Schools out for summer.... and even if your not a parent, chances are that when your out on your walk, you and your dogs will be seeing more children out and about playing and having fun.
So be mindful when on your daily walks. The places you usually go may now be busier, with children running and playing football or tennis. Your dog, who normally doesn't see anyone on their walk, now has additional distractions to contend with, perhaps even having to resist the urge to chase that ball!
Set your dog up for success. Use a long line for safety when enjoying 'off lead' time and take additional treats with you.
The additional distractions are also a great opportunity for proofing you training. That is practising commands your dog already knows in the presence of new distractions or in a different environment.
If you do have children, your dogs usual quiet days at home could be about to disappear for the next few weeks. Here are some ideas of how you can keep the summer holidays successful for your dog and children:
1) Create a safe space for your dog -
If your dog has a usual bed spot or crated area, try to keep this area undisturbed, so they can get their usual rest.
If your dog usually has the run of the house, think about creating a quiet place for them to settle and get away from the hustle and bustle of the childrens play.
This will minimise disruption to their usual sleep and rest through the day.
2) Kongs and Lickimats -
If you have a day out planned and will be leaving the dog at home, stuffing and freezing a Kong or Likimat will provide a source of entertainment whilst you are out.
These can also be used if you are having people over to your house during the day and you want to keep your dog in a different room (perhaps your guests have small children who are not used to dogs or are nervous around dogs).
3) Take walks together -
Get the children out for their daily exercise and get the dog involved too! Whilst your children explore and connect with nature your dog gets their daily exercise.
4) Structured games -
Give the children the opportunity to constructively play with the dog. Task them with building a doggy obstacle course and see if they can successfully complete their creating with the dog. Use treats as lures and rewards.
Or get them to set up a scent challenge, using treats and upturned flower pots. hide a treat under one of the pot and allow your dog to sniff and find which pot it is hidden under.
5) Supervision! -
Its important to supervise your children and dogs interactions. Make sure you prevent play escalating and getting too rough or crazy. Also look out for signs that you children want to stop playing with the dog (but your dog wants to keep playing) as well as signs that your dog wants a break from interacting with the children.
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