Dog behaviour expert Karen Wild talks about how to entertain your dog during lockdown

In her latest column, dog trainer Karen Wild writes:

We are getting into a routine with all this now, but it isn’t always easy being one of our dogs and having us hanging around them all day.

Dogs adapt really quickly but it’s worth maintaining the elements of novelty and excitement that they may be missing out on.

How about some things you can enjoy this week with your canine best pal?

Costume party! Puppies especially need a lot of novelty if they are not to become scared of the changes real life can bring. Why not wear a hat or sunglasses indoors, or get the dressing up box out if you have one? Try on a mask (yes, that sort of mask, but you can also wear the Iron Man one if you want) and talk to them happily. If your dog is frightened, don’t encourage their fear. Remove the mask, offer them a treat, let them see you put it on again. The goal is to let them relax at the new things, not scare them.

Harness training! Does your dog run away whenever you produce their harness or collar? Teach them that harnesses are not worrying, they can be fun. Sit down with your dog and have the harness nearby. Don’t be tempted to wave it at them, just leave it there. Every time your dog even looks towards it, praise them and give them a small treat. You might need to take a few days at this stage if your dog has been really worried about it. Progress to picking the harness up, praise and treat your dog, then put the harness back down again.

Once you get to this point, you can hold the harness open and invite your dog to put their head through it (or stand in it, depending on the type of harness). Allow your dog to come forward, and offer the treat to guide them for the first few tries. Always let them move away if they want to. Gradually, they will get more and more comfortable with it until they are placing themselves into it waiting for their reward. Only train this when you aren’t in a rush of course!

Mini assault course! Find a few large household items that are safe for your dog. This might be a cushion off the sofa, a large plastic water bottle (not one you’d use as a toy), a big flowerpot and so on.

Lay them in a line to make a mini agility type course that your dog can navigate over, under and around. Make sure your dog is fit and well and don’t let them hurt themselves or slip (nor you for that matter).

Enjoy your week!

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