While some dogs are high-energy #goalgetters, others… not so much. If you are the proud person of a lazy dog, there are ways to deepen and enrich his life, even from the comfort of his favorite nap spot.
Call the vet.
First up, if your dog is lethargic and disengaged, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup with your vet just to make sure there isn’t an underlying health problem. This is especially true if your dog was formerly energetic. Aging pups naturally slow down, but it can’t hurt to have a quick exam to make sure all’s well.
Skip the bowl.
Never let dinnertime be a bore. Use puzzle games, like PAW5’s, to stimulate activity and make feeding time active and rewarding.
Walk slowly.
Take a stroll around the block. Dogs love to exercise their senses; it’s hugely rewarding and enriching for a dog to smell and hear new things. Don’t rush your daily walk. Allow your lazy pup to lead the way (no matter how slowly he likes to amble) so that he can follow whatever entices his senses.*
Invent games.
Maybe your dog isn’t lazy. Maybe he’s just bored! Mix up your routine with new games to test what strikes his fancy. Try backyard nose work or agility.
While your may not be into high-impact activities like running or swimming, he still needs mental and physical stimulation! If you love a lazy lug, try these tweaks to get him a little more enrichment in his day.
Maggie Marton is a freelance writer based in Indianapolis. When not hiking with her two pit mixes, Emmett and Cooper, or playing with Newt the Cat, Maggie writes about them (and the pet industry) at ohmydogblog.com and maggiemarton.com.
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