Ideas for Making The Best of Bed Rest

By Cynthia Edgerly, BS, CDBC

Sometimes dogs are confined to their crate or bed for extended periods of time due to illness or injuries.  Needless to say, this can be a very difficult adjustment for many dogs - especially younger, high energy dogs. Following are several ideas that can make this time more tolerable; even productive and fun!

Make mealtime more interesting by feeding from a Kong or hollow bone.  

Keep a safe chewie in the crate at all times so your dog has something to do.

Move the crate around so your dog can enjoy a variety of sights, sounds and smells.

Play classical or new age music.  This is very relaxing for most dogs.

Buy a book on acupressure, Ttouch or massage and learn to touch your dog in ways that speed healing. 

Spray Comfort Zone with DAP (dog appeasing pheromone) on a bandana and place around your dogs neck to help overcome restlessness.

Provide mental stimulation and fun by teaching your dog new skills and tricks that don't require much movement like:

• Drop it  - dog releases object.

• Take it – dog takes object in mouth.

• Leave it – dog stops going for object and returns his attention to you.

• Shake – dog puts paw in your hand.

• Where's your nose - dog brings front paw to nose.  

• Is that scary? - dog hides head under blanket or pillow.  

• Sneeze – easiest to teach by marking and rewarding as it occurs naturally.

• Say sorry - dog rests head on floor or front paws.  

• Speak – dog barks on cue. 

• Kick it - roll the ball back to me or through goal posts.

• Wipe your mouth – dog wipes mouth on cloth.

• Pose for the camera – dog tilts head to side on cue.  

• Find it – dog finds treat hidden under cup.  Play shell game with 3-cups.

• Permit the wearing of sunglasses or hat. 

• Ring bell with nose, paw or by pulling string. 

• Touch nose to designated toy or colors/shapes on flash cards.

You can learn how to teach tricks by purchasing a book, searching the Internet or hiring a dog trainer.

Cynthia Edgerly, owner of Bingo! Dog Training in Watsonville, California, is a Professional Dog Trainer & Certified Dog Behavior Consultant.   To contact Cynthia please go to her website:  http://www.bingodogtraining.com  or Phone: (831) 768-9308 or (408) 335-8745.  

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Last modified: 04/18/08