Games to play with your dog when it's too hot for walks

9 June 2023

A weather warning has been issued for parts of the UK. You may be worried about how your pets will cope in their fur coats, and that is understandable.


 

What can the heat do to my pet?

 

Pets can suffer from burnt paw pads, heat stroke and often in the case with brachycephalic pets – heat stroke.

 

Here are some brain games and ideas that you can play or use with your pet to keep them occupied when it’s too hot for a walk.


Chew toys

Difficulty level: Easy!

 

Chew toys bearing in mind that they are the right size for your dog can help boost their wellbeing. Dogs love to chew and it can be a great stress busting activity and relieve frustration. Having a box of chew toys that you rotate regularly will help keep your dog occupied and interested in them. Chews have the added benefit of keeping teeth clean in some cases too!

 

Dog not interested in chews?

 

Why not pop some liver paste on them to entice them.

 

Safety first

 

Chew toys may splinter or break so it’s important that they are checked on a regular basis.

 

Tricks

 

Difficulty level :Medium

 

Touch targeting can be fun for your dog and also a great training tool for recall.

 

Here’s how you do it

 

1.    Start in a non-distracting environment such as the kitchen

2.    Show your dog the palm of your hand as soon as they touch it with their nose

say yes, put that hand away and give them a treat with your other hand

3.    Bring your hand back out and present it to them

4.    Repeat steps 1 to 2 a few times and when you reliably think your dog will touch your

hand then say the word “touch” and bring out your hand, when they do touch it say “yes” and give them a treat.


What do I need?


• Some treats


Challenges to jump over


If your dog isn’t touching your hand, try putting your hand behind you and presenting it to them again.

Don’t stare at your dog as this may make them nervous.
Try presenting two fingers for them to touch instead rather than just a palm.

Things to remember:

 

If your dog is getting frustrated then try breaking down the steps.



 

A cardboard box

 

This can be great fun for your pets . You can hide treats in it under the flaps and their toys too.

 

The easiest way to make a destroy box is having brown paper available and scrunched up. Have treats to hand and place them inside the box so they can sniff them out. Hide the treats under each layer so your dog can search for them. Place toys in a plastic zippable bag filled with treats and leave them in there so they smell enticing then hide them in the box under the paper so they can search for them.

 

Difficulty level: easy!

 

Safety first

 

Ensure any Sellotape or staples have been removed. Make sure your pet can’t get stuck under the box especially if they are little!

 

References:

 

No Walks, No Worries. Sian Ryan and Helen Zulch.

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