or a spacious kennel) hide treats for him to find.
For example, if your dog needs to spend some time in his kennel, hide toys and treats in the folds of his blanket. A wonderful toy for stimulation is called the Kong, which is a durable rubber chew toy with a compartment to put treats in. The dog can smell them, but must figure out how to get them out. This has kept my seperation-anxious chihuahua entertained for over an hour and a half before, which is the longest time he’ll stick to one task.
Avoid toys that are poorly constructed or have small parts that might be chewed off, as they will lodge in a dog’s throat. Rawhide and pig ears are also not good because the bacteria that grows on it, as well as the safety issue of pieces being gnawed off and hurting your dog. Plus, who wants stained carpets, or to step on an unexpected slimy, stinky piece of skin? Gross. Good luck with your pets!
