- April 26, 2024
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Kodi patiently waits for his Tuesday activity -- the pool guy. Photo Jacque Estes
Herding is our Corgi's nature and something he gets to practice on Tuesdays thanks to a pool guy who's a good sport. Photo Jacque Estes
If it’s Tuesday, it must be pool cleaning day. How Kodi knows this I cannot explain. These mornings he stretches out and watches for activity around our pool deck.
There are a couple of reasons for this. It’s an interactive activity that requires Kodi to use his herding skills as he supervises; and equally important, the pool guys have treats.
Since my husband and I both work from home a good percentage of the time, Kodi isn’t lonely, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t crave more Tuesdays.
Many pets have to be left alone during the day. After all someone has to bring home the kibble. Pets that have limited physical and mental stimulation often find less satisfactory ways to entertain themselves.
Getting into trash cans, chewing up toys and excessive barking are all signs that your pet might need some activities while you are gone. Cats might knock things off shelves or shred up curtains and bedspreads. Pets often chew on themselves, a habit difficult to break and not healthy for them.
There are some simple ways to entertain your pet while you aren’t home. Plastic food puzzles are designed to give the pet access to his food as he solves the puzzle. Depending on your dog you may need a couple different style puzzle bowls to rotate throughout the week. This is a great way to slow down your dog’s dinner time.
I often hide doggie treats around the house if we are going to be out for a while. I use the air puff treats that are lower in calories. I hide them while he is out for his last potty break. When we come home they have all been found. I don’t know how much “hunting” time was involved, but it kept him occupied for a while.
Cats also like to “hunt.” It’s their nature even if they’ve never been outside. There are puzzle toys designed for cats and balls they can bat around the house are always fun. Cat towers, a table strategically placed by a window, all can make your cat’s life more interesting.
The secret is rotating their toys. There should always something new to explore and enjoy. Toys don’t have to be expensive. An empty cardboard toilet paper roll can be more fun that you’d imagine for an active kitten. Leaving a radio on softly is also a nice way to add “company” to their day.
Toys and puzzles will never replace what they want the most – your attention. Even if it’s just a walk to the mailbox and back, a few minutes petting, or a quick game of catch, the interaction will improve your pet’s well-being and yours too.
