Tips from online pet experts to improve your dog’s quality of life

Considering dogs bring us so much joy, it seems only right that we do everything in our power to ensure that they're happy and healthy, too. 

Your dog depends on you for company, security, playtime and food - to them you are irreplaceable. So, why not get some tips from online pet experts about how to keep our best mates happy and content.

Social media and the internet as dog trainers

Social media and the internet pages of Canine Trainers and Therapists can show you heaps of new ways to stimulate your dogs. Pet trainers come up with new tricks all the time, with new props and toys to stimulate and entertain your pets. 

Interactive toys for dogs include puzzle cubes, IQ treat balls, and tug toys. There are also interactive dog feeders that ensure that dog doesn’t eat too quickly and choke on their food. These toys will keep your dog occupied but also when you leave them alone during the day.

Live sessions on Instagram to conduct pet training activities

Live Instagram sessions are conducted by some of the best pet trainers around the world. These are planned with stimulating activities and include some of the activities listed here:

Innovative obstacle courses: 

Rearranging furniture to build an interior obstacle course is fun for both you and your dog. Painter's tape or limbo bars can be placed on entrances or corridors for your pets to leap over or go under. Obstacles should be designed to be appropriate for your pet's size and age.

Bubble Chase: 

Bubble play offers your dog a sense of wonder and is a fun way to encourage them to run around outside. Dogs love jumping on them, chasing and popping them. To make bubbles, all you need is some soap water, and a blower. 

Hide and Seek: 

Playing a game of hide-and-seek with your dogs can be a fun way to keep them entertained. Hide somewhere in the house and call out to your dog. Once they've found you, make a big fuss of them or them run around the house and let them chase you. You can also have them go on a "food-finding quest" by hiding treats around the house.

Toys: 

Laser toys, chew toys, squeaky toys, there’s no end to what’s available to keep dogs occupied in a useful way.

Your local pet store will sell a wide variety of toys for different dog breeds, and your dog won’t get bored if you rotate their toys on a regular basis.

Cognitive Games:  

Often recommended by dog behaviorists, interactive dog toys are designed to help keep your dog busy while you’re away, stave off boredom, and provide mental stimulation for their natural curiosity. 

Brain-stimulating toys such as pet puzzles, shell games, and interactive feeders, are a great way to improve their minds and keep them occupied. Your dog will learn to be resilient and patient by playing cognitive games and even though nothing beats the value of engaging directly with your dog, when you can’t be there, puzzle toys are a great supplement.

From their ability to make us laugh with their crazy antics and cute waggy tails, we know our lives are all the richer with the company of our four-legged mates.

Owning a dog means loving them for their entire life and utilising the knowledge of online experts is one way we can help provide everything they need to be happy, healthy and loving companions.

Annie Butler has worked in the pet industry for over 25 years and is currently the senior editor of Catster and Dogster magazines. You can read more of Annie’s work here: https://www.dogster.com/author/abutler.