How to keep Fido active and jolly

ADRYAN OGLE

AS SOUTH Africans this week entered almost two months of the Covid-19 lockdown, pets have also had to adjust to this “new normal”.

Werner Roos, a dog behaviourist and trainer, says the lockdown has shifted regular activities for dogs too.

“Many people are still scrambling for ways to entertain themselves and their furry companions, who, similar to their owners, are adjusting to their new normal. This has meant not going for their regular park walks, or even going for a run around the neighbourhood,” Roos said.

Pet speciality retailer Canine & Co suggested many activities could be adopted to stimulate dogs and ease their discomfort, mitigating disruptive behaviour.

One way to kick-start some indoor fun is scatter-feeding. This is an easy way to keep your furry friends busy for longer periods of time.

Dogs are innate hunters, so making them earn their treats and food by looking for them should not be seen as punishment.

“This game is also a quick way to get them moving and exercised and ready for bedtime. Use part of their normal daily food portion so that you don’t overfeed them while still ensuring that they receive their daily nutrient quotient,” the retailer said a statement.

Start the game off by dropping some of the food or snacks while your pets are watching you and then work at spreading it over a larger area. The game can also be made trickier by making them

“sit or stay” while you scatter the food, and then let them know when they are allowed to start looking for the food.

Nose games are also great to keep your canine entertained. Once your dog has learnt and understands the command to “find the treats”, you can keep him or her in another room while you hide the treats so you make the scavenger hunt more exciting.

“To make this game extra rewarding, make sure you use some high-reward treats. Start by having your dog watch as you place them around the room and then ask him or her to find the treats once you’re ready to go,” the retailer said.