3 classic pranks to play on your pooch on April Fool’s Day

One of the great things about owning a dog is the everyday fun and games you can have together, from playing fetch with a ball or tug of war with a dog toy. April Fool’s Day though offers you the chance to pull pranks on your unsuspecting pooch that’ll be great fun for them and leave you crying with laughter. 

Jasper and Plato having fun on the beach (both are wearing Harbour Hounds Beach Dog Drying Coats - Jasper in Sea Blue/Sand; Jasper in Orange/Sea Salt)

Jasper and Plato having fun on the beach (both are wearing Harbour Hounds Beach Dog Drying Coats - Jasper in Sea Blue/Sand; Jasper in Orange/Sea Salt)

Social media is chock-full of videos of people pranking their dogs in different ways so you won’t be lost for inspiration, but here are our three favourites from the thousands of ideas out there:

Prank #1: The Disappearing Human (aka The Dog Blanket Trick and the What The Fluff Trick) - this trick went viral and rightfully so as the looks of consternation on the dogs’ faces when their humans suddenly disappear is always priceless. Easy to do - stand in the doorway and hold a blanket up in front of you, then lower the blanket a couple of times so that your dog knows you are there. When you are ready, sprint off to one side while dropping the blanket - your dog will think you have disappeared. They’ll either sit there looking very puzzled or rush around looking for you.

Prank #2: The Robot Toy - a robotic toy or a remote controlled car can send an unsuspecting pup into a manic meltdown, as it tries to work out what has invaded its space. Want more laughs? Strap one of their favourite toys or a treat to it!

Prank #3: The Phantom Phone Dog - a very simple but effective prank, simply play a recording of a dog barking on your phone and watch as they try to work out who the stranger is and where they are.

Prank #4: Eat Invisible Food - ok, we know we said we had three favourites but we couldn’t leave this one out. Put an empty plate in front of you and your dog and then pretend to pick up and eat pieces from it. Watch as your dog tries to work what you are eating! And when he/she is going to get some!!

Having some lighthearted fun and playing tricks on your dog can be hilarious but only so long as the pranks are not harmful or hurtful, are short lived and the dog is enjoying it. If they become anxious or distraught then stop. And don’t forget to reward them for any good behaviour by giving them lots of love and treats for being good sports.

Play is an essential part of your dog’s life. It stimulates their brains and provides them with the opportunity to interact with you, build trust and learn new skills, while exercising. Harbour Hounds stocks the fabulous Green & Wild’s range of eco-friendly dog toys, suitable for dogs of all ages. Durable and robust, these dog toys are made with 100% biodegradable, sustainable jute and without any compounds that would be harmful if chewed.

Shop the full range of Harbour Hounds dog accessories and dog drying coats at www.harbourhounds.com or contact us on woof@harbourhounds.com

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