It’s not been the most enjoyable couple of days to be outside for a lot of dogs. So when our dogs find the outside world too much, when we’re taking a day off from their walk, or have a shorter walk, we can offer some enrichment at home.
Every dog is different, so finding what’s enriching for them is important.
We might do one or a few activities a day depending on what we’ve been doing and how Murphy feels, there’s always a choice to opt in or out, with no pressure to reach a goal but just to enjoy, but time together chilling out on the sofa is always our thing.
The activities are both providing some independent opportunities as well as just having fun, doing the things we enjoy together, which can help reduce stress, frustration and boredom, and build the bond between us. ( I would always recommend supervision with our children and dogs to learn about our dogs, help guide and teach safe interactions) 💙
One of Murphy’s favourite games is playing ball.
I try to provide as many choices in Murphys life but one thing I don’t play is ball launching. I know it might sound boring, but if I allowed Murphy to do this, he would chase, skid, twist in any direction he could to get the ball. He would not think at the time about the pain it would cause him or the days after that would impact on him.
I understand some dogs love it, the chase of a ball at long distance, the adrenaline rush, but we know sometimes the things we love aren’t necessarily good for us
Some dogs will engage in this high level of activity, continuously chasing, skidding, twisting, jumping. But what we can create is an athlete, a dog that has no focus or engagement with us, their surroundings, become reliant or obsessed, looking out for anyone with a ball and importantly the physical effects it can potentially cause from the same level of a high energy activity repeatedly.
What we do instead of ball launching, occasionally if Murphy has found a ball is play a find it game a few times.
Asking Murphy for a wait to prevent him chasing and skidding after the ball or you can have your dog on a long lead to hide the ball.
This still gives Murphy enjoyment seeking out where the ball has gone, fun sniffing to find the ball, having a chew once he’s found it, but at a lower level being able to manage the ball game for him and for Murphy to still have the time to process and engage in his environment.
Does your dog love to roll in 💩
One of Murphy’s favourite things to do is rolling in💩😂 and he managed to find only two spots on his walk at the weekend 🤣
Apparently here are some of the top favourites
🦊 Fox
🐄 Cow
🐴 Horse
🐰 Rabbit
🦌 Deer
🐦 Bird poo to name a few.
Why? Here’s some of the theories
1️⃣ Is it to disguise their scent?
2️⃣ Is it to roll on the ground with their scent?
3️⃣ Is it like a new perfume, sharing this valuable information to other dogs, letting them know where they have been?
4️⃣ Is it our response, a reaction we have given?
5️⃣ Or because they simply just love it?
I’m thinking Murphy loves to roll, maybe sharing information with other dogs and possibly spreading his scent into the ground 🤔
Just to note the car journey on the way home was rather breezy with the windows down 🤢😷😂
What a year 2023 has been. For me personally we have had some tough times as a family, some ups and downs with the very sad loss of close family, I had a couple of minor operations earlier on in the year and Murphy needing frequent vet visits for ongoing medical issues.
Life can be difficult at times but throughout I wanted to try to keep positive, try to look on the bright side and continued to do what makes me smile. Supporting Dogs!!
I’ve struggled around seeing and still hearing out dated methods and techniques being used, causing pain and suffering, and stand by the ban of shock collars that hopefully will come into effect in the new year, however the ban of xl bullies I believe is not really treating the underlying issues, other than affecting so many dogs and their families sadly.
We know that we all still have so much to learn about our canine companions, our best friends but one thing is for sure they should all be treated with a kind, caring and compassionate approach that they all deserve.
I am so proud to be a certified positive behaviourist, I was over the moon when I applied and went through a thorough process to become an accredited Behaviourist this year with INTODogs, with huge support from other professionals. You know who you are! So a big thank you xx
I’ve continued my studies and completed several courses, meeting amazing dogs and their people and feel very lucky and grateful for that so a massive thank you to you and your dogs too! 😊
So as 2023 comes to an end, I’m hoping that 2024 brings you all and your families including your wonderful dogs, a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year!
🎉Happy New Year everyone! 🎉
Donna & Murphy 😊🐾
