Wondering what other sitters do for activities when hosting in your home. I typically have 4 or more dogs at one time in my home when I am hosting so a trip to the dog park is not so easy :) What kinds of activities do you do if you are home most of the time during your hosts?
We aren't too fancy around here. Walking is a huge deal for me, though, so we do a morning walk five days a week, as that's the most my schedule allows. I'm also a big proponent of enrichment and mental stimulation, so I try to feed with food dispensing toys if possible. Other than that, they chill while I tackle the never ending to-do list!
I've only done the dog park thing once or twice, and it was with a dog I really trusted. I do sometimes take adventure walks through different neighborhoods---depends on my schedule and the dog's comfort with car rides. I've also done a few hikes, but again, I'm picky about who I take: leash manners have to be solid and I have to be confident they'll be okay if an off-leash dog comes racing up (especially since trails are generally narrow with no place to give space).
We take a lot of walks and bike rides. A lot of the dogs I watch are pretty energetic and need a good outlet, so the bike is great for me. I have it set up with a dual attachment Walky-Dog setup so I can take two out at once. It lets me go their speed as far as they are comfortable going. I've also taken guest dogs to the beach or on hikes a few times.
I arrange a lot of play dates with friends so we can make our own mini dog park with well-adjusted, friendly dogs. I used to visit dog parks all the time with my girls, but one never really got anything out of it and the other loved it when she was younger, but got more stressed out by the all the new dogs as she got older so we don't go anymore. I don't do it with my guest dogs for a variety of reasons, but mostly because dog parks are a pretty unpredictable environment and I'm not as familiar with the tolerances and thresholds of my guest dogs. There are a couple I know well enough to try it, but I still prefer arranging play time with dogs I know and trust so my dogs can enjoy it as well.
It depends on the dog. I have a puzzle that you put treats in and they have to figure out how to get the top off so they can get to the treats. Not all dogs can do this so again, it depends on the dog. I play fetch with them in the back yard and I even lay with them on the hammock (small dogs) and they stay with me while I read a book, usually they'll fall asleep on the hammock. We go for walks but I never do a dog park just because I have never had any luck with dog parks. Some dogs behavior at dog parks is mind boggling to me. I don't think every dog belongs in a dog park especially those that don't have manners, if you know what I mean. I also like to do late night walks just before bed time so they are tired when they go to sleep.
I have a big yard, so I like to play fetch with energetic dogs or just generally let them hang around outside enjoying the sun. I also take all my dogs on daily walks in the evening, I find this helps them settle in and sleep through the night.