It will be good for everyone’s mental health to find the silver lining during the strange times we are in right now. South Africans are in lockdown. We’re not allowed to leave our homes except under exceptional circumstances, which means no dog walking, no visiting the park and no taking Pippie and Oreo out for their puppy playdates. But not all is lost: here are some great ways to pass the time with your pet and strengthen your bond in simple, but effective ways.
Present petting
Dogs and cats, like people, know when attention is purposefully being given to them compared to when you just give them a passing pat or a sideways glance. Rubbing your dog’s head absent-mindedly while you look at your phone or watch TV is not the same as sitting with him on his level and focusing all your attention on him as you stroke, touch or even massage his back, neck and legs. Say his name and tell him what a good boy he is – he will feel like a million doggers! Cats will sit on your lap and simply revel in intentional stroking and your focused attention. All that subsequent purring will be great for your relaxation and wellbeing too! Talk about being each other’s heroes? This is what it’s all about!
Grooming for days
If you’re normally too rushed to give your dog a brush or a bath, and you rely on the grooming parlour to do it for you, you’ve been missing out on the perfect bonding opportunity! Brushing your dog daily is a very good ‘touching with intention’ exercise. Now that you’ve got the time, give your dog a weekly bath. Not only will you be treating and conditioning his skin and coat, but he will love the massage and focused attention he gets when you lather in the shampoo, dry him off, and then brush him when his coat is dry.
Training time!
Training your dog is not just about getting him to sit and come when told to do so. The same reasons you should train your dog apply to giving him focused attention and strengthening your bond: when he knows what’s expected of him and is rewarded for his good behaviour, he develops great self-esteem and will be more inclined to continue being a good boy. There are abundant dog training resources on YouTube and now is the ideal time to reinforce the behaviour you want from your dog. Spend at least 30 minutes training your dog – preferably at the same time every day so that he benefits from the routine – and reward his progress with lots of yummy treats!
And it’s not only dogs that benefit from training. You can also:
Play time!
Focused play with your dog or cat (bird, hamster or rabbit) will have multiple benefits for both them and you. They’ll receive their daily dose of physical and mental stimulation and it will deepen your bond. Cat toys will trigger and reward your cat’s hunting instincts; while time spent playing hide and seek or interactive games that hold your cat’s attention will make her associate you with fun and pleasure. Dogs are easy to play with! Whether you throw a ball or frisbee (if your yard is big enough), most dogs absolutely love a game of fetch! Hide and seek is another fun game for you to play (indoors or outdoors) with your dog as he will always come looking for his bestest friend!
There are some wonderful dog toys available, or which you can make, that will keep your dog actively engaged and rewarded for his efforts. Now you also get to facilitate his play and encourage his progress!
Nap time…
When you take an afternoon nap after all that training and playing, let your dog or cat nap with you. It will be their favourite part of their day.
Lockdown may require some creative thinking on your part to keep your household running smoothly, but just know and embrace the fact that your pets are LOVING having you home!
