ask about the dog's temperament, activity level, dietary needs/restrictions, and any medical issues. Also ask for the location and phone number of their vet in case of emergencies. Ask the owners to make a schedule of when they usually feed and walk the dog.

1. Teach Your Dog a New Trick For dogs, there’s nothing quite like receiving a reward after completing a challenge. In addition to being doggone fun, learning new tricks is mentally stimulating for pups; plus, it burns off energy and staves off bad behavior. If you think it’s impossible to teach an old dog new tricks, think again! 2. Play Hide-and-Seek Rather than just handing your dog treats or toys, why not make rewarding your pooch an enjoyable, challenging game? There are a couple of ways to play indoor hide-and-seek: Hide treats around the house and let your pup sniff them out. At first, let your pet watch as you hide the treats, and be sure to praise him as he finds them. Once your dog has mastered the beginner version of hide-and-seek, you can hide treats without him watching to make the search more challenging. Our favorite version of doggy hide-and-seek is downright adorable. Hide your dog’s toys in a pile of blankets, along with a treat or two. Watch as he digs to find the buried treasure. And don’t forget to have your camera ready… The hunt will certainly be Instagram and Snapchat-worthy. 3. Give Your Dog a Massage More than anything, dogs crave their owners’ love and attention. One great way to strengthen the bond between you and your pet is to give him a massage. Not only is a massage a nice treat; it’s soothing for dogs who are prone to anxiety. It’s also a great way to improve circulation, boost the immune system, and help with digestion. You can learn to give your furry friend a massage in just minutes. 5. Schedule a Play date Don’t feel like going out, but in the mood for some socialization? Invite a friend—and her canine companion—over for a doggy play date. You’ll have a chance to catch up with your bud while the pups play and burn off excess energy. Once you’ve said goodbye to your visitors, we recommend a nap for both pup and parent. Science suggests that sleeping with your dog leads to better physical and mental health, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality, among many other benefits. 6. Make Homemade Dog Treats Spending an afternoon in the kitchen with your canine will lead to delicious, dog-friendly rewards. Bake up a batch of homemade dog treats while encouraging your dog to fetch his favorite toys and work on his newly learned tricks.