Keeping pets engaged and stimulated is not only essential for their well-being but also helps alleviate boredom and anxiety during their time away from their owners. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of fun activities that pet sitters can incorporate into their routines to keep pets entertained and engaged.
1. Nosework:
You will need:
- A long leash, a
- bag of dried treats in a takeaway container with holes punched in the lid
- 10 old boxes of all shapes and sizes,
- Birch scent
Stage 1 Hunting for Treats
- To get started, place the dog on a long leash.
- Let them sniff some jerky but don’t give it
- Take them out of the room and hide the jerky in a takeaway container with holes punched in the lid and place amongst some boxes. Ensure you have many boxes the dog can rummage through.
- Bring the dog back into the room
- Encourage your dog to find the hidden scent using the word “Search!”.
- When your dog finds it, reward them with more treats and praise.
Stage 2. Finding the origin of the odour = Treats & Praise
- Get birch scent (you can find it at pet stores).
- Put a small amount of birch scent on a cotton swab and place inside a takeway container with holes punch in the lid.
- Show the container or object to your dog and let them sniff it.
- Take the dog out of the room
- Hide the swab with birch scent in a container or under an object. You should have multiple boxes scattered across the room.
- Bring the dog back into the room.
- Encourage your dog to find the hidden scent using the word “Search!”.
- When the dog finds it, reward them with treats and praise.
- Repeat hiding the scent in different places for more fun!
2. Interactive Toys:
Bring along a selection of interactive toys to engage pets mentally and physically. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and interactive feeder toys are excellent options for stimulating pets’ minds while rewarding them with treats or kibble. Engage pets in games of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek to provide physical exercise and mental stimulation.
- Training Sessions:
Use pet sitting sessions as an opportunity to reinforce basic obedience commands or teach new tricks. Positive reinforcement training techniques, such as clicker training or using treats as rewards, can help pets learn and retain new behaviours. Focus on simple commands like sit, stay, and come, and gradually introduce more advanced tricks based on pets’ abilities and interests.
- Outdoor Adventures:
Take advantage of the great outdoors by going on nature walks or hikes with dogs or setting up a secure outdoor play area for supervised playtime. Allow pets to explore new sights, smells, and sounds while getting exercise and fresh air. Be sure to keep safety in mind and always keep pets on leash or within a fenced-in area to prevent accidents or injuries.
- Sensory Experiences:
Engage pets’ senses through sensory experiences that stimulate sight, smell, hearing, and touch. Set up a sensory garden with pet-safe plants for dogs to sniff and explore or provide opportunities for cats to watch birds from a safe vantage point. Play calming music or nature sounds to create a relaxing atmosphere for pets to enjoy.
- Bonding Time:
Allocate dedicated bonding time for one-on-one interaction with each pet in your care. Spend quality time cuddling, petting, or grooming pets to strengthen your bond and build trust. Use this time to observe pets’ behaviours, preferences, and personalities, allowing you to tailor your care to their individual needs.
By incorporating fun and engaging activities into your pet sitting routine, you can ensure that pets receive the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive. From interactive toys and enrichment activities to outdoor adventures and bonding time, there are endless opportunities to keep pets entertained and engaged during their time with you. As a pet sitter, your commitment to providing enriching experiences will not only keep pets happy and content but also strengthen your reputation as a caring and attentive caregiver.
What are your favourite games and toys to keep guest dogs occupied? Comment below!
