Boredom Busters for Dogs
Could your dog be bored? It is not uncommon for dogs to be left at home alone for long stretches of time during the day while you are at work or running errands. Without anything to occupy them, your pooch may find themselves in mischief to stay entertained.
Signs of boredom can include:
- Digging, chewing or other destructive behaviours
- Getting into garbage bins
- Barking and whining
- Following you around when you are at home
Exercise Body and Mind
Most of us know that dogs need plenty of physical activity to keep them happy and healthy. However, it's not just the physical exercise that is beneficial; the act of venturing out with a pack member (you or your family) and experiencing different smells is beneficial for their mental stimulation.
It is important for your dog's wellbeing to include regular exercise in their routine, whether it's a daily walk in the morning before work or a playtime session in the back yard. When deciding on an exercise routine be sure to consider their age and breed. Some breeds, for example working dogs, require higher intensity activity than others. Older dogs may need lower intensity exercise to look after their aging joints.
Mind Games
As well as keeping your dog physically active, there are things that you can do to keep them mentally occupied while you are away.
Puzzle Toys
There are heaps of treat dispensing puzzle toys available to help keep your dog's mind active. A great way to make use of these is to fill them with all or part of your dog's breakfast before you head off for work. This will keep him occupied when he would otherwise be worried about you leaving.
The Gigwi Hide And Seek Pet Droid can help train your dog's memory and logic, by releasing food after your dog pushes down on a button.
Kongs
Kongs are another easy way to keep your dog occupied. You can fill them with specially designed treats like ziggies or even just plain old peanut butter. Dogs can spend hours trying to get to the last morsel of filling!
Tasty Bone
Made from durable material with a range of delicious, long lasting flavours, a Tastybone will keep your pooch chewing and occupied for hours to relieve boredom. Tastybone come in a range of sizes, strengths and shapes to suit all kinds of dogs from powerful chewers to petite puppies.
Treasure Hunt
Try hiding some of your dog's food or some treats in different places around the house or backyard. Sniffing out his next meal will keep him busy while you are away.
Long Lasting Treats
Long lasting chewy treats are great to keep your pet occupied when they're alone. Fresh raw bones are good, as are treats such as Goat Horn, Venison Hoof Chews, or ear chews.
Lots of problem behaviours can be avoided by providing your dog with something to do while you are away. Make sure that you mix it up with different toys and games to keep his mind working!
Posted by Dr Teagan Lever
When Teagan’s not busy sharing her knowledge of all things pets as Pet Circle’s resident vet, she is the human companion of two intense English staffies and a three-legged cat named Steve.
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