Training games for exercise limited Labrador

[CastMeAdrift]

My 9 month old lab is on limited exercise as she has suspected hip dysplasia. I’m so upset for her as she adores being out and about. Especially the beach.

She’s also really bored at home. I work 4 days a week and try and have little play/training sessions but she’s so clever I feel the simple stuff I do is not enough. She picks training up so quickly.

Any suggestions on training that is a bit more than the standard sit, stay etc. She’s very good a finding things but my house isn’t massive and it quickly gets too easy for her.

After her operation I tried to teach mine the names of her cuddly toys and pick the right one out. Rewarded with squeezy cheese. I didn't get very far but might go back to it and try again!

Ooo might try that. She definitely knows the name of her favourite one. I’m sure should could learn more with practice. Thanks!

Do you feed her out of a bowl?

If so, ditch it in favour of kongs, snuffle mats etc. and maybe buy her some natural long lasting chews as well.

Have some natural chews though they cost a fortune so can’t give her endless ones. And lots she turns her nose up at. Think cow skin chews, antlers, yak chew not really interested.

I have a lick mat and a Kong but they don’t occupy her for long. I can’t really justify spending endless amounts on more Kong type things etc as they cost so much! Try to feed her out of cardboard boxes, plastic bottles etc. Which again ok for 5 mins.

Just tried to teach her toy names and though she was a genius at first but after 5 mins realised maybe not!

They don't have to cost a fortune - you can buy them online for relatively small amounts.

Things like antlers and yak chews don't smell of much so won't be very enticing - you want something like pizzle sticks, pigs ears, tripe, paddywhack - anything smelly, lol.

Have a look at this book, with plenty of ideas for dogs on restricted exercise...

amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1845846052/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1]]

If you feed dry kibble, hide it round the house and send her to find it. My 2 labs love this.. ground floor only for her injury.
Hide and seek . Requires her to stay until you call which is good training in itself. Bear in mind , standing stock still behind a door may well render you hidden, until she stops to use her nose.
Tidying her toys - scatter them, have her drop them in their box.
Have her tug your coat sleeves off gently , or tie scarves to doors and have her pull them open for you.
Labradors are so trainable😁