Guess who's actually loving the coronavirus quarantine? Yep, the family pooch. So much attention, so many butt scratches, so many walks. This might be what Fido heaven looks like.
Kept away from their friends and classmates, kids too might have a new appreciation for their family dog as a playmate. It is important to spend quality time with your dog and provide them attention and daily exercise anyway, so get the kids involved.
Our friends over at the American Kennel Club (AKC) sent us this fun list of activities for kids and their dogs to try at home.
- Dog art: Draw a portrait of your dog. Try focusing on just your dog’s face or play with different media. Do a pencil sketch and then try another version with bright-colored markers or crayons.
- Geometric dogs: Create a picture of your dog using geometric shapes such as different-sized circles, ovals, triangles, squares and rectangles. You can cut out these shapes from paper, or use your computer. Check out this fun instructional video on YouTube, using cut-out paper.
- Song: Change a pop song you like so the lyrics are about your dog. Perform it for your family.
- And dance: Make up a dance routine with your dog! Check out this fun freestyle video, Musical Dog Freestyle, and then practice teaching your dog to jump, spin and wiggle to your favorite song.
- Favorite places map: Draw a map of your neighborhood marking your dog’s favorite places to sniff and play.
- Do-it-yourself agility: Create your own agility jump for your dog using household items such as a broom and chairs as anchors. Place the broom handle between the two anchors. Start low and practice introducing your dog to the jump first, then guide him over the jump with his favorite toy or treat!
- Paw-print masterpiece: Make a paw-print finger-paint masterpiece! Using washable, non-toxic paint, gently place your dog’s clean, dry paw in the paint. Move her paw over to the paper and lightly press down. Use different colors to make a one-of-a-kind doggie creation! After you are done, wash your pup’s paw off using warm water and her favorite dog shampoo.
- Caring for your dog: Practice good hygiene with your pups, too! Take the time to wash their food and water bowls and toys using warm water and mild soap. Ask an adult for help before using a specific cleaner. Make sure to brush your pooch every day to keep his fur soft and clean.
- Bake dog treats: With help from an adult, you can bake your dog some delicious dog treats. Here's the AKC's recipe for homemade dog treats. Your pooch will love them!
In addition to these at-home activities, the AKC offers up these great dog-themed books for kids in kindergarten through grade 6. Maybe snuggling up and reading with Rover is on the docket today.
