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As we approach almost the fourth month of quarantine, you may be looking at your dog and thinking, “Man, we really have got to get out of this funk.” Creating new habits and a healthy environment is essential for keeping yourself (and your pup) sane during these odd times. Many pet owners have claimed their pets are responding differently to their owners being at home all the time. Michael Waters’ article on Vox stated, “Some pets are growing clingy, others are pouncing on exercise equipment, gliding across countertops, or hiding in corners and shooting their owners concerned stares.” In order to combat these new strange behaviors, here is a list of activities (Tiki approved of course!) that you and your furry companion can do to keep each other busy.

  1. Exercise, exercise, exercise!Staying active during this time is as beneficial for you as it is for your pet! If you’re going on walks, make sure to social distance (6 ft.), but even if you prefer to stay inside, there’s still so much you can do! Stretch and do some yoga, move the furniture around and play tug-o-war, or, if you have a backyard, run around with them and play chase. A little bit of exercise everyday could help you and your pup stick to a schedule and routine.
  2. Play some mind games!Mental stimulation! We all need it, and so do our dogs. If you ever find yourself lounging on the couch- watching tv with nothing to do- look up how to teach your dog some tricks. There are so many helpful YouTube videos and articles online. It can be a great use of your time and also a fun way to impress your friends! (Take it from Tiki- he loves doing some tricks with us and showing off to other people too!)
  3. Baking dog treats!Rosanna Pansino is an expert baker on YouTube, and has a very informative video on how to make DIY Dog Treats at home. The products she uses are all organic, and she offers substitute ingredients for any allergies your dog may have. Watch her video and give it a try for yourself! Baking these treats keeps your mind busy and will make your dog incredibly happy. https://youtu.be/l3Mb9RyW3V4
  4. Get creative!Set up an agility course for your pup using everyday household objects! Examples include using boxes, laundry hampers, blankets, tunnels, and small forts for your dog to explore. Mix it up and even get your kids involved! Train them with treats and positive reinforcement. It’ll be a fun experience for everyone involved. (Safety permitted.)

Take some time out of your day to enforce some new habits into you and your dog’s lives, and everyday will start to feel a little more productive. Exercise, Watch YouTube videos for inspiration, and mix things up at home. In the end you and your dog will enjoy the new changes, and learn more about each other in the process.

Henry the Service Dog is also known on Instagram as @kinghenryofnashville.

We like to keep an eye on news, pop culture, music and entertainment for stories about our favorite subject: dogs. Our Good Dog Hotel & Spa guests also keep us current by sharing awesome tidbits, sound bites or the latest and greatest in stories or trends.

We thought it’d be fun to round up some of our favorites from the month of May and share them with you. Let us know what you think, and feel free to add your own at the bottom of this story in the comments section.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this collection of dog-related news, and have a great week!

Are Dog Lovers Genetic?

A recent study suggests that those of us who choose to have dogs might be heavily influenced by our genetic make-up. Which helps explain those of us who can’t imagine a world without them. Is it in your genes? Check out this article on Science Daily, Owning a Dog Is Influenced By Our Genetic Makeup.

Dogs Affect Your Social Life

It isn’t really news to us, but a new survey shows that having dogs is good for your social life. “The results found that 54% of dog owners believe having their pet has boosted their confidence and made it easier for them to talk to strangers.” Ready out more about it at the Good News Network.

Puppy Helps a European Thatcher Raise the Roof

A puppy named Shuck is quite the helper for his owner, Richard Haughton, in the U.K.’s East Anglia. As a thatcher, he works on roofing jobs throughout the region and brings along his Akita/Labrador mix. Check out a video of this hardworking pair here.

It’s All In A Smile

Owners often claim their dogs are smiling, but is that really what’s going on? Can they express emotions the way we do? The answer might surprise you. Live Science explores the question in this article, Are Dogs Really Smiling At Us?

Dogs Help With PTSD

We all know our dogs help us feel better when we’re down, but new research from Purdue University of Indiana is showing that service dogs are especially good at helping veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Find out more about how dogs are helping wounded warriors here.

A Trip to Disney Goes Viral

Henry the Service Dog is known for being adorable and charming during his adventures while with handler, Jessica Paulsen, Nashville, Tennessee. During a recent trip to Florida’s Walt Disney World, photos captured him enjoying a treat from Starbucks and showing his love for Dumbo. You can find him on Instagram, @kinghenryofnashville, or check out his adventures here.