SPRINGFIELD – A Springfield-based dog trainer is working to help people keep their pets busy despite being stuck inside.

Brittany Parkin, who owns and runs B Pawsitive Training, told Reminder Publishing she was in the process of instituting remote training prior to governmental and state restrictions on group gatherings. Now, with the current pandemic, Parkin said she’s doing all of her training remotely in an attempt to respect social distancing, but also offer people ways to keep their dog entertained and learning while at home.

In addition to remote training, Parkin is offering a free enrichment class via Facebook live. She said prior to the current conditions, people were used to taking their dogs to the park or on playdates to burn their energy. She also has opened a free Google classroom “for more in depth info[rmation] on enrichment, and so people who are interested can come together as a community and share what they’re doing.” Parkin said anyone wishing to access the Google classroom should use the code “pyfpmme”.

Now, unable to do those activities, Parkin said people may find themselves in need of help entertaining their dogs and needing a break. “Sometimes you do need a little bit of a break from constant interaction and contact,” she said. “I love my dog to death, but he’s cooped up and antsy.”

One of the most beneficial steps people can take to keep their dogs occupied, according to Parkin, is to have a Kong toy stuffed with treats such as peanut butter or having a puzzle toy on hand.

Parkin said because Kong toys are so helpful, in the coming days she’s going to be compiling a recipe list. The enrichment videos, she said, are free and accessible by anyone. So far she’d only done one video which she described as “just kind of going over general ideas” for dogs. Parkin said she has quite a few ideas for future enrichment streams including different cues to work on with dogs and using household objects to make toys and obstacles.

“I’m going to do a video on different cues that are fun and engaging,” she said. “I’m going to show some do–it–yourself obstacles, so if you don’t have the money to go out and drop $20 on a new toy you can enrich your dog [by] stacking a broom on a couple books, [or using a] gallon jug.

Additionally, Parkin said she would be putting other free, useful information on her businesses Facebook page. “I’m also going to be putting up more posts and information like that, like little games, quick and easy tricks to give them stimulation,” she said.

Parkin said one of the best things for dogs during this time is to “try to keep a sense of routine.”

 “As much as it sucks, you don’t have to get up at 6 a.m., but try to keep around the same schedule,” she said. Parkin added that despite most everyone being told to stay home, walks and playing with dogs in the yard were still allowed. She used a “sniff walk” as an example of an outside activity that allows for social distancing.

“Instead of taking a walk for exercise or going to the bathroom, let them use their nose and sniff,” she explained. “It’s easy, rewarding and you’re not interacting with anyone.”

She said another great thing to do during your time at home is “to polish up those cues your dog already knows that you’re not working on.” Parkin said because her dog acts as her service dog, she’d be working on tasking. Overall, she said routine was key.

“Just do your best to keep the routine, keep them stimulated,” she said. And while she understands that “money is tight” for most people right now, those seeking additional resources for their dogs can hire her to train them remotely.

Those interested in Parkin’s free enrichment videos, those who have questions or anyone who wishes to hire her for training can contact her via her Facebook page B Pawsitive Training or via her website (bpawsitivetraining.com.)