How to keep my year-old lab entertained when he’s alone?
Question by Daphne: How to keep my year-old lab entertained when he’s alone?
I have a one-year-old lab mix who has a lot of energy! He’s an outdoor dog and has a large area in the backyard where he stays most of the day except for short walks. He’s become a lot better with his behavior, he no longer digs as much. I just want to make sure that during the day when we aren’t home that he has something to keep him entertained.
His favourite toy is a Kong with a tail, but he can’t play that himself.
What do you suggest that he can play with by himself? Has anyone tried a truck tire? Does that even work?
Just reminding you that the dog is always outside. He likes playing with water bottles and stuff that makes noise when he bites it.
Feel free to answer in the comment section below
7 Responses to How to keep my year-old lab entertained when he’s alone?
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Don’t use a truck tire because the can choke on the pieces of the tire. Give them plenty of toys and water and food. If the house is hot, turn on the air conditioning. LABS CAN GET VERY HOT IN THE SUMMERTIME AND USUALLY DON’T LIKE THE SUMMER EXCEPT FOR SWIMMING!
sc93
November 4, 2013 at 9:21 pm
I wouldn’t know, my dogs have always been indoor dogs (from Shih Tzus to Old English Sheepdogs).
Laura
November 4, 2013 at 9:47 pm
with our great danes we get big kongs and stuff them. also before youo leave hide treats in various places. he will get the scent and mess around with them, it you have a sock put treats in it and not it up giving him something to chew on. a new dog may be good. also get some toys thhats light up or get an old swing and tie either a small (go cart?) tire to it and but some of the kong spray stuff in it. it swings and gets them real rowdy cool to watch for our great danes we used a maxima tire.
LilliSeptember
November 4, 2013 at 10:20 pm
A large old towel is a favorite.
Chew toys (dried pigs ears) — don’t buy those artificial rawhides that are bleached or flavored
keep a portable battery-operated radio and play the radio/some background music..it keeps them company and not so lonely.
prudie_mcprude
November 4, 2013 at 10:52 pm
There are toys that dispense food when the dog plays with them.
You want a few each of different styles. (example: 3 purple square ones and 4 red round ones, etc) That way, the food lasts all day and the different styles add interest.
Remember: The food in the toys should be considered part of his daily “ration”. His meals should be smaller when he’s getting food out of the toys.
Some dogs like ice. Make large and different shaped ice cubes in your freezer. (get toy buckets, and other sand toys in the toy section of Walmart, perfect for freezing!) Freeze food inside, and add beef or chicken broth to the water for added interest. (not a lot, you’ll attract bugs)
Some dogs like wading pools. Get floating toys. Toss large ice cubes in.
Only get tires made specially for dogs. Less chance for injury.
Pet sitters will visit your dog while you’re gone. For, about $ 20 dollars a visit your dog gets an hour of play time and/or a walk. Maybe once or twice a week?
Bonsylar
November 4, 2013 at 11:26 pm
If you walk your dog at least 1 hour everyday he will be a very happy dog until the end of his days, regardless of what toys or entertainment he has.
Ethan
November 4, 2013 at 11:37 pm
Well a truck tire is not good for the dog they can choke and die so you don’t want that , heave you tried some toys that can sing I know they are for kids but my lab figured out where to squeeze and she loved it and the song was believe it or not ” who let the dogs out” she would go crazy for it .Well they toy lasted for almost 2 yrs. so you can try that he might like it .
Jen P
November 5, 2013 at 12:02 am