what can dogs do to kill time?

[greagre]

While we are busy and cannot play with our dogs, what can we let them do to kill times? I bring my dog out for daily walk and play, and she sleeps a lot throughout the day, but there is still lot of time when she is so bored with nothing to do. Any good idea for dogs to have a less boring day?

[POPTOP]

Exercise, exercise and more exercise.

I've been a limited lately, recently having a hip replacement, so it's not as many walks as it is a good game of fetch in the back yard. And, dogs do sleep or rest a lot.

[greagre]

I agree that exercise is always the best choice. Unfortunately I need to work or do some other things some time when I am at home. My dog seeks my attention when she is bored and I feel so guilty when I cannot give her my attention. So I was thinking if there is any game or toy can have her engaged...

[Maxx&Emma]

Puzzle toys! Mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise.

[Abulafia]

Puzzle toys, agreed. Hoku likes the Bob-a-lot... a lot. The "Dog Casino" is supposed to be good, but I worry that a lab would just pick the whole thing up in her mouth and shake the food out.

If you can't take long breaks from work for a hike or some ball throwing, how about 10 minute training sessions for the mental exercise?

[Mr Kleb]

Puzzle toys and mental exercise are good. A Kong with treats frozen inside, or this treat ball which kept Kendal occupied. I have played 'Find it!' with Stella by putting her into a sit-stay in the laundry room while I hid treats around the house, then giving her the 'Find it!' command.

On another note I think it's good for a dog to learn that their human isn't compelled to pay attention every time it asks. I no longer feel guilty when I ignore Achilles or Stella, or say 'Nope' (our 'Not now I'm busy' command).

[Tanya]

i am pretty picky about what I consider "safe" for the dog to do when I am gone. they get kongs.

when I am around there are many mental games you can play. most are interactive, some are ok with minimal supervision though. there are tons of options online. But it doesn't replace adequate physical exercise (and interactive mental exercise) but can give the dog a positive outlet when you are busy.

[MightyThor]

We've been working on teaching thor individual toy names, so I'll hide something and send him off to look for it. "Thor, find you Bumi!" "Thor, find your elephant!" It takes a lot of repetition when he has a toy but he's learned them quickly.

And it's an easy game to play when I'm trying to do other stuff like work or clean the house. He has so many toys scattered all over the place that he usually has to look around for a while.