We recently asked 1000 pet parents what they were doing with their dog (s) now that they were home more often. Here are the top 27.

1. Hiking & Walking. Canines are hiking and walking at unprecedented levels. Most people are walking their dog at least twice as much as before, and including interesting hikes and wilderness trails in the mix. Find a dog friendly hiking trail near you.

2. Car Rides. Dogs are going on "essential" errands with their human. Also many  people, desperate to get out of the house, are going on leisure drives to look at the ocean and mountains.

3. Daily Brushing. Now that you have the time, brush your dog daily. This will help reduce shedding on your sofa (where you've been spending more time) but it will also help with alleviating itchy skin. Read more about daily brushing.

4. Washing & grooming. Since many groomers are closed, and you're snuggling  more with your dog, bathing your dog is a task you'll have to tackle. Wondering how often your dog needs to be bathed? This article will tell you based on the type of dog and his/her activity level.

5. Easter Egg Hunt. What fun, hiding treats for your dog. Unfortunately during COVID-19 you won't be able to invite your friends but on the bright side your pup will be happy there's no competition. Here's how you can create an awesome Easter Egg Hunt for your pooch. 

6. Baking for Your Dog. Make a cake, make cookies, make treats. It will be fun for you and your dog will be in heaven. Want to make cookies? Here's some cookie recipes we love. And if you want to bake a dog safe cake, check these out.

7. Making home made dog food. This is one of those things that you always think you'd love to do if only you had the time. Well, now you do. Here's 20 recipes you can try.

8. Dog Training / Tricks. We were surprised how many people said they were teaching their dog a new trick, or going through online dog training programs. Head on over to YouTube where you'll find an abundance of dog training videos. This video that goes over the basics like sit, stay, leave it and more.

10. Playing Fetch & Frisbee. Lots of dogs would play fetch all day long if you'd let them. Well, now's your chance to test that out.

@aria_the_bernedoodle

11. Celebrate your Dog's Birthday. This year the celebration will have to be on the smaller side, as you can't invite anyone, but you can still celebrate with cake, ice cream, cuddles, toys, presents and singing. Need a cake for your pup's party? The Dog Bakery has been making cakes for dogs for over a decade and will ship it straight to your house. Learn more here.

12. Swimming. You can either heat up your pool and let your dog splash around, or buy a kiddie pool. It doesn't have to be as elaborate as the one pictured above that @gusgusinthecity is in.

13. Make Pupsicles. if it's warm where you live, this could be a fun project for you AND your pup will love them. Here's some recipes

14. Create an obstacle course. Your dog will have a blast running a safe obstacle course with treats and prizes after every achievement. Learn  how to make a low-cost agility course in your own living room or backyard!

15. Doggie Massage. Did you know that canine massage is a thing? It really is. You can even become a certified Canine Massage Therapist!. If your dog is arthritic or just desirous of some attention, give your dog a massage. Be sure to check out this article so you know how to do it properly. 

16. Dress up your dog in cute outfits. This one is more about the human than the dog but hopefully your pop will enjoy the attention.

17. Let Your Dog Sit With You While You Work. This one is self explanatory!

18, Family Cuddles In Bed. Many people reported that they were spending time each morning simply cuddling in bed with the entire family, doggos included!

19. Bike Rides. This might not be for everyone, but a few people said they purchased a k9 Sport Backback so they could take their dog with them when they went cycling!

20. Puzzles & Games. There are lots of games you can play with your pup. Here are a few.

21. Teeth brushing. Beyond the obvious better breath factor, dental disease can actually lead to problems with your pet’s organs, such as the heart. Caring for your pet’s teeth can prevent other health problems as well, saving you tons of money over the long term

22. Dog Photo Shoot & Videos. This is something you might enjoy more than your dog will, but then again, if your dog becomes a  star it could be a game changer....Does your dog have what it takes? Learn how to decode the success of #Instafamous pets.

23. Homemade Soup. Hey why not? Especially a bone broth soup. Traditionally bone broth was recommended for dogs with leaky gut and digestive problems but recently it’s popularity has grown as more benefits are discovered. Benefits such as improved joint health, liver detox, reduced inflammation, healthy bones, and more. Learn how to make it.

24. Meditate With Your Dog. While you're going over your to-do list, emm, I mean meditating, your dog can be snoozing. Important thing is that you're doing it together!

25. Hide & Seek - Doesn't have to be fancy... use Kongs, paper towel or toilet paper rolls (if you can find them), egg cartons, tissue cartons, —really anything you can safely stuff food into!

26. Blow Bubbles - You can blow bubbles for visual stimulation, plus it's just fun to watch your dog chase around bubbles. Your dog will love these peanut butter scented bubbles.

27. Snuffle Mats. What the heck is a snuffle mat you ask?

They’re used to give your dog a fun yet challenging way to sniff out food and treats. They encourage your dog to use their natural sniffing and scavenging abilities, and they’re a fun way to have your dog work for their food. Make your own (Tie fabric strips to a base) or buy one ready made.

 READ THE RESEARCH: we surveyed 1000 dogs owners to find out if dogs were becoming more spoiled during COVID-19. Here's what we learned.

Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!

Lorna Ladd

Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.