Have you ever been worried that your dog isn’t getting the attention that they deserve, now that a new baby is in the picture? Lots of parents everywhere struggle with balancing attention for their baby and their furbaby. It is a total normal process that people go through. To help with that, I have created a list of activities a parent can do with their child and dog!
Indoor Activities A Parent Can Do With Their Child and Dog
Tummy Time and Mind Exercises
Every mom knows what tummy time is! It’s that time of day you get your baby on their stomach so they can build those back, arm, and neck muscles. Your baby should be doing it regularly so they can keep growing as normal, so why not include the dog?
While your baby is doing their tummy time thing, make tummy time a dog activity too. But with their own tummy time activity, like mind exercises! Mind exercises are not only amazing games for your dog but it creates confidence and helps relieve boredom.
For dual tummy time, I would use either a snuffle mat or puzzle toy. The snuffle mat is a toy made of fabric where there is a lot of surface area. In the grooves and crevasses of the fabric, you can hide training treats for your dog to find and consume. Puzzle toys are plastic devices with hidden doors that your dog has to manipulate to get a training treat. They are amazing because they really get your dog to think about how they are going to get that next treat.
Make Your Dog A Special Treat Together
If there is anything I know about children, it is that they love doing what mom and dad are doing. Especially in the kitchen! So why not make it a group activity? Come up with a doggie recipe that you and your little one can make for your pup.
While in the kitchen, work together to make the treat. There are great toddler stools on Amazon so your little one can be right up in the action, in a safe device. Don’t forget to have your dog present and make sure they get lots of tastes along the way! If it was a human treat, you know you’d be grabbing a bite here and there.
After it is all done, make sure your little one asks your dog for a nice “sit” and “gentle” before they get their treat! Two great snacks that my dogs love are Barkuterie Boards and Pawfaits!
Teach Your Child To Train Your Dog
There isn’t a dog out there that doesn’t like learning something new! Same with children! So let’s get them to learn together. Go online and find a really simple but fun new trick. Work with your child to teach your dog that new trick!
Make sure your child is ready with training treats or even their own training bag! Show your child the right times and wrong times to reward the dog. As they both learn a new skill, you will be completely impressed!
If you need help teaching your child how to respect your dog, check out How To Teach Children To Respect Dogs!
Family Nap Time
You read right! Sometimes everyone just needs a nice nap. Babies nap up until their toddler years so take advantage of them. While the kiddo is down for a nap, cuddle up on the couch with your dog and just relax. It isn’t a physical activity but the time with your dog means more to them than you think.
Plan A Movie Night
What a better way to bond with your child and your dog than a movie night. Turn your living room into a comfy cozy space. Either blow up the air mattress or grab the futon mattress from the spare room and put it in the living room. Then get all the pillows in the house and throw them on the mattress. Don’t forget to grab two or three fuzzy blankets.
You can’t have a movie marathon without a good snack! Make yourself two things of party mix; one for the human family and one for the canine. For the puppy party mix I would throw together raw carrot, raw green beans, cheese cubes, hard boil egg, plain chicken jerky, and a small amount of training treats. For the human party mix, you make it with your kiddo’s favorite snacks. Last but certainly not least, make sure you are wearing your most comfortable pajamas. Bonus points if your dog has a matching pair with the family!
Craft Time
Get those art and crafts supplies ready! Children love crafts so why not incorporate your dog! Grab all your crafting goodies out on a table and set up a nice resting place nearby for your furbaby.
Get canvas and pet safe paint then use their paw prints to make a paw collage. You can even spread out their paw prints then draw stems and leaves off the bottoms. Then bam, a blossoming paw print field.
One of the best doggie crafts is the peanut butter painting. You get a canvas that fits into a gallon sized ziplock baggie then blot paint on the canvas. You spread peanut butter on the side of the bag then place the canvas in the bag, paint and peanut butter side up. Let your dog lick up the peanut butter and as they do, the paint will move around. They paint the canvas themselves! After they’re done, have it dry outside the bag. Voila! A puppy masterpiece.
Make sure your kid makes a matching paint canvas and display both canvases somewhere in the house for all your guests to see! Your kid will love showing them off to everyone.
Outside Activities
Family Walk
Walking is not only healthy for you but for your dog. Schedule a time a day that the entire family goes for a quick walk around the neighborhood. One parent can take the stroller and the other can take the dog. Everyone gets out and gets some well needed fresh air. Your dog will love all the new smells and being with the family! This is probably one of the healthiest activities a parent can do with their child and dog.
Go To A Local Park
When the kid has way too much energy, it may be time to head to a park! And why not bring the dog? There are so many different things you can do. There are nature trails, playgrounds, waterparks, and more.
The entire family can enjoy the nature trails with a nice walk around the park. Also your kid may enjoy playing in the jungle gym. If your dog is up for it, you can even have them try out a few playground pieces. This activity will actually boost confidence in your pup!
Camping Trip
Who doesn’t love a weekend away? Camping is such a great bonding experience for the entire family. Children love it because they get to play and see new things. And dogs love it for the same reasons! While camping, everyone gets to experience new things. Also there are a lot of walks to be had so that’s double the activities together! For more on camping with your dog, take a look at For The Camping Canines.