To ensure your pup gets regular exercise and play, we’ve got tips on how to create a safe, dog-friendly backyard as well as suggestions for fun and stimulating games.
First, let’s look at your backyard set up.
Check your fence
Dogs love to patrol, so if you allow your pooch to roam the garden and protect you from pesky posties, make sure you have a suitable fence installed so they can’t escape. Some breeds of dogs are excellent jumpers, so check your fence is high enough.
Have water handy
It’s a good idea to always have a water bowl outside for your dog to drink from, but if your pooch is a water doggy, you could consider having something bigger for them to play in. Just make sure they can easily and safely get in and out of it, think gradual slopes or stairs.
Set up a digging space
Create a dig area to help stop your pup from digging up the garden and provide a place to bury their bones and toys. You will need to train them to use the dig space but once you have, your garden should remain untouched. Make sure to use sand or mulch, which will be soft on your dog’s paws.
Once your backyard is set up and safe, it’s time for gameplay.
Chasing bubbles
This is a great one for less mobile dog owners. All you need is bubble mix, anything from a kids’ store is suitable, and a few deep breaths to blow bubbles around the backyard. Watch your dog go wild as they jump, chase and pop bubbles.
Tug game
Tug is a great way to bond with your dog as well improve your dog’s focus. Choose a toy that’s soft on their mouth. Move the toy from side to side, not up and down, without any sudden jerks to mimic your dog’s movements. Tug is also a great way for your dog to burn off excess energy.
Hide and seek
This game will help your dog practice scent work and keep their mind stimulated. With your dog in the same room as you, hide a toy or treat your dog loves. Give them the release command like ‘find it’ and point them along if they need help. As they get the hang of the game, you can begin to increase the difficulty level. This is a great one to play indoors during the cooler months.
Fetch upgraded
You can’t go wrong with a classic game of fetch. Fetch mimics a dog’s instinct to hunt and retrieve prey. To make things a little more interesting, find a toy that has an unpredictable bounce to increase your dog’s engagement and stimulation.
For more ways to keep your dog active, read our article on fun ways to keep your pet fit.
To continue to look after your pooch’s wellbeing, and be prepared for anything unexpected, it’s a good idea to have pet insurance. Medibank offers pet insurance, plus gives existing health members 10% off.
