What can I have Jack do While I'm gone?

[jacensolo]

My dog Jack sits outside in a pretty good sized underground fenced area when I'm gone. I go to school everyday and he doesn't have much to do when I'm gone. So he's made things to do like protect our house and bark at squirrels (Actually he doesn't bark at them any more because he's learned barking makes them run before he can get to them :lol-sign. Is there anything I can give him to do while I'm gone? I've tried bones because he chews them sometimes in the house but he just buries them when he's outside. I was going to get him a playmate but I was worried I would give him less attention if I did, and I can't really get another dog right now.

Any ideas?

edit: He loves chasing balls if that helps any. How much are tether poles?

 

[Dizzy]

You could make a decent tether pole!

Have you tried kongs - or treat balls?

 

[jacensolo]

Treat balls won't entertain him while I'm not around most likely. I don't know what kongs are (unless there treat balls). A tether pole sounds like a good idea I just need someway to initiate the ball moving. I can see him having fun with it for a bit but not a lot unless I'm there.

 

[oc_spirit]

I would suggest feeding all his meals in kongs so he can work at it throughout the day. I believe the site for kongs is www.kongcompany.com if thats not right you can google "kong dog toy" and it will pop up. On warm days you could also add a little water to the kibble and then stuff it in the kong and freeze it. It will take a little longer for him to get the kibble out plus provide a nice cool treat. I would also highly recommend waking up 1/2 hr earlier each morning and taking him for a good fast walk/jog before leaving for school.

 

[jacensolo]

Has anybody used these "kongs"? They like a great idea but how long does it take to get the treat? Will he just be able to chew through it?

 

[oc_spirit]

If you have an aggressive chewer get the black kong. The red kong is the original and is pretty strong but is nothing to some serious chewers. The blue kong has the same durability as the red kong but it is intended for playing in water (it floats) not for stuffing treats in. I have two black ones for the boys and so far they have lasted 4 years of serious Husky teeth along with various other breeds who have stopped by for playing or training and happened across them.

How long it takes them to get the treat out depends on what's in there, how it was packed in, and whether or not it was frozen. Can last anywhere from a couple minutes (OC has mastered throwing the kong around to knock the dry treats out) to a couple of hours (they work on it for a bit, leave, then come back again later).

 

[jacensolo]

I think I might order a couple. I don't think it would keep him occupied during the day unless I skipped breakfast though, and probably giving him dinner earlier.

 

[oc_spirit]

Breakfast would be what is stuffed into the kongs

 

[Dreeza]

not sure if its the case with Jack, but with Oakley, we have given up on trying to keep him occupied. He simply just doesnt want to have anything to do with anything while we are gone.

We can leave him his favorite treats, and he wont touch them unless we are there.

He is fine though...dogs sleep a lot anyways. Leaving kongs is a great idea..i just wouldnt stress over making sure he is occupied...

Just play with him lots when you get home

 

[krisykris]

I stuff cream cheese, peanut butter, and other things into mine. I also get the KONG filling that goes in it.