I am currently sat at home on enforced rest, due to a bad sprain, and I have been for the last 2 weeks. It's boring for me, it's boring for the dogs. I'm going crazy, they're going crazy.
When we're injured or unable to give our dogs the routine and level of care that we want to , what can we put in place to support them?
Disclaimer before we start: If you are unable to get out of the house for a long while and can't walk your dogs, exercise is an essential part of a dog's welfare, and changes to how you care for them will be need to be made. In no way should any of the suggestions made here replace exercise long term.
Training
Time at home means time with the dogs, ok you can't go for the nice long walks you want to, but you could work on some of the more basic skills they need help with.
Tricks and precision positions - I do sports with my dogs, which means we always need to practise the precise skills in isolation of distractions. We will often do static position transitions - Sit, Stand, Down - I will often include practice of other skills they know well - paw, spin, speak - These can be taught from a seated position and without needing to move too much.
Teaching new skills is something that can come in so handy! Think of something that your dog struggles with at home - counter surfing? Screaming when the harness comes out? Running for miles if the harness comes out? You can make it your objective to tackle one of these issues, with care and thoughtfully addressing it.
Harness work can be done from a seated position with little need to move. Same can be said for muzzlework (see chirag's muzzle training video).
Counter surfing just simply needs managing, the less there is stuff on the counter, the more the dog will find there is no reason to go up there. If you're home, it might be within your control?
Cooperative care
One that we may not consider is working on desensitisation to things your dog may not enjoy so much at home. One that I can think of immediately for thousands of dogs is desensitisation to nail clippers!
This does not mean flood your dog daily and tackle them with the clippers.
This means research and look at how to work through systematic desensitisation to the clippers (again see Sue Williamson and Chirag Patel for their amazing videos). One thing these take is time... when stuck at home that's one thing we do have! I have been working on scratchboard and clipper training while home and it has been a great ice breaker between me and Bonnie. She's always been a bit more suspicious.
Enrichment
Enrichment is important if you aren't able to get the dogs out for a walk. The type of enrichment you do with them though is really important to consider properly. If we are missing a walk for a day or 2 due to injury then the enrichment you provide had better do as good a job as any to replicate the way that your dog might use their senses.
Sniffing... Is going to be essential.
- snuffle mats.
- Use your lawn or back patio.
- Scatter feed your dog their meal.
- Hide treats around the garden if you have a bit of mobility
Playing... Is a great idea if it's safe to do.
- Tug manners can be practiced from a seated position - work on the speed of your dog's drop.
- Fetch can be done in the garden in a chair - work on the retrieve and delivery of the ball. Take some treats out with you and swap the ball or toy for it.
What if I'm really in a bind?
Ask for help.
There is no shame in asking for some help walking your dogs. Even if they are tricky, complicated to walk and have special needs, there are some great professionals out there and if you explain your circumstances they'll help!