Have you been too sick to do much with your dog? Normally you play fetch or go for a walk, but the flu has you by the balls and won't let go. You are definitely married to the porcelein queen and no way to leave it.
You are laying on the couch wondering why the flu exists when your dog comes by and drops a ball on your head. You try to put the covers over your head and this time he gives you a paw. Maybe you have a border collie and he backs up and moves forward all while snorfling to make his presence known.
Let's face it. You have dogs that want to do. You are the keeper of the do.
When you are sick how do you still meet the needs of your dog so you can rest?
First note--teach your dog how to play this game BEFORE you are sick. Also, don't get sick. Ever. (ha!) These are great to play when the weather is bad or you want a more low key day. Cardboard confidence
Curious Pups level-
At this level you will get a box appropriate to the size of your dog. For some dogs the lid of a shoe box will be more appropriate than an Amazon box. Throw treats around the box and if they are brave enough put some treats in the box. You are looking for confidence. If they seem a little weary that is okay. Just put more treats around or further away from the box.
Adventure Seekers level-
At this level you will use a box and put some stuff in it. This can be the brown paper that comes with packaging. Your dog will sniffle through it to find their kibble or treats. I also add in empty water bottles, milk jugs or anything else that is safe from my garbage.
Top Paws level-
At this level you can have multiple boxes or other containers. You can put the items on the ground. You can have boxes big enough that your dog can hop into it and search for food that way! I even take egg cartons, close it and put food in there. I have even taken frozen kongs or topls and put those inside a closed box. The sky is really the limit here.
Safety warning: Be sure to supervise from the couch to ensure your dog isn't eating what they shouldn't be eating. I allow my dogs to shred the boxes. Raj's method for getting into boxes is shredding, but he doesn't eat it. Zoey figures out how to open items with her nose. Arrow is still at the Adventure Seekers level, so no closed objects.
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