One of the things that strikes fear in most dog owners is hearing the phrase "crate rest." We may try to fancy it up and say "bed rest", or "limited activity" in an effort to avoid that look of dread that spreads across the owner's face. (Or sometimes the look is more incredulous, saying "you gotta be kidding me, Doc!" without actually saying it.) Either way, it comes across loud and clear that your dog has NO intentions of resting. So what can we do to keep our canine buddies occupied while still following doctor's orders? That's the tricky part! Below are a few tips and tricks I tell my rehab patients when they are not allowed to do much movement.
1. Puzzles. Interactive toys come in a variety of types and styles and different levels of challenge.Hide the treat inside and watch Fido figure out how to get the treat out.
2. Hollywood tricks! With her dog on strict bed rest and being immobilized, I had one pet parent taught her dog to smile, lick his lips, and flick his ear to hand signals. These Hollywood style tricks can really give your dog something to do when he can't move much. Think of your dog practicing to star in his own dog food commercial! "This food is so tasty!" Lip lick and smile!
3. Nose work. Nose work or scent work involves your dog using his sense of smell to "find" the treat or correct scent. You can "hide" it in your hands or under a cup. Your dog doesn't need to even stand up for this one. And just think! When your dog is off bed rest he could work for the Drug Enforcement Agency or be able to detect cancer!
4. Targeting. Teach Rover to target on different objects or touch. This can be a nose touch or a paw touch depending on how restricted your dog's activity level is.
5. Physical rehabilitation. This one is my favorite! I find that rehab itself is a great way to help keep dogs entertained while waiting to return to the activities they love to do. Learning and practicing the therapeutic exercises in physical rehabilitation, especially the balance exercises and body awareness exercises, can really help give a dog something to do.
1. Puzzles. Interactive toys come in a variety of types and styles and different levels of challenge.Hide the treat inside and watch Fido figure out how to get the treat out.
2. Hollywood tricks! With her dog on strict bed rest and being immobilized, I had one pet parent taught her dog to smile, lick his lips, and flick his ear to hand signals. These Hollywood style tricks can really give your dog something to do when he can't move much. Think of your dog practicing to star in his own dog food commercial! "This food is so tasty!" Lip lick and smile!
3. Nose work. Nose work or scent work involves your dog using his sense of smell to "find" the treat or correct scent. You can "hide" it in your hands or under a cup. Your dog doesn't need to even stand up for this one. And just think! When your dog is off bed rest he could work for the Drug Enforcement Agency or be able to detect cancer!
4. Targeting. Teach Rover to target on different objects or touch. This can be a nose touch or a paw touch depending on how restricted your dog's activity level is.
5. Physical rehabilitation. This one is my favorite! I find that rehab itself is a great way to help keep dogs entertained while waiting to return to the activities they love to do. Learning and practicing the therapeutic exercises in physical rehabilitation, especially the balance exercises and body awareness exercises, can really help give a dog something to do.
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