By the way, since we have all the singles in one thread, can we share tips on keeping them entertained/busy/etc when the humans wear out? At my place, sometimes there isn't enough humans, the cat isn't much fun, the yard isn't fenced, the dog park is 40 minutes away, I'm not real familiar with the neighbors, and I'm running low on hiding places.
Mostly when I stop playing the dog goes to lay down and that really bothers me, but I reject an ongoing guilt trip too because I'm doing all I can to be a dogmother. Is there more to lonely yorkie life than chew toys? There's only so many hours, and the dog wants all of them. Is that just baby stage?
What I have so far:
15 minutes - hiding his toy deep inside a crumpled blanket, or wedging it in a tight spot.
30-45 minutes - He has a favorite teddy which he is trying to mate with, that's his own game, it stays in one of his beds, and he usually knocks himself out after a good romp with her.
30 minutes - I also put his kibbles in those Wacky Squirrels and that'll occupy him for a good half hour.
1-2 hours - (requires supervision) - In fair weather he can amuse himself out in the yard for a good hour or more, rolling his ball down stairs, pouncing it, digging, hunting bugs, hiding biscuits, fooling with a pool of water, except in my case I have to keep constant watch and herd him away from the driveway intermittently.
Along with all the things I do that he can join in, and all the walks and bike rides, play and grooming and training and visits, there's still hours need filling. |