Despite our current circumstances, our dogs have been the happiest they have EVER been! We are spending more time at home and cooking more than ever before (this is true in my house). Here's a list of things to do to keep our BESTFRIENDS happy and healthy during this COVID-19 crisis.
- Staying Fit: Don't just walk! Add some variation to your routine by jogging, skipping, do some zig-zags, up and down curbs and stairs for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Prized Toy: Does your dog get sick of his 30,000 toys? It is because they have lost value. A trick to create resource value is to carry one toy around, play with the toy by talking to it, keeping it close and guarding it. Soon enough, your dog will want this toy and think it is a high value toy because you, her master, thinks so.
- New Tricks: Leaning a new trick made easy. Break up the trick into 3-4 smaller steps. Reinforce the correct responses within 1 second. A complex trick like crawling can be taught quickly if you can break down the steps: sit, down, stay low, stay low and come. Good luck!
- Teeth Rubbing: This is a favorite of mine. Instead of brushing your dog's teeth, use a single piece of gauze, your index finger, and an enzymatic tooth paste. Rub the tooth paste along the teeth and gingiva, then let edible toothpaste do the rest.
- Bake it: Simple recipe to make your own dog treats. If your dogs has allergies to any of these ingredients, then this is not for you. Directions: ¼ cup of carrot shavings, beaten egg, ½ cup of instant oatmeal. Roll into small round balls, place on non-stick baking pan and bake at 350 for 10-minutes. Store in fridge for 5 days or in the freezer for up to 5 weeks