Activities For Dogs In Indiana On Hot Days

Pick a spot to set up the pool where it's flat and convenient to fill the pool. Add a few inches of water to the pool. Also set out a sprinkler and attach it to a hose. Test it to make sure you've got it hooked up correctly and the water comes out in a good flow. Then, turn it off until you're ready to use it for fun time. Some dogs love the water and you won't be able to keep them out of it but others will take some coaxing. Start by getting in the pool yourself. Scatter a few of your dog's favorite rubber toys around and sit there playing quietly with them. Encourage your dog to come on in, but don't force your dog to get in. If you have patience, more than likely the dog will jump in and test the water on their own.

Turn on the sprinkler and watch your dog's reaction. Some dogs will love the idea of playing in the sprinkler and will immediately try to bite the water and get up to other mischief. Other dogs may be intimidated by the spray of the water. If you run through the water yourself and tell your dog to come, you'll probably have a pal in the sprinkler with you in no time. A game of fetch in the sprinkler makes for lots of fun, too.

Back to the pool. Now it's time to bring out the treats, toys, or ice cubes. Have your dog stand outside the pool as you toss a goodie into the pool. Give your dog the signal to get the treat and turn them loose to try to catch the treat. Some treats float and others sink. Your dog will soon figure out the best way to get the treat. Dogs often enjoy ice cubes in the water as well. They float and can be harder to catch than some things, but the cool reward is worth the effort.

Have your dog stay in one room. If they don't obey stay, then have someone gently hold your dog in place. You then go into another room and hide in a closet, behind the couch, or someplace else where you can't be seen. Be sure to take a treat or toy with you so you're ready to reward the dog when they find you.

When you've hidden yourself, call your dog. Have the handler release your canine so they can come and search for you. Call "Find me' every thirty seconds or so. Your dog will be on the hunt to discover where you are as soon as they are given permission to take off.

When your dog successfully uncovers your hiding place, reward them heartily. Good job! Give your clever dog a treat or play tug-of-war with the toy for a couple of minutes. As your dog improves at this game, make it harder to find you. You might even try going upstairs or down to the basement.

You'll probably have a hard time keeping these on hand because the whole family will be dipping into them. Just cube some chunks of seedless watermelon or cantaloupe, toss in some blueberries or strawberries, and even some banana slices. Don't use grapes because they are toxic to dogs, but you can choose almost any other fruit. Put the fruit in a plastic bag and freeze so you have a tasty cold treat whenever you or your dog want one.

These cold, refreshing treats will soon become one of your dog's favorites. Just put a 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, four cups of orange or apple juice (no sugar added), and one banana in a blender. Whirl them into a smooth mixture and pour the blended ingredients into an ice cube tray or molds. If you don't have a blender, mash the banana and yogurt together and stir in the juice. Your dog won't care how they look, just how they taste.

Did you have roast chicken for dinner? Don't throw away that carcass. It will make delicious broth that you can freeze into frozen treats for your fur babies. Put the chicken carcass in a large pot and cover it with water. Simmer this for an hour and a half. If you've got leftover peas or carrots don't be afraid to throw those in as well. When it's simmered long enough, discard the bones and save the meat, cartilage, and broth. Pour into molds or ice cube trays and be ready to watch your dog enjoy this tasty treat. By the way, it's best eaten outside.