Skip to contentPolkadog at Home
Social distancing is upon us, and although we may feel far apart from our friends, family, and coworkers, we find ourselves closer than ever to the pets we love. So with that silver lining in mind, here are a few ways to make the most of your time at home with your dog or cat.
Color Your Own Cod Illustration
Fishing for something to do with the kids? Download our coloring worksheet and create your own Cod art! For years, this illustration has represented the simplicity and all-natural approach of our famous single-ingredient dehydrated treats. Now you and your family can make it your own. Be sure to tag us on social and show us your masterpieces! Special shout out to our friend Joe McKendry for the original illustration.
Bake a Batch of Delicious Dog Treats
Quarantine is a great opportunity to hone your baking skills. (Fake it till you bake it, right?) Our recipe for Quarantine Peanut Butter Oatmeal Crunch Dog Treats is straightforward and uses ingredients you might already have in your pantry. And if you're looking for a wheat-free option, we recently shared our recipe for Gingerbread Dog Biscuits with Food Network Magazine. Whatever you end up baking, your pup will gladly kiss the cook afterwards.
Learn a New Trick or Command
It’s no secret that dog training requires time and a whole lot of patience. We’re guessing you have some free time on your hands, so you’re already halfway there! So while you’re stuck indoors, why not work on a fun new trick? Make sure you have treats ready to quickly reward your dog for good behavior, because positive reinforcement is key. Our Wonder Nuggets are sized perfectly for just that!
Dance your Tails Off
It doesn’t matter if you have two legs or four… sometimes you just need to bust a move! And as we spend more and more time on the couch these days, it’s important to remember to get up and be active. So turn off the TV, turn up the tunes, and transform your living room into a doggy dance floor. Spotify will even customize a playlist for you and your furry friend using their pup-rietary technology.
Say Hi to Furrends with Video Chat
Social distancing for you also means social distancing for your pup. With less trips to the park, your dog is likely missing out on valuable playtime and socialization with furry friends. Luckily, video chatting services like Skype and Zoom make it easy to keep in touch. So call up your fellow pet parents and schedule a virtual Yappy Hour — we promise it will be more fun than your work conference calls!
Cozy Up and Watch a Movie
Theaters might be closed, but a movie night at home can be just as fun. From AirBud to Marley & Me, there are plenty of dog-friendly films the whole family can enjoy. And don’t forget about concessions! While you reach for the popcorn and candy, make sure you treat your pup to something special too. Our Soft & Chewy nuggets are the perfect for snacking… and they won’t crunch too much during the movie.
Paint with your Pup
Sure, you have some beautiful prints on your walls — but you’re missing the most important print of all! During quarantine, channel your inner artist and throw a painting party for you and your pup. You only need a paw and some non-toxic paint to create a one-of-kind masterpiece that will live forever in your home. Who knows… you might discover the next pup-casso.
Create a Cardboard Fort for your Cat
We’ve all been getting more deliveries these days, but think twice before you throw out those cardboard boxes. Cats love cozy, confined spaces, and boxes are an easy way to keep them entertained for hours. Simply open the box, lay it on the ground, and let their curiosity do the rest. If you’re feeling adventurous, try creating a network of boxes and tunnels and add to it over time!
Pamper your Pup with a Spa Day
Bath time doesn’t have to be a bore. With a few simple steps, you can elevate your wash routine and give your pup the ultimate spa treatment. And while you’ll be able to capture priceless Instagram content, spa day is more than just a cute photo opportunity. The relaxing ambiance will put anxious dogs at ease and help maintain cleanliness during quarantine, since you won’t be able to visit your local groomer.
Embark on a Scented Scavenger Hunt
Dogs are extremely food-motivated and have an acute sense of smell — the perfect skill set for scavenger hunting. To start, map out a tasty adventure by hiding little bits of treats throughout your home. Our Cods Skins have an irresistible scent and are perfect for activities like this. Challenge your pup to find every piece until they ultimately discover a ‘grand prize’ like a toy or a chew. Happy hunting!
Serenade Your Dog
Sometimes music is the best medicine. Just ask Malinda Herman, a 70-year-old musician from Bangkok, Thailand who has gained Internet fame for serenading her sleepy Chihuahua. Her adorable videos have racked up hundreds of thousands of views and are inspiring pet parents to create songs of their own. So if you’re looking for something to do with your pet, just start singing. Or lip-synch, we won’t judge.
Zoom With Polkadog
While your dog is running “zoomies” in the hallway, you can be on Zoom sharing your Polkadog Pride with friends, family, and coworkers. Our custom Zoom backgrounds make it easy to turn any room into a dog lover’s paradise. Conduct your next meeting in front of our famous Cod Skins or hang out with one of our adorable furrends. Click the button below to view them all and download your favorites.
Work on a New Skill or Command
Whether you’re housebreaking a new puppy or teaching an old dog new tricks, quarantine is an ideal time to work on training. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Ruff Translating, a Boston-based training school, to create a series of tips to help you get the most out of your sessions. Our first lesson explains how you can use Wonder Nuggets to reward your dog for good behavior — because nothing says Good Boy or Good Girl like a delicious all-natural Polkadog treat!
Check back soon for more Polkadog at Home tips!