How to keep a dog entertained outside?

To keep a dog entertained outside, provide yard toys dogs can play alone, so your throwing arm can take a well-deserved break. Nicole Ellis recommends tether toys that anchor into the ground and let tug-of-war addicts go at it for as long as they like. Providing a variety of elements for your dog to explore is a great way to stimulate your pup's senses. In the summertime, that includes water, such as doggy pools or even just a sprinkler. Some dogs like to scale those plastic kiddie playgrounds people put in their backyards for children, says Ellis. Check out pet versions or put together an agility course with a few obstacles like doggy hurdles and tunnels for your canine athlete. Does your dog's digging drive you nuts? Then a sandpit might be exactly what you need, as digging is a natural, innate desire for some dogs. You can also hide a tennis ball or other outdoor toy in the sand and encourage your pooch to dig for it. Designate Special Areas for Your Dog to Play, by creating a potty spot and leaving the rest of the yard open for play or section off a portion of the yard specifically for your dog and his toys.

When it's too hot for dog walking and games outside, give our enrichment ideas to keep boredom at bay a try. Stay safe and stick to early morning or late walks when the weather is cooler. For example, Sighthounds will enjoy enrichment games that involve using their sight to seek something and then give chase, you can play these games indoors or in the garden in the shade when it's too hot. Retrievers will enjoy enrichment games that allow them to fetch things and bring them back to you, yes, fetch played safely is a brilliant way to tap into your retriever's natural abilities. When it's hot outside, try driving to a shady water spot to play with a water toy like BOB for a short while.