What to do to entertain a puppy?

**mommy4ever** · 05-15-2008, 05:03 PM

Our Bella is full of mischief, as a puppy is wont to be. This week she's decided she loves... did I say loves to dig!(did I mention she loves to dig???). Anyway, I realize that her being terrier, it's an inherant trait. But we'd like to offer her some alternatives to digging when she's outside. She has some balls, she gets a bone outside as well. But she still turns to digging. She's burying rocks. Not her bone, rocks..lol. She's crazy!

It's been suggested to give her a sandbox to dig in, dh is not in agreement witht hat as he feels she'll just do it more. It won't stop her, but it might direct her energy in a suitable location....So far, nothing has worked. We've done the bury the poop in the hole, she was digging in only one spot, until we did that. Now she doesn't return to a hole, she just digs a new one..lol. No body's fool, that puppy-o-mine. Dh is determined that she can be distracted. She only digs when no one is looking. I haven't the time to stand there and wait for her to do her business and rush her in, I've got kids, a household, and my own things to do, not wait on the puppy. That said, she's only out for a short time, it's not like she's out 8 hours at a time, or even an hour. She likes to b ewith people, and I keep her in most of the time. But at times, it's nice and she wants to sun herself, and she should be allowed that outdoor time. But she gets into t-r-o-u-b-l-e with a capital T.

And ideas for a fun solo activity for a michievious pup?

**Edelweiss** · 05-15-2008, 06:43 PM

Maybe a Kong with a treat inside. It keeps my dog busy for half an hour or so, until she finally works the treat out of it.

**SewCrafty** · 05-15-2008, 11:02 PM

I watch and am a firm believer in Cesar Millan's approach to things. Check out his site, sounds like little Miss Bella needs some structured exercise to work off excess energy.

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/tips/

**Russ** · 05-23-2008, 11:56 AM

yep, I agree with the above post. You need to wear that puppy out so he is too tired to dig.

**Russ** · 05-23-2008, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by Edelweiss

Maybe a Kong with a treat inside. It keeps my dog busy for half an hour or so, until she finally works the treat out of it.

Put peanut butter in there and that dog will stay busy even longer!

**Ceashels** · 05-23-2008, 12:31 PM

I have also plugged the little hole in the Kong with peanut butter and froze it. I could then fill the Kong with broth and freeze that overnight. My girls had a long time of licking the frozen treat out of the Kong and kept me entertained for a good while.

**Izzy0906** · 05-23-2008, 12:32 PM

I agree with the excercise. My dog would do the same thing and he was only out for about 10 mins. at a time. I started walking him an hour a day, sometimes more(after getting a halter that stopped his pulling completely) and now he no longer digs.

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-23-2008, 02:00 PM

I record ALL Cesar Milan's shows. The Dog Whisperer. And I don't even have a dog!!! LOL!

**mommy4ever** · 05-23-2008, 02:14 PM

It's not a lack of physical exersion. It's mental stimulation. We've managed to curb alot of it now through stimulationg things for he rto do.

As to the Dog Whisperer, I disagree with alot that he says. He has some things I do agree with. But I guess we all have our own opinions.

**Russ** · 05-23-2008, 02:28 PM

ok, well you could try some of the dog/cat repellentsproducts that are on the market. Just do a quick google search and you will find plenty.
In addition, the exercise will wear the puppy out mentally too. It's not just for physical exersion.

And you have every right to disagree with Ceasar. No shame in that.

**Frugal Nurse** · 05-24-2008, 08:22 AM

Originally Posted by mommy4ever

As to the Dog Whisperer, I disagree with alot that he says. He has some things I do agree with. But I guess we all have our own opinions.

Maybeeeeeeeee that's why he's still digging holes! lol!!

DOH!! I'm outta here!

I'm just kidding you! As with anything- you take what you need and leave the rest.

I think the best alternative is to give him the mental diversion he needs.