Tips On How To Prevent Boredom In Your Puppy Or Dog
Ever get home only to find your dog had destroyed some of your prized possessions, maybe chewed up a favorite item of clothing? This may well be a scenario that you have faced or wish to avoid in the future. Separation anxiety could be one reason why this kind of behavior happens. However, it could also just be that the cause is simply just boredom.
Like humans, dogs are sociable animals and like companionship or need ways to amuse themselves. Almost any dog will get bored if left alone for a long time. Apart from chewing and digging, they may seek attention by constantly barking, licking themselves, pacing and chasing their tails.
Dogs should never be left alone for longer than four hours at most. Maybe your lifestyle or job forces you to leave your dog alone for lengthy periods of time. In that case, here are a few tips:
• Consider hiring a dog walker. If you don’t want or can’t afford to hire a professional dog walker, you could ask a friend, relative or neighbour to do it. Walks are a great activity for dogs. They stimulate him with all the fascinating sights and smells. It’s fantastic exercise too
• Being an only puppy or dog, like being an only child, can sometimes be lonely. I would recommend getting a second dog. Then, you never have to leave your dog all alone.
• Create a specific place in your garden where your dog can ease his boredom. You could make a digging pit where he can dig as much as he wants without ruining your flowerbeds. To being with it is crucial to make him want to use the pit by building up a positive association with it. You can tempt him into it with treats and have some treats in the pit for him to find.
• Provide your puppy or dog with a few well-chosen chew toys and rotate them every day so that he doesn’t become bored with them. Dispensing toys have a great interest for dogs when they are stuffed with treats as you can imagine. I would recommend that you try them. Also, keep your possessions out of the dog’s reach if you don’t want them chewed upI.
• One way to keep up your dog’s interest is to hide treats around the house. Make sure that you hide the treats in easily accessible places, but that provide some challenge for them. In old socks, under an upside down bowl - these are examples of hiding places.
I hope you find these recommendations helpful in dealing with boredom in dogs. When you do spend time with your dog, make sure you spend some quality time having fun, playing games and going for walks. It is essential that you puppy dog is given the correct training.
Read more about dog separation anxiety and about dog emotions.
