What do you do when YOU are sick?

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

The past two days I have been sick and unable to get Rooney out for his usual daily walk.  My kids or husband can take him for a walk when they get home, but it still makes for a long day of very little activity for the poor little guy.  On top of that, the rain has returned (What? Rain in Seattle? Shocking!) and so it isn't even as easy as taking him in the backyard for a change of scenery and low key playtime.

Honestly, he is being so good about it.  I'm very lucky he has a rather mellow, go with the flow nature but I can tell he's getting stir crazy.  I feel terrible because I love our walks and would totally just suck it up if I could but I'm really not able to right now.

So, suggestions on how to entertain a young pup when he's stuck inside most of the day?  I feel well enough that I'm happy to play with him indoors but our short range games of "fetch" aren't really doing much to burn his energy.  Ideas? 

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Not many ideas here - I would have had my husband take Peri to daycare in your case (but Rooney may be too young for that anyway).  The good news is I do think they can sense you not feeling well and lay off the craziness a bit.  And the better news is that in a year or so, he will be the BEST cuddle partner EVER when you are sick :)  Get better soon.

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Since I am primarily at home daycare isn't something I have even looked into. It does sound like a great option in times like this.  I hadn't even thought of that.  But, like Allyson said, I don't know if Rooney is even old enough and I'd want to have enough time to make sure the place was safe for him.  Maybe I need to start looking at the options in our area so the next time something like this comes up I might have a better solution.

He really is being such a good boy- thank goodness!

[Moe]

We have a Dog Teaser, she loves it and it wears her out. You can play with in the house or out in the yard. It is a great rainy day toy. We use the one we bought for inside and have a gallon milk jug with an old leash tied to it for outside. She loves chasing both. I think it is nice to let the dog do something that works with their natural prey instinct. To keep her busy I also put 1/3 of her food per day in a dispenser so she can forage for it. I have a ball and a kong wobbler.

Hope you're on the mend soon.

[Willow and J]

I second daycare, but I don't know if your little one is still too young to be allowed.

Chew toys? (Willow used to chew on dried yams for 5 min. when she had baby teeth. Now it's gone in less than 5 seconds)

Kongs with goodies stuffed inside?

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Hi Lori, check out this group for some good ideas:  http://www.doodlekisses.com/group/DoodleDoldrums

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

Thanks, I will!  

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

When Tara was a pup I used to stuff a plastic container (yogurt container or a bucket-whatever) with her little stuffies after hiding a treat in the bottom. She would spend hours pulling stuff out in order to find the treat. Of course it requires you restuffing the container. Also if you have the energy for it Tara enjoys finding treats or her toys that I hide around a room or around the house while she has to down/stay in another room.  This is a good way to practice obedience and make it fun for the pup. Also,  any type of training (mental work) can be just as tiring as a physical work out. Hope you are feeling better soon!

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

I'm sure he would love it!  He is very social with both people and other dogs and loves doggy playtime more than anything.  Now I just need to find a good daycare option in our area.  It's definitely a good idea and I could see other times it would be a nice change of pace for him.  Thanks for the idea!

[Jen & Ember]

There are a few great ones in the Seattle area. I'm up in Everett but absolutely adore Ember's daycare, The Dog Spot. We also do her training there too. She started once she had all her shots. 

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

So many great suggestions here, thank you!

One challenge I have with anything that involves treats is Reagan.  Reagan is an old guy who could care less if we stay inside all day.  However, he is incredibly food obsessed and that is the one thing that will always get him acting like he is pup again.  He becomes a complete bully and hogs any and all treats.  So, my only option is to separate them but then Reagan just stands on the other side of the gate looking totally pathetic and envious of what that darn little puppy is getting.  It doesn't work to try and give them equal time as Reagan will have none of "taking turns".

Ah well... life with multiple dogs, right?

I really do appreciate all of these suggestions though.  Definitely some great things to try.  I do have two Kongs in the freezer right now (one for Rooney, one for Reagan- they will be separated) for this afternoon when we all start feeling a little desperate.

Can't wait to be back to my normal self.  I'd be more than happy to take Rooney for a walk in the rain!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Lori, I'm so sorry that you've been sick.  A few weeks ago I had the same problem.  The Doods went to Daycare a few days and we hired our Trainer to walk them the rest of the time.  It was a very expensive case of the flu.  LOL.  The Doodle Doldrums Group should give you some ideas.....feel better.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have a dog sitter and I have actually had to call her to help with the dogs when I had a nasty bout with the flu. Otherwise, I would boil marrow bones. They keep my dogs happy for hours.  Maybe daycare. I hope you feel better soon.