Learning through Lockdown

Hands up if you’re finding life in lockdown more than a little bit strange! And it’s not just us humans who can find it hard to adjust to this new normal. Dogs sense the shift in your energy and can be unsettled by the change in pace and routine too. Suddenly the house is full of people, the kids are making lots of noise, they’re getting less rest and they can tell your stress is rising now and then too.

 

Fortunately, Government guidelines currently allow dog owners who are symptom free to get out and about for daily exercise so you can still grab your Grippy Lead and go exploring! But what about all the other hours of the day?

At Grippy HQ, we know just how important walkies is for bonding with your pet and strolling off the stresses of everyday life. But as the days and weeks pass by it’s understandable to feel deflated some days and maybe even struggle to find the motivation to get outside. However, there are lots of ways for you and your dog to have more fun than ever without leaving the house. Lockdown life means it’s time to find new ways to connect with your cuddly canine, relieve stress and boost your mood.

 

Here are 5 top tips to help you both make the most of time indoors.

 

1. GROOM ROOM – Grooming your dog every day is the ultimate treat for both of you. Bathing, brushing, clipping and even massaging your dog will not only relax her, but will soothe you. Several studies have shown that activities such as stroking and grooming an animal release happy hormone such as oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin into the brain and can even reduce blood pressure and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Grooming your dog helps you spot any matted fur, fleas, ticks or scratches that might need attention, and provides a great opportunity to check on her general health. As you brush you can check the ears and teeth for signs of infection and survey the skin for lumps, painful spots or wounds that might require veterinary care.

 

Whilst you are having fun grooming, pop her bedding, blankets, soft toys, lead and collar in the washing machine for an all-round freshen up (all Grippy Leads products are machine washable – just dab the fittings with WD-40 after). Be sure to use the right products for grooming your pet, for example, choose a brush suitable for either a short or long-haired dog and only use shampoo formulated for use on dogs to avoid skin irritation.

 

2. PLAY PALS – Playing games with your dog whilst you are both stuck indoors during lockdown is a fun way to create much needed mental stimulation and can prevent them from chewing their frustration and stress out on your furniture or shoes! Games such as hide and seek can be made dog friendly. Simply distract your dog while another member of the house hides elsewhere in the house. Once they’re hidden, ask your dog to find them and give them lots of fuss and cuddles when they do.

 

If your dog is good at following basic ground rules and will allow you to take toys away when a playtime is over, getting into a game of Tug of War will provide plenty of entertainment and exercise for everyone. Choose a suitable toy such as a rubber ring or rope toy and check it over regularly to ensure no small parts could break off and be accidentally swallowed.

 

3. CHANGE IT UP – If you are fortunate enough to be able to get out for a daily walk, a few small changes will help keep the boredom at bay. For example, trying a new route you’ve not taken before will provide your pooch with a host of new sights, smells and sounds to pick up on. If you normally pop to the park, try walking the streets of your local neighbourhood instead. Or if pounding the pavements is your thing, head to an area of woodland or waterside close to your home.

If a new route isn’t an option, you can add variety, increase your overall walking distance and keep your dog’s attention by changing direction frequently during your walk. As you walk, simply turn back on yourself at any point and go back the way you came, then turn around again and return to your original route – then repeat as many times as you like. You might look a bit strange to anyone watching from afar, but with so few people out and about it’s the best time to decide not to care what people think and have a bit of fun!

 

4. MAKE TRAINING A TREAT – It turns out that you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Lockdown is the perfect time to work on some new skills training with your dog. If you don’t already have them covered, start with commands such as sit and stay, teach your dog to retrieve toys from around the house or pop them on their Grippy Lead and get to grips with walking to heel. If your fluffy friend has already nailed the basics, step things up a level by signing up for Sniffer Dog Training. There are lots of resources available online including ‘just for fun’ training tutorials and fully certified online courses.

 

Meal-times are also great training opportunities. Put food in a treat toy and let your hungry hound get to work on sniffing and digging it out. No treat toy? No problem. Tuck treats into cardboard tubes, cartons and boxes instead or scatter dry nibbles around your garden then let your dog outside to sniff and snack. Keep track of your dog’s diet by using treat portions of his daily food allocation or use low fat/low calorie treats.

 

5. TIME OUT – As much as your dog will love having the whole family at home all day, he may find it hard to get the quiet time and rest he needs. And a tired dog can be a grumpy dog! Make sure your four-legged family member has some alone time away from the hustle and bustle of the house. An over stimulated dog can be as destructive and stressed as an under stimulated one. Try creating a quiet space in a separate room, put a sturdy dog chew toy in his bed to help him relax and make sure young children know to leave your loveable lap dog in peace when he’s resting.

 

That’s it from me and Poppy the Puggle this week, but please do let us know your favourite games, training tips and toys so we can share the love around our canine community for as long as this lockdown life continues. Stay safe, healthy and happy everyone.