There are so many things to think about when you bring a pup home. What kind of food do they need?… Do they have enough toys?… How can you potty train them?
It’s a long list. And, on top of all that, you need to make sure your pup is active and getting enough mental stimulation. Dogs benefit hugely from mental stimulation, it can help them grow and develop and learn good doggy etiquette.
Movement is also really beneficial as it keeps your dog at a healthy weight and improves coordination. So, doing regular and fun activities with your pooch is a win-win.
But coming up with activities (on top of everything else!) can be a challenge. Here are 10 entertaining things to do with your pup to increase your bond and help them grow into a happy and healthy dog.
This might sound simple but it can make a big difference to a pup. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and taking them somewhere they haven’t been before (especially if it’s safe for them to explore off-leash) is a great way to get their noses working. Nose work, particularly for certain breeds, is an amazing way for them to stimulate their brains, move and have fun!
It’s also the perfect way for dogs to use their other senses, such as sight and hearing, for an all-round stimulating and entertaining day out.
Lots of pups love splashing around in water and it’s ideal for keeping them cool in summer. Not only is it fun but it’s excellent exercise for them too – especially if they’re chasing after a ball amongst the waves. If you’re looking for fun dog activities in Melbourne, you could always take them to the beach.
There are lots of beaches that are pup-friendly, such as Black Rock, Elwood, St Kilda and Brighton. Just be sure to double-check the regulations at different times of the year and stay away from any protected nature areas.
Swimming pools, paddling pools and lakes are also excellent fun for doggos. Always keep an eye on them and some specific breeds may need a lifevest to enjoy water.
Why not kill two birds with one stone? If you’ve got to go out for a run or a cycle, you can always make it into a bonding session with your pooch. Of course, this only works with an active breed with lots of energy. You can’t expect your little Dachshund to follow behind as you peddle off, but it’s a great way to tire them out whilst having fun.
Puzzle toys are an amazing way of entertaining dogs whilst simultaneously helping them learn and develop. There are plenty of puzzle toys out there that encourage dogs to use their paws and noses to pull, shuffle or slide hidden segments to reveal a treat.
Puzzle toys and snuffle mats are particularly great for hunting dogs as they help to hone their natural instincts. At our dog daycare in Melbourne, we have a great selection of enrichment toys for all nose and paw sizes.
You can also make your own puzzle toy with a couple of items around the house. Egg boxes, toilet rolls and scrunched-up newspaper are fun ways to hide treats. You can even consider making a mini treasure hunt for them.
Lots of dogs love learning new tricks, especially when they’re accompanied by treats and praise from you. There are several fun tricks you can teach your pooch to help you bond and spend time together. Just make sure it’s ability-appropriate and keep training sessions short and sweet for the best outcome.
One of the best activities your dog can do is take part in a specialised enrichment session. At The Dog Dazzlers, we offer bespoke enrichment packages for all dogs in our care.
When you book them in for one of our sessions, they’ll have one-on-one time with a team member who will train and play with them using a wide range of toys and equipment. It’s the perfect way to build confidence and helps your pooch develop.
Homemade dog treats are a really fun activity to do with your pup. Even if they’re not actually stirring the mixture, trust us, they’ll be hanging around your feet waiting for any to fall on the floor.
Homemade treats are often healthier for your pooch, especially if you can control all the ingredients you use. As ever, follow a canine nutritionist recipe to ensure everything is safe for your pup to consume.
There are pup meetups happening all over Melbourne – not just at doggy daycare! Whether it’s a run on the beach, chasing a new ball in the park or a puppuccino at a favourite cafe, dog meetups are a great way for pups to socialise, have fun and burn off some steam.
Obedience classes aren’t just for pups in need of a little more specialised training. Many pups can benefit from challenging classes that help them to learn new things and engage their brains. It’s also a great way for them to socialise and learn from other dogs (and humans).
If you don’t fancy taking your pup to an agility class, you could also make them an obstacle course at home. Think stools, hula hoops, buckets, mats… and anything else you have hanging around! Some treats and lots of encouragement from you will make this a favourite activity! If you don’t have a yard and are in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs like a lot of our clients are, you can always pop down to Doggy Play Park in Dingley Village where you can book out private dog parks with a mix of obstacles and sand pits for the pups, and seating for the humans!
Just remember that not all pups should be jumping. Dogs with longer backs will find climbing and jumping difficult and it could end in injury.
If you notice a change in your dog’s body language, it could be because they’re feeling bored, lonely or understimulated – and taking them to doggy daycare could be the perfect activity. At The Dog Dazzlers, our specialised dog daycare facility is built with dogs and handlers in mind. It’s spacious and has different areas for playing and resting. All of our handlers have years of experience with different breeds and make sure that everyone in our pack is happy and healthy at the end of the day.
It’s the perfect enrichment activity and helps them to socialise, burn off some energy and learn new skills whilst you’re at work.
Do you think your pooch could benefit from dog daycare? Contact the team at The Dog Dazzlers to book your pup in for fun daycare or an enrichment package.
Based in Burwood, our purpose built facility provides pups with all their daycare and grooming needs – find out more now:
If you’d like to book your furbaby in for a groom, please give us a call on 03 9808 3289, or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
All existing clients can book in below, and new clients can register their dogs for daycare.
If you have any questions, please call us on 03 9808 3289.
