Playing with dogs is fun

 This is a great time to toss toys, play chase, take a sniffari or a morning walk, play tug or use a flirt pole with your pup for 10 to 15 minutes. After they have gotten some of their energy out, you can feed their breakfast in a food-dispensing puzzle toy, and take them out for another potty break. After burning off some energy and filling their tummies, most pups are receptive to a nap or some quiet time in their crate with a delicious chew object, giving you time to shower and dress, get the kids up and breakfasted, laundry done, or otherwise get the human half of the household ready for the day.

  Problem arise when the human half of the team gets the pup up and out for a potty break, and then tries to multitask (or cuddle with you while you go back to bed). Pups have recharged their batteries for 8 to 12 hours during the night and they NEED to expend that energy! Guide them here or they will invent fun games that humans tend not to enjoy so much!

The second frenetic period in the day usually coincides with early evening/dinner time for families; somewhere between 4 and 6 pm. I often refer to this as the ‘witching hour’ because both canine and human young can be really intense about this time of day. If you have come home tired from work and want to chill for a bit, you are likely going to find yourself at odds with your pup, who may have been snoozing for hours and is ready for action.

 

  Some structured and interactive play, sniffing and nosework games, a training session, game of chase, tug, flirt, or a good off-leash play session with other dogs or humans in the late afternoon/early evening will help your pup channel that over-the-top energy into positive and non-destructive areas, and help you build your bond with your pup. If your pup is social, dog-dog play is one of the best ways for your pup to spend that energy, tiring her out physically, mentally and emotionally.

On days when you are too tired or don’t have the time, look into a good doggy daycare or dog walker to help your pup channel that excess energy in positive ways, allowing both of you to relax and chill on the sofa on those long work days. 

  Chewing is highly engaging and relaxing for most dogs, so if you really need your pup to settle during a frenetic period, a high-value chew like a bully stick or stuffed Kong can deflect the zoomies temporarily while you take that unplanned Zoom call. But dogs NEED to move, chase and play, so try to program times in your day to allow your dog to be a dog and do her version of Zoom!

 

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