Play Outside While Locked In

As the sun starts to peek out and the flowers begin to bloom, all you want to do is be outdoors and enjoying nature with your dog. However, this is not always a reality in the current world we live in: Shelter in place is the buzzword of the nation right now, which is especially frustrating when you have a doggo who has endless energy. All hope is not lost, friend. Even a tiny yard is better than no yard at all, so make use of the space that you do have to get him good and sleepy by the end of the day. Rather than do more of the same, switch up your playtime patterns.

Ensure That He's Eating Right

Activity and a well-balanced diet are two of the most important factors for keeping Rover happy and healthy during the lockdown. The two go hand-in-hand (or is it paw in paw?) when it comes to playtime and energy levels, so double-check that what he's eating is good for him. Avoid foods that contain things like:

• Meat and grain by-products and meals instead of 100% meat

• Food dyes

• Rendered fat

• Corn and wheat gluten

Once you've found a brand that you trust and that your dog seems to like, top it off with Chewy's Chicken Meal Mixers Dog Food Topper . This yummy chicken-based blend is not only delicious, but it also is a good source of protein and probiotics and is manufactured in the good old US of A. There are plenty of other flavors if chicken isn't his favorite, so check them out and see what else you can find.

Onto Playtime

Now for the fun part: Getting your doggo good and tired. There are plenty of ways to do this, but the best methods are the classics. You can certainly spend good money on quality dog toys and accessories, and that can be fun and stimulating in itself. However, look in your backyard for some of the best free toys and exercise methods.

Throw The Ball, But With Obstacles

Most dogs love the thrill of chasing their beloved tennis ball , and running joyfully through a flat space is invigorating on its own. But think for a moment: You get bored of the same thing over and over, don't you think your dog feels the same way? Mix up the normal ball-throwing routine to work his mind and body.

• Is there a slope or a hill nearby? Throwing the ball up and downhill adds a whole new dimension of challenge to the whole experience. Try bouncing it as you throw it and watch your dog lose his mind trying to catch it. This also works if you're stuck inside and have a staircase; toss the ball down the stairs.

• Train your dog to catch the ball in his mouth. Bounce it on the ground and encourage him to "Catch it!" Praise him heavily when he does, and before long you will be weaving a "Catch it!" routine into every game of fetch.

• Even this prissiest dogs know how to swim, but it's a matter of whether or not they enjoy the experience. If yours is one that loves to splash and you're lucky enough to have water nearby (a creek, a pool, etc), throw the ball in the water. Retrievers especially love this game because not only are they catching their favorite ball, but they're keeping cool and doing their other favorite thing too.

Water Play

Speaking of water, it's going to start heating up outside pretty soon (or heat up more, if you live in the South). Warmer weather is upon us and that means that you're going to have to find ways to keep your pets and kids cooled off. Your hose can be the perfect water toy to give your pupper plenty of exercise and stay cool all while having the time of his doggie life. If you have kids, all the better — everyone can play together.

• Turn on the sprinkler and let the shenanigans ensue. Assuming he's not afraid of the sprinkler, chances are he will go nuts jumping through it, chomping at it and overall having a great time.

• Simply turn on the hose and start spraying. Spritz the air and watch the dog try and guess where this mystical rain came from and guess where it will appear next. This is usually a crowd-pleaser for dogs and kids alike and everyone has fun running around. (Remind small ones to watch their step on slippery grass!)

• Invest in a cheap kiddie pool. These are ridiculously inexpensive and provide hours of fun for kids and dogs alike, and they're so easy to clean: Simply empty and spray with the hose. Kiddie pools are also a great opportunity to make use of the special water toys you have, such as the super-durable Bionic Toss N Tug Ring .

Enjoy The Time

It's easy to get swept up in what the media is telling you, but when you have a furry head on your lap and a pair of eyes gazing lovingly up at you, listen to what your dog is telling you. Turn off the news, give your doggo a pat on the head and go outside and play. It's a scary world that we live in right now, but try not to dwell on the negative aspects. Try and look at it from your dog's point of view: "I get to spend extra time with my best friend every day, isn't that great?"