Games for Immobile Dogs

Keeping a dog immobile after an injury or surgery is a difficult task. Once the dog begins to feel better, it doesn't understand that it needs to remain quiet. Dogs confined to a crate or pen who are unable to move around quickly become bored. Since you can't exercise them physically, it's important to stimulate them mentally with games and activities that allow them to remain still.

  1. The Search Game

    • Nothing excites a dog like a treat. Stock up on some high-value treats, or if your dog is on a restricted diet, boil a chicken breast and cut it into pieces. Show the dog the treat, then put your hands behind your back and place the treat in one hand. Be sure you've handled it with both hands so the scent will be on them. Hold your fists in front of the dog and give a command such as ̶0;Find it!̶1; Once the dog sniffs out the treat, repeat the game. This also works with the treat in bags, under paper cups or empty yogurt containers with small holes punched in them. They can be placed in front of the dog in the pen or crate.

    Play Ball

    • Training is an excellent way to stimulate your dog mentally and entertain him too. The object of this activity is to teach the dog to roll a ball back to you. The dog will learn this in a few steps. Sit a few feet in front of your dog in a confined space, such as his pen. Roll a ball toward the dog. Reward any interest he shows in the ball with a treat, even if he just sniffs it. If he pushes the ball even a bit with his nose, give a treat. Build on this behavior and start teaching him to roll the ball in your direction. Ignore the ball if it rolls to either side of you, but praise and treat if it comes your way.

    Interactive Toys

    • Purchase a selection of interactive dog toys. Some involve putting kibble inside an object for the dog to remove; others are puzzles. Hollow rubber toys can be filled with food such as yogurt, canned pumpkin, canned dog food or baby food. Put some food inside the toy, then place it in a plastic bag and freeze it. It will take the dog some time to lick the frozen food out.

    Find the Food

    • Finding treats that are hidden will tire your dog out.

      Wrap a few pieces of kibble or small treats in several pieces of paper. Place the wads of paper in a box appropriately sized for your dog. Cracker boxes, cereal boxes or takeout boxes work. Place the box in your dog's pen and let him uncover the food. You will have to clean up shreds of paper, but your dog will be happy and tired.