PHOENIX —
Editor's Note: The above video is coverage of bald eagles nesting in an Arizona saguaro cactus.
Our furry family members are no doubt helping us through these difficult times amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Darris Cooper, dog training manager at Petco, shared a few tips to keep our pets safe and healthy as they continue to give us comfort and love.
Balance is key in 'ruff' times
Cooper suggests finding a balance between giving your pet the right amount of physical and mental stimulation. This means exercise, games and toys for your pet to enjoy.
“Keeping their minds happy, healthy and busy is really important during this time as well as maintaining the wellness routine for both them and for us,” Cooper explained.
This could also help with your pet’s behavior at home as you spend more time together.
You CAN teach an old dog new tricks
This might be a good time to teach your dog a new trick. Maybe your pooch has mastered the basics, rollover or shake, but the possibilities are endless. By the time the stay-at-home order is lifted your dog may be turning off light switches or opening the fridge.
Cooper encourages positive enforcement training to give you and your pet something to do.
“Those are phenomenal ways to keep them busy as well as interactive toys can be really helpful,” Cooper said.
Working with your four-legged friends
For those pet parents working from home, you have a furry coworker that is thrilled to spend more with you. Make them their own workspace like a mat or bed and give them something to do like an interactive toy while you work, Cooper suggests.
This way your pet will be near you and you will be able to get some work done.
Going back to the office
Eventually, we will head back to the office and once again be tormented by whimpers and whines from our pets when we leave.
Cooper suggests preparing your pet for your absence. He says try letting your pet spend some time alone while you are home. Give them something to do and let them adjust to being alone again.
“Give them time to themselves inside. Don’t lock them up, just give them confidence to stand on four paws and be alone,” Cooper said.
Not a pet parent? That can be fixed.
Animal shelters across the nation are being affected by COVID-19. Some are having to take in more animals, while at the same time cutting staff and volunteers and limiting hours.
Animal advocates encourage people to use this time to adopt or foster an animal from a local shelter.
Contact the shelter before you go to find out how the facility is conducting foster care and adoptions.
