How can I teach my dog to entertain herself?

3 years ago by ✨Abigail Watson✨ to c/dogs

I recently adopted an adult dog. She's sweet, affectionate, and well behaved. But it seems like the only thing she cares about is scritches! She's either sleeping or shoving her head into your hands for attention. She doesn't care about toys, or food, or anything else I give her. I can't teach her games since the only thing she wants is to please me. Any time I can't pet her, she sleeps just until I'm available again - she's great with a crate so I don't think it's separation anxiety.

So is there any way I can teach her to entertain herself? I worry that encouraging this codependency will lead to her feeling unfulfilled.

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OtisRamflow 15 points 3 years ago

https://a.co/d/eXL9ITe

Those are great, get some thick sausage-like treats to put down the middle. Keeps our dogs occupied for a long time. They've gotten pretty good at figuring them out, but initially this would keep them busy for like an hour trying to get every last bit out.

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polygon6121 10 points 3 years ago

Great idea! Or fill it with soaked kibbles or wetfood and throw in the freezer. Nice to pull out from the freezer whenever you want/need, bonus that it also cools her down during summer. It is very relaxing for dogs to lick something!

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JackbyDev 5 points 3 years ago

OP, this is another toy. https://a.co/d/iePfyvL It's a very easy "puzzle", there are harder ones you can try later.

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dogs

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Breeds, tips and tricks about training and behaviour, news affecting dog owners, canine photography, dog-related art and any questions related to dog ownership.

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No breed discrimination, all breeds welcome. Our stance matches the ASPCA's official stance and is not up for debate.
Citing your sources when making a claim is encouraged. Misinformation will be removed.
When posting an image containing text, provide alt text in the post body. This helps users with limited vision participate in our community. Providing alt text on all image posts is strongly encouraged.

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dogs

@lemmy.world

login for more options

A community about dogs.

Breeds, tips and tricks about training and behaviour, news affecting dog owners, canine photography, dog-related art and any questions related to dog ownership.

Rules

Posts must be related to dogs or dog ownership and must not be void of content.
This is a neutral space. No bigotry or personal attacks. Criticism should be polite and constructive.
No automated content. This includes AI generated imagery, post body, articles, comments or automated accounts.
No advertising or self-promotion.
Illegal or unethical practices are frowned upon, and any comments or posts suggesting them will be removed. This includes, but is not limited to, backyard breeding, ear and tail cropping, fake service animals, negative reinforcement, alpha/pack/dominance theory, and eugenics.
No judging or attacking community members who care for dogs with cropped ears, docked tails, or those from puppy mills or questionable sources. While we discourage these practices (per Rule 5), all dogs deserve loving homes and compassionate care regardless of their background or physical alterations.
No breed discrimination, all breeds welcome. Our stance matches the ASPCA's official stance and is not up for debate.
Citing your sources when making a claim is encouraged. Misinformation will be removed.
When posting an image containing text, provide alt text in the post body. This helps users with limited vision participate in our community. Providing alt text on all image posts is strongly encouraged.

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