A bored dog can be a destructive dog, especially if you as the owner can’t find a cure to their boredom they’ll just try to do it on their own. Then given all that pent up energy of theirs things really aren’t looking up for the rest of your house once Fido is left alone. In fact it wouldn’t come off as much of a surprise for your dog to cure its boredom by munching on your couch, digging up the trash and eventually making a mess out of your entire home.
Curing Boredom in Dogs
If you’ve ever come home to find your house a huge mess or been barked at for hours it’s a sign that your dog is getting pretty bored.
Below are 7 useful tips that should help your dog no longer resorts to destructive behavior to cure itself of boredom.
- Exercise – Before going out make sure that you take your dog out for a quick run first. Even walking or playing fetch should be enough. Basically just do something that helps tire them out because once your dog is tired it’ll be much less bored and will probably spend the rest of the day sleeping instead of chewing on everything they see.
- Training – Spending time with your dog for a few training sessions a day like teaching them the usual sit, bark, run, roll over and others forces them to use brain power, which will tire them out pretty quickly. Though be careful as some dogs may end up being more hyped after each session.
- Dog toys – Speaking of brain power some toys may offer dogs a mental challenge while still being fun. The Kong for example is a favorite among pet owners as it can simply be stuffed with a dog’s favorite treat and the dog will then have to spend quite some time to get the food out.
- Doggy play dates – There’s a huge chance that you’re not the only pet owner having problems dealing with a bored dog. So try to see if you can find other dog owners within your area that you can plan doggy play dates with. Just be careful about vaccinations and make sure your dog as well as their new companion has been vaccinated.
- Pet day care – In case the doggy play date doesn’t work out you can send your dog to a pet day care. This way not only are they relieved of their boredom but they also have people to take care of them. This may not work for reclusive and withdrawn dogs though.
- Pet walkers – If you just can’t find the time to play with your dog finding a pet walker will help prevent your dog from being bored.
- Learn to manage your dog – Like with kids you don’t always have to give in to all your dog’s demands. Sooner or later they’ll come to respect you and realize that there’s a time and a place for them to let out all their pent up energy.
Like other pet owners out there, your concern about the safety of your dog when you leave home is understandable. But with a little bit of effort and patience you’ll soon be able to keep your dog happy, entertained and well behaved while you’re out of the house.