Is trying to entertain your dog on a budget a never-ending activity? While it is a good idea to not let your dog get bored as that’s when disaster can strike.
Moreover, a bored dog is often when your budget can take a major hit in the form of a pricey vet bill or replacement of destroyed items. Additionally keeping your dog active is critical for your dog’s overall health.
However, there’s no need to worry. You don’t need to break your budget to have an entertained pup. Today, let’s dig in and discover simple and affordable ways to keep your dog from becoming bored.
Budget tip:
Keeping your dog entertained doesn’t have to bust your budget. It can be a simple and free activity or even involve a little DIY. Any way you choose to entertain your dog, it will pay off big when your dog doesn’t get bored and destroy everything in sight.
Additionally, an engaged dog is a mentally happier and physically healthier dog. That’s all a huge win-win for you and your dog!
Know your dog’s needs
It’s important to realize how much entertainment your dog needs. Some dog breeds are naturally high-energy or very smart and require more mental stimulation type activities. A few dog breeds that fit into one of these categories are Huskies and Border Collies.
However, your puppy or rescue dog may very well need extra attention to avoid boredom. You’ll need to assess your dog’s needs.
For instance, my dog, Henry loves being entertained with a game of chase, massage, or even mealtime brain game activity. Although, he also needs his downtime or independence time.
While, Henry isn’t a super high-energy dog, he is smart and will pick up on new commands rather easily. Thus, keeping him entertained is always on my to-do list.
How can I entertain my dog and prevent boredom?
Again, you’ll need to access your dog and his/her needs and likes. For instance, if your dog is food-driven, then a food-based option will be best. Here are some great ideas you may want to consider as you aim to keep your dog entertained.
DIY dog toys
You can easily stay within a tight budget and keep your dog entertained with DIY dog toys. Plus, a good DIY toy is much cheaper than store-bought.
Additionally, DIY dog toys are perfect to use with your dog indoors. Thus, if your stuck indoors for whatever reason, a DIY dog toy could be a great solution.
Of course, recognize your dog’s health before giving him/her a frozen or hard toy. For example, even if Henry liked dog toys, I wouldn’t give him a hard or frozen one because he’s already broken a tooth. Not sure how that happened, but I don’t want him breaking any more teeth.
1. Chew toys
Some dogs need something to chew to be occupied. Thus, a chew toy is great for dogs who love to chew on anything and everything. These types of toys are also very helpful for untrained and teething puppies.
Henry would LOVE this idea of a frozen carrot. But I would monitor him and I definitely wouldn’t freeze the carrot for very long. In fact, he’d most likely lick the carrot and then attempt to chew it with his underbite.
2. Tug-of-war toys
These types of tug dog toys are great for dogs who love to play rough and tend to be more energetic. Yes, a simple rope toy can engage your dog and keep boredom away.
3. Sock treats
Hiding treats in rolled-up socks can keep your dog entertained. This type of toy will engage his/her mind more as it is a challenge to get to the treats. Also, try hiding the socks for an extra challenge.
Additionally, you can simply create a dog toy with a pair of socks. This is a great tutorial by RSPCA.
4. Brain games
Often a brain game or puzzle toy can engage your dog and thwart boredom. Henry loves mealtime brain games. But you can also make a dog brain game toy using a muffin tin and tennis balls.
Moreover, you can create a puzzle toys that is also a treat dispensing toy. This is perfect for the food-driven dogs.
Thus, it’s an affordable way to make your own interactive dog toys.
NOTE: If your dog has a smaller or can’t hold a tennis, there are smaller balls you can buy affordable. Then simply use a mini muffin tin, which you should be able to find at The Dollar Store or even Walmart.
Want to learn more about mealtime brain games? This article details various games you can play with your dog at mealtime. They are all Henry approved as well.
5. Frozen treats
Another great boredom chaser for your dog could be found in freezing a Kong toy or even a favorite toy. Thus, playtime becomes more challenging. As such, your dog should be entertained much longer.
Want more ways to keep your dog from being bored? In this article, I share even more affordable ideas.
6. Sniffing game
By setting up a sniff game you engage your dog’s brain and keep him/her entertained. Henry loves to sniff for any hidden treat. But when that treasure is a yummy treat, it’s even more exciting.
Another bonus is to make your own tasty treat for your furry friend. In this article, I share how wiping up your own homemade dog treats can save you money.
7. Snuffle mat or ball
A snuffle ball or mat can keep a dog engaged and keep boredom at bay. It’s even easy to make.
Moreover, even if your dog doesn’t like dog toys, like Henry, he/she may still love a sniffing game or snuffle ball. Don’t give up on entertaining your dog!
Want more ways to play with your dog when your pup hates dog toys? In this article, I share some fun, easy, and free ways to play with your dog.
Wear your dog out
You will probably know the best way to wear out your dog. Henry has a few activities that can wear him out.
1. A long hike
Going on a hike with your dog can engage his body and mind. Make sure to let your dog explore and sniff. I know Henry loves all the various sniff on our hikes.
Worried about going on a hike and hurting your back? Here’s how to do it without pain.
Maybe you get tired of your dog coming home from a hike with sap in his paws. These are my easy sap solutions.
2. Visiting and playing with a best puppy friend
Henry’s best doggie friend always wears him out! Well, she gets worn out too during their playdates. It’s good for both pups and for their hu-moms.
Henry and his best puppy mate on a playdate.3. Going on a long walk in a new area
Exploring new areas, with different smells, will help to engage your dog’s brain and keep him/her entertained.
Additionally, this activity can help tire out your dog as well, which can be an added bonus. I know Henry is more tired after exploring a new area.
Do you know that a simple walk can help cut your dog’s expenses? In this article, I share how.
4. Doggie daycare playtime
Henry loves doggie daycare. It’s like Disneyland for him.
This article, helps you select a great doggie daycare. You’ll learn what to look for and what to ask.
5. A low-cost doggie date
Going on a date, such as a walking tour, and including your dog can be fun for all involved. Additionally, it doesn’t even have to be costly to be fun. Even if you go on a date with just your dog, it can be entertaining for both of you.
Would you like to go on a doggie date, but think it would bust your budget? In this article, I reveal 25 great affordable doggie date ideas.
Lick pads
A lick pad be very entertaining for some dogs to try to get all the yummy bits out of the pad. Moreover, if your dog is a wiggle butt during bath time, you may even want to try a lick pad for a distraction.
This is an affordable lick pad your dog may just love!
Home agility course
While your dog needs to be monitored on any agility course, it can be very engaging for your pup. However, you will need to teach your dog how to maneuver the course correctly, which involves a bit of training and learning.
Thus, a bonus of an agility course and keeping your dog from being bored.
Moreover, you can either set up your own DIY agility course in your backyard, or you can purchase an affordable course.
Additionally, if you don’t want to build your own DIY agility course, this is an affordable one you can purchase.
Bubble chase
If your dog loves to chase butterflies or just about anything, then try blowing bubbles and let your dog chase them. When they pop, your pup will be excited for more bubbles.
Moreover, if you don’t have the lung capacity or energy to keep up with the need for more bubbles, you can even buy an automatic bubble blower affordably like this one with non-toxic bacon-flavored bubbles.
Training
Learning a new behavior or a new trick can help keep your dog entertained. Henry loves dog training and then nap afterward.
Want to engage your pup in dog training? Maybe teach your dog obedience training or maybe a trick or two, but don’t think you have the time or money? In this article, I share how you can train your dog on your schedule and for free.
Dog walker
If you don’t have the time to properly exercise your dog, it can lead to a bored dog and more importantly impact your dog’s health.
Thus, hiring a dog walker could be a terrific idea!
Want to learn the keys to hiring a dog walker? In this article, I reveal everything you need to know.
How does keeping my dog entertained cut my expenses?
Of course, how you keep your dog entertained or to what extent, will depend on your dog’s needs.
But one thing that is for certain is that a bored dog (even Henry when he’s bored) can get into trouble. That means higher expenses for dog parents. Consider the following expenses for a moment.
Related posts:
Summary of Affordable Creative Tricks to Entertain Your Dog
Entertaining your dog doesn’t have to break your bank. With a bit of resourcefulness and creativity, you can easily provide your dog with ample entertainment.
Moreover, it can be fun and inexpensive for you as well.
As for me, I know it doesn’t cost me anything to keep Henry entertained and more expensive bills at bay. Additionally, I love knowing that Henry’s cognitive skills are being engaged as well. He’s happy and healthy and it’s been easy and free. What more can I ask for?
How do you like to entertain your dog? Did you realize that keeping your dog from being bored is a budget saver?
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