Most of us lead busy lives and have hectic working schedules. Children are busy with computers and television and our pet pooches are left alone at home for extended periods. When the family returns home after a hard day they are so tired that they just do not have time for their pet. After greeting the family on their return, the dog sighs and settles down quietly in the corner. Soon his eyes shut and he dreams of exploring deep green forests, romping in open fields, chasing rabbits, tracking the scent of a wild cat… But, alas, it’s only a dream. In reality he is confined to an artificial environment and is dreadfully bored.
A bored dog will soon invent things to do – things like barking, running up and down the house, chewing up the furniture and generally getting into a lot of mischief. Destructive behaviour becomes an entertaining outlet for bored young dogs. Many owners do not realise that dogs are pack animals and need more than just a walk a day.
Is Your Dog Bored?
Bored dogs can become introverted and listless, often put on weight and show no signs of interest in anything. Alternatively, the dog becomes destructive, gnawing at furniture, the carpet – anything he can get his paws on, dashing from room to room or simply barking and howling continuously when left alone. Either way, a bored dog is an unhappy dog.
Keeping Boredom At Bay
If you have a dog which is ‘home alone’ all day, it is likely to have a soggy brain. But with some creativity on your part, you can keep your pooch entertained. Remember, the quality of time you spend with your dog, providing mental and physical stimulation, is far more important than the quantity. The amount of exercise and stimulation a dog needs depends on its breed, environment and its age. Establish your dog’s requirements and provide appropriate outlets. Try not to leave your dog alone for longer than an hour or so without some form of stimulation or play.
Get Some Exercise
Take your dog for a long and interesting walk at least twice a day. Keep in mind that a walk should be more than just ‘bathroom time’. Walks are excellent opportunities to bond with your dog. Just like people, dogs need exercise to be healthy. Make the walk interesting by stopping periodically and doing a bit of training followed by praise and a treat before continuing. Walk your dog in new places – don’t stick to the old route all the time. Dogs like variety. In addition to a walk, try and exercise your dog off-the-leash for at least 20 minutes every day, dogs need to run free to investigate, sniff and explore the outdoors. If they are denied this activity it is quite likely that they will explore the inside of your house.
Boredom Blasters
Playing games with your dog is an excellent way to tire out your dog physically and stimulate him mentally without wearing you out! You can play simple games like hide-and-seek, scenting games, hiding toys and treats or even fetch to keep your dog entertained. Do not allow the games to get rough and become wrestling matches. Games where your dog pits his strength against yours are to be discouraged since they only teach your dog how strong he is in comparison to you.
Teach your dog a few commands and/or tricks and practice them daily.
In addition, there are a variety of food-dispensing toys which can entertain your dog when he’s alone. Once he knows how to use them (you may have to teach him initially), these can be left with him during your absence.
You can stuff a Kong toy with a mixture of cheese, liver pate and/or peanut butter or toss in a few treats into an empty plastic bottle. The food is gradually released as your dog manipulates the toys.
TIP:
In case you think that your dog needs to be left with a selection of toys to amuse himself with when you go out and leave him alone, he doesn’t. Dogs seldom, if ever, play with toys in isolation unless it is a game of destruction. It is better to leave a good marrowbone, a stuffed Kong toy, or a chew behind to relieve boredom. When you return, pick it up and put it away; that way the dog will not get bored with it.
CAUTION:
Often a dog with an allergy, a poor diet and a dog that is ill and in pain will exhibit some or most of the above signs. It is best therefore to take your dog to the vet for a thorough check up to eliminate any medical problems before jumping to the conclusion that your dog is bored. It is also safe to keep in mind that a dog suffering from separation anxiety will probably bark and howl when left alone. If you are in any doubt as to the cause of your dog’s destructive behaviour, write us with a detailed description and we will try to help you ascertain the cause.
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