Has anyone any good ideas to keep a german shepherd entertained in the garden during the day on his own? So far I have a kong filled with food - plastic bottle with food inside - large bone to chew....any other clever ideas?
2006-08-15 01:27:16 · 17 answers · asked by Nigelmoore 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I have all of the things that you have however I do also have one of those balls that have a hole in it and you fill it up with hard treats (just little ones) and they have to roll it about to get the treats from inside.
It keeps mine busy for hours.
She also has a soft toy which she plays with and cuddles.
As I live in the UK, I can't keep my pooch outside as it rains etc so i leave the TV on for her and she will lay down on the sofa and watch the TV. I know it sounds odd but she really does; she sees the pictures moving and voices.
I also find that old newspaper is great for keeping dogs entertained - as long as you don't mind picking up all of the peices afterwards!
2006-08-15 02:33:03 · answer #1 · answered by jobarker_1986 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some very robust 'toys' available which deliver food randomly when the dog rolls them about.
The one I am thinking about is called a Buster Cube and if the dog finds it easy to get the food you can adjust it to make the dog work harder.
I put the word 'toy' in quotes because it is much more than a toy. There are other versions but they tend to be too easy and don't keep the dog occupied for long enough.
Some dogs enjoy ripping up cardboard boxes - I used to get mine from the supermarket but make sure there are no staples etc..
Any chance someone could walk him for you sometime during the day?
2006-08-15 08:37:53 · answer #2 · answered by DogDoc 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you give him dry food, try letting him hunt and solve puzzles for a portion of his ration. For example, a shoe box that he has to get the lid off, or just put it in a paper bag hidden under a cardboard box and let him rip it open.
Scent is interesting to dogs, you could try putting stuff like a drop of cod liver oil, or a dab of tuna on to a piece of rice paper or dry plain biscuit and hide them around the yard.
Some big dogs will play with an old tyre if you show them how to roll it around.
2006-08-15 09:15:09 · answer #3 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
((INSIDE IDEA)) Perhaps kenneling him during the day? He will rest most of the day while you are away. However, if you are going to be gone more than 8-9 hrs., if someone can stop in to walk him or at least allow him to relieve himself...it would be good.
((OUTSIDE)) As for entertainment while you are away...just giving him toys, shade (dog house out of the sun) lots of clean water...he should be fine.
Also, make sure he's getting lots of exercise.
2006-08-15 08:47:04 · answer #4 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmm..
We have a large ball that you fill with treats, and when the dog rolls it in a particular way the treats or kibble fall out one by one. It keeps her entertained for a long time! You can find it at any pet store, ours is from PetValu and it is large and bright orange.
2006-08-15 10:12:09 · answer #5 · answered by ontario ashley 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All of the above answers are great, and I have tried them all.....they all work, for short periods...Its not so bad if you have all day to train and play with your dog..However..If you don't, even if you have to go out for a couple hours a day..another dog is the possible answer....I've always kept more than one dog at any time....They keep each other company and will amuse one-another....saying that..keeping two dogs isn't always that easy...you have to be confident you can control two dogs......x
2006-08-15 18:45:14 · answer #6 · answered by nishkapup 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another dog? I know that's probably not an option. I saw in the Jeffers catelog (http://www.jefferspet.com) puzzle toys -- they're supposed to keep dogs busy and exercise their brains -- don't know if they work. A big ball might also be fun for the dog.
2006-08-15 08:35:04 · answer #7 · answered by thatgirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The boxer dog next door plays with a soft toy. Obviously one that can't be ripped apart. He plays with it a lot.
2006-08-15 08:31:46 · answer #8 · answered by aliviel27 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Golden/sheperd mix loves to chase a soccer ball around the yard. He plays for hours if I let him.
2006-08-15 08:34:34 · answer #9 · answered by doodlebugg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dangle a cat from the washing line..just out of reach of course!
2006-08-15 08:35:29 · answer #10 · answered by tee_hee_ssh 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋