Activities For A Destructive Dog
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Many dogs become destructive when they are bored; because of this, it is very important that you keep your dog busy. Without enough activity to keep your pooch engaged, they will find their own things to do and what they choose will usually not be activities that you appreciate! Fortunately, there are many activities that are perfect for keeping dogs busy (and out of trouble). Some activities will even help tire out your dog, giving you a little bit of "down time" while your pup rests and rejuvenates. An extra bonus when it comes to any of these activities: the opportunity for you and your pup to spend some quality time together!
Puzzle Toy
Most Popular
1 Vote
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
10 - 30 min
Items needed
Puzzle Toy
Treats or Kibble
Activity description
A big challenge with a destructive pup is to keep them busy while you complete some necessary tasks at home. This is where the puzzle toy can be very helpful for your household. Usually made of rubber or hard plastic, the puzzle toy can be filled with kibble, treats, or even peanut butter. The objective is for your pup to manipulate the toy in order to release the food a little bit at a time. Puzzle toys are a great mental workout, with ongoing rewards that will help maintain your pup's interest. Let your canine pal occupy themselves while you get the dishes done, run the laundry or read a few chapters of a good book!
Step
1
Choose the challenge
If you think your dog would enjoy a puzzle toy, you will want to choose one (or more) for them to play with. There are multiple types of puzzle toys; the Kong, for example, that you can put peanut butter or another sticky treat in and feeding balls, that you fill with kibble or treats. There are also time-release puzzle toys and you can even create your own puzzle toy for your pup. There is plenty of information available online and you can also go to your local pet store to learn more about different options.
Step
2
Fill the toy with goodies
Once you have your puzzle toy, you will fill it up as directed. Some puzzle toys will take kibble or treats, while others, like the Kong, will require a sticky substance that your pup will lick out. Filling the toys is usually easy to do and your canine companion will love the ability to obtain their own food!
Step
3
Time to enjoy
Once the puzzle toy is filled, you can place it next to your pooch. They will likely try to explore it immediately and will quickly realize that there are yummy things inside that they want to get out. You can sit back, relax and watch as your pup works the puzzle toy, attempting to manipulate it in such a way that they can access the food inside. It turns out that your pup will not be the only one entertained; you will enjoy the show yourself!
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Doggy Sandbox
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Cheap
Normal
10 - 60 min
Items needed
Sandbox
Sand
Toys to Bury
Activity description
Perhaps your dog enjoys digging and where they are most destructive is in your yard. If that is the case, create a place for them to dig and dig and dig without consequence; their very own sandbox! You can purchase a sandbox of any size just as you would for a child, and then fill it with sand. This will be the place where your pup not only will be allowed to dig, but encouraged to do so. Your canine companion can work in the sand all they want, hiding and finding their toys as much as they like while you enjoy a front row seat to their fun!
Step
1
Get a sandbox
To get started, obtain a sandbox. These are easy to find at a discount store or online; you can also try garage sales and thrift stores in order to find the best deal. What size sandbox you choose will likely depend on the size of your pup. A larger sandbox will be necessary for bigger dogs while smaller dogs will do fine with a box of any size.
Step
2
Prep for fun
Once you have the sandbox, it is time to fill it up. You can purchase sand at a discount store or a hardware store. It is a good idea to get extra sand, as chances are some of it will leave the sandbox as your dog starts digging. Have some handy so that you can refill the box as needed. Bring a few of your pup's toys outside and place them in the sandbox as well.
Step
3
Jump right in
Once the sandbox is filled up, you can bring your pup to it so that they can check it out. If you like, you can climb into the sandbox yourself and show them what to do. Every dog will handle this introduction differently; some may jump right in while others spend a bit more time checking out the new addition to their life. Let your pup take their time. When they are ready, they will be in that sandbox digging in a place where digging is encouraged!
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Bikejoring
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Hard
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Bikejoring Kit
Treats or Kibble
Water and Bowl
Safety Equipment
Waste Bags
Activity description
Destructive dogs are often looking for jobs; for a dog that can use a job, bikejoring is hard work! What exactly is bikejoring? You will attach your pooch to your bike and while you ride it, your pup will be pulling you along. Talk about a challenge! Bikejoring is a great activity for keeping a destructive dog out of trouble as the activity will not only keep your pup busy but they will be tired when they finish. Since you are on the bike, your pup will be able to run at whatever pace they like without you having to try and keep up. An added bonus is that the two of you will be able to spend time together as you embark on this team effort!
Step
1
Learn about bikejoring
Before you start bikejoring, you will need to learn more about it. A little internet research can help you to learn if this is an activity that may be a fit for your pup. Look to see if you can find a bikejoring event or group in your area. Attending can offer you the chance to learn more about the activity while meeting people who have been involved. Ask questions to those who have experience so that you can learn not only about the activity, but how to get started, what equipment you will need and things to avoid.
Step
2
Begin training
If bikejoring sounds like something that you want to try with your pup, you will want to start training. Purchase a bikejoring kit, and get ready for the fun to begin! The kit will help you to attach your dog to your bike so that they can pull you on your bike. Before doing so, get your dog familiar with your bike by going for a walk with your bike in tow, as your pup walks alongside, ensuring that there is no fear of the bike. Before you hop on your bike and have your dog start pulling you, be sure that you have your safety equipment on (like a bike helmet). Be prepared; it is likely that you will take a few spills as you and your pup get started. Avoid busy streets and congested areas to ensure your safety and that of your pooch.
Step
3
Be patient
Expect that bikejoring will take some time for you and your pup to get the hang of.
After getting a feel for the equipment and ensuring your pup understands what to do, you and your pup are ready to go. Consistently work with your dog as you ride, going over the commands that are needed for the activity. Be prepared; bikejoring is going to take a lot of patience, particularly at the beginning. When choosing where to go, it is best to avoid trails that have a surface that can hurt your pup's feet; you will also want to avoid going when it is very hot out. No matter the temperature out, be sure to offer your dog water regularly while bikejoring, so that they remain hydrated. A benefit to you and your pup taking on this challenge is that you will do it together!
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More Fun Ideas...
Hide And Seek
Hide and seek is a great way to keep your pup busy and can be played inside or outside. If your pup understands (and follows) the command to "stay", let them know to "stay" and head for your hiding place. Start simply so that your pup can get the hang of the game. If your pup does not do well with the command "stay" have a friend hang on to their collar while you hide. Once you have hidden, call out for your pup. When they find you, provide plenty of praise and a yummy treat. Hide and seek can be played over and over; for added difficulty, have one or more people hide along with you, asking your pup to find everyone.
Vist The Dog Park
A great way to keep a destructive dog from being destructive is not only to keep them busy but to keep them active until they are tired. Visiting a dog park will definitely help wear out your pooch! Your dog can run around on their own or engage in activities with new canine friends. A particular benefit of the dog park is that even if you are not feeling very active, your pup can still get plenty of activity. Bring some treats to reward your pup for good behavior as well as distract them when necessary. A ball or frisbee can also be fun to have along so you and your pup can play fetch. Make sure to bring plenty of water so your pup can stay hydrated!
Set Up Agility Activities
Agility activities are a great way to exercise your pup both physically and mentally. A little online research will give you possible activity ideas and then you can acquire the items that you need to set up the activity. For example, if you are looking to work on jumps with your dog, a hula hoop or PVC pipe can be used. Once you have the items you need, you can set up the activity. Start slow and work at your dog's pace. Each time your pup completes a task, reward them with a treat. Once your pup masters a particular activity, work on a different one. After your pup is comfortable with a few activities, you can begin linking them together, creating an agility course for your pooch!
Conclusion
Struggling with your destructive dog? Don't panic! There are plenty of ways to keep you pup occupied and involved in CONSTRUCTIVE activities, both indoors and outside. Not only will these activities keep your pooch out of trouble, they will also ensure that your canine companion has a rich and active life. As many of the activities will require that you be present and even participate, you will further increase the bond that you have with your dog as you are involved in these activities together. Expect to appreciate your newly productive pooch!