Keeping your pup busy inside!

In Finley's case - he was limited with the amount of activity or even space he was permitted to play in while he was healing, crate bound at first even! Many dogs who have major surgery have activity precautions but some can even just have allergies. So whether its rainy season, a snow storm, a florida summer day, you work from home, or are sick - this is a great resource for you!

1. Long-lasting bones: Always check with your vet prior to giving your dog bones and provide with supervision. Our favorite come from https://bullysticksorganic.com/ (Code FINLEY15 will save you $) or

2. Licking mat (Amazon) or Kong (Amazon) - Use peanut butter, plain yogurt, wet dog food, pumpkin, etc. to spread on the mat/put in kong and freeze to make it last longer. Dishwasher safe.

3. Treat puzzles - This has recently become one of Fin's favorite things to do! It takes some practice and enouragement (saying yes when they touch it with their nose/mouth - and demonstrating where the treat is). They have many types with different challenges!

( Orange bone game: Amazon )

(Blue challenge game: Amazon )

4. Interactive toys - (Amazon) Although Finley doesn't care for them I know many dogs that do! This ball is one that makes noise when the dog touches it and it rolls across the floor. Probably best for when you aren't home or in the same room :) Idea from @itslukesway on IG

5. Treat bobble toy - (Amazon) Load the top with treats or dog food and change the difficulty depending on how well your dog understands the activity. This may be something you need to teach them to use by using reinforcement and showing them how they are rewarded by treats falling out - but eventually your pup will be nugging this thing around and kept busy for a little bit! Idea and gift from @bowen_thegolden on IG!

6. Dog bubbles: (Amazon) - I bet you didn't even know that was real! And they are even peanut butter flavored (non-toxic of course!)

7. Classic tug of war: A great way to wear out your pup without a lot of mobility. There are ropes pretty much anywhere or tough chews like the one below for tugging depending on your preference! Only requires a small space to play.

Rubber tug toy: (Amazon)

8. Trick training: Just because a dog is on limited mobility doesn't mean they can't work on their training. Some tricks I practices were Paw, Leave it, Touch (my hand - to eventually touching to close a kitchen drawer - and now he can do the door!). Sit and lay down are essential but not in repetition as that is like a puppy push-up and can be too much depending on the kind of surgery. Of course with dogs without mobility restrictions - commands like Wait, Stay, Come, etc are great from within the same room or different rooms in your house depending on their skill level. There are many other tricks to do but that is a good starting point.

Please use the contact me tab above if you have any additional ideas for keeping pups active while inside or on activity restrictions!