HOW TO ENTERTAIN YOUR DOG DURING SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S COVID-19 LOCKDOWN

As South Australia endures its first day of a strict, six-day lockdown, ABC audiences have flooded the phonelines and social media with to voice concerns over what to do with their dogs now they’re banned from exercising outdoors.

To those without a pooch, it may seem like a trivial worry, but ask any dog owner and they will soon tell you there is almost always a big change in their canine’s behaviour if they have not been for their daily wander.

So how do you keep your four-legged family member from chewing the house apart while in lockdown?

Well, it seems the answer could be as simple as letting them sniff their energy away.

Emma Hack is a South Australian dog training assistant and the proud ‘fur mum’ of Porsche, a two-year-old Leonberger and Hilde, a three-year-old Burnese Mountain Dog.

The well-known artist-turned-dog-trainer said setting up enrichment activities at home that allow your dog to sniff out treats and problem solve is key to keeping them entertained and at ease.

“Dogs are natural hunters and sniffing is a calming mechanism for a dog,” she said.

“It’s pretty hot at the moment, so you can also freeze some treats in a plastic tub and let them gnaw on the ice.

“It’s amazing what five minutes of mental stimulation can do. Sniffing can actually use more energy than a walk.

“So, if your dog is anxious or needs to run, these things will help slow them down.”

The activities can be done in the space of a few minutes either in the yard or inside.

But Ms Hack stressed that dogs must be supervised while sniffing out and “hunting” their treats, to avoid them chewing or swallowing something that could cause harm.

“Make sure you pack down when they’re done and that everything is put away.”

Other activities like filling up a toddlers swimming pool or hiding treats in a sand pit can also keep your dog entertained, she said.

We’re all in this together — and that means your dog too

With the entire state ordered to stay home, including school kids, Ms Hack says it’s important for dog owners to make sure their pet is coping with the added activity in the home.

“Some dogs really need their quiet time and things like having kids at home and all that extra noise can really affect them,” she said.

And just like humans, dogs can also experience anxiety.

“If that happens, make sure they get their quiet time.

“Give them a bone or a chew somewhere where they can be relaxed.

“If the dog wants to sleep, let them sleep and don’t wake them up.”

‘No better time to train’

Breeders and shelters across the nation have reported a surge in demand for puppies and rescue dogs since the pandemic started earlier this year.

Ms Hack says the lockdown will give pet owners extra time to train their dog.

“Use it as a good time for training.”

She said even pet owners who are working from home could embrace the extra time they have with their canine.

“You can choose one thing to teach them and do five-minute sessions a couple of time per day using treats to reward them,” she said.

And do not forget to reward your dog for good behaviour, even when they’re not training.

“Every time the dog looks calm just throw them some treats.”