I am, unfortunately, sometimes gone for long hours, leaving my dog alone. He is very smart, and I'd like to make sure he's entertained while I'm gone. He doesn't seem to know how to play, or entertain himself. I've thought about getting him a companion - either another dog (he loves to play with others) or maybe a cat (he's fascinated with the cat next door), but I'd love some suggestions for how to get him involved in play activities, too. Thanks in advance.
2007-02-11 08:57:37 · 12 answers · asked by Wondering 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thanks for all the great answers! Just FYI - my dog is not in anyway destructive - well, he did eat a shoe, once. I'm going to hold off on the companion for now, to reduce cost. I plan to take him to daycare one day a week, and I just bought a toy hedgehog that squeeks - he LOVES to nudge it around. I also bought a chicken flavored nylabone, and one of the ever-popular Kongs. As suggested, I'm going to rotate the toys in and out. I'm excited to see how it will work out. Thanks again for all the enthusiastic, sincere answers from you pet lovers.
2007-02-14 03:24:18 · update #1
I have these wonderful interactive toys that my dog loves. I have one that rolls and it dispenses treats if rolled the right way. My dog likes to pick it up and throw it around to get treats.
Other toys I have are stuffed toys like Hide A Bee. It's a big stuffed toy with sqeaky bees inside that my dog just loooves to play with! You stick the bees inside and he learns to pull them out. There are so many interactive toys out there that you can buy. I think they're great for entertaining your dog.
Of course, getting his a companion will be the best. Dogs are social animals and they don't like to be alone. If you get a cat, make sure it's used to being around dogs and that your dog don't stress the cat out too much though.
2007-02-11 09:04:13 · answer #1 · answered by angela923 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Another dog is always a good option if you can afford it and have the room for a companion dog. I wouldn't necessarily recommend a cat because some cats don't get along with dogs. Cats may also hide during the day to sleep. He may hurt the cat trying to play when he's not supervised. On the other hand, he may not, but you need to be around to make sure everything will be ok when you first introduce them. M
y Lhasa loves my kitties, but my kitties spend most of the day sleeping. He wants to play with them, but he has more energy than they are willing to put up with. He usually gets thwaped on the head when he initiates anything with them. I think it causes more frustration than amusement.
Basic obediance training is also good. I know it sounds unrelated but it teaches the dog to trust you fully and he will be less likely to get into trouble because he knows you will come back.
Also, like I suggest to many people, nylabones, busy bones, Kong toys (with treats, or sugar free organic peanut butter inside) will keep a dog busy for awhile. You can make treat cups, a plastic cup with some treats in it, and hide them all over the house (you have to teach the dog what they are, first). If weight or overfeeding is an issue you can buy training treats which are tastey and healthy.
Finally, make a rotation schedule with your dogs toys. Give your dog a small variety of toys and put the rest away, then every week or so change out a few of his toys for the ones that were away. This will renew your dog's interest in old toys so he doesn't get bored with whatever is out for him, and it will save you money trying to keep him entertained.
2007-02-11 17:10:28 · answer #2 · answered by voodoo-dolly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We had the same problem with our labrador... we bought her a companion and it seemed to do the trick.
If you go to your local pet store, they have plenty of entertaining toys for your dog to keep him occupied. For example, at our pet store they have something called Find The Squirrel. It's a complex little cube that you 'hide' these 3 squeaky squirrel toys in. The dog apparently has an awesome time trying to get the toys out. Plus there's Kong's stuffed with peanut butter and treats.
But I'd say the best remedy would be another companion, dog or cat. Either would work, we own 2 dogs and 1 cat and it's pretty harmonious.
Hope this helps.
2007-02-11 17:06:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toys are great, pull toys chew toys any toy. You have to teach your dog to play with them by playing with them with the toys. A companion is alway nice if you want multiple dogs. Cats are not necessarily a good answer. Try the toys first before getting other animals. Also have you tried leaving the tv on for your dog. Most dogs love having the tv on just to hear human voices.
2007-02-11 17:05:15 · answer #4 · answered by gary b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found a great toy called, "Kong". You put food inside and the dog has to try to get the food out. It can take a few hours to get it out. I use peanut butter. It's also great to give him while I'm having dinner.
2007-02-11 17:21:54 · answer #5 · answered by Daniel D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, you can't just sit a dog down with a box of crayons or in front of the tv. They need a play partner. Your idea of getting another dog or cat is great.
They'll make up their own games!
2007-02-11 17:04:36 · answer #6 · answered by flywho 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a female dog not another male this works best for peace in the home
2007-02-11 17:03:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
take your dog to the pet store with you and let him play with all the toys and see which ones he likes. then buy him those. as for another dog get a rescue dog if possible or rescue puppy.
2007-02-11 17:04:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try a doggie day care or a drop in pet sitting service or have a neighbor pop in once or twice a day to play with him...
2007-02-11 17:05:53 · answer #9 · answered by beetlejuice49423 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basted beef tendon sticks. They love to chew on them for hours.
2007-02-11 17:29:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋