Bored Dog At Home?
A common problem most dog owners face one time or another is a bored dog at home. Most of us wonder what our precious pooch gets up to all day?!
Sadly, some bark until we return home and some become destructive attempting to eat the house! Others might pee or poop in the worst of locations around the home. As stressful as this scenario is for your pooch it’s also quite worrying for dog owners. Feelings of guilt and frustration are enough to begin searching for ways to keep your dog engaged throughout the day to avoid feelings of anxiety and stress whilst you’re away from them.
Here are some tips to avoid boredom!
1) Interactive Toys – have become huge in the pet industry of late. Puzzle type toys, food dispensing toys are a great way to keep the dog’s attention until they receive the treat reward. In addition, a durable, rubber chew toy, such as the Kong, is good to cram food into for the dog to work at getting the food out over the course of the day.
2) Staying Active – is a vital component for a calm, well-adjusted pooch. A quick 15 minute walk prior to leaving the dog home alone will assist in burning off any excess energy enabling them to settle better once you have left for the day.
3) How To Leave – is another very important step. If you are very dramatic about leaving your pooch for the day and have feelings of guilt, stress and worry, these feeling can be communicated to your dog. When leaving for the day try to stay calm, be very matter of fact and confident when leaving the home. Try to have your dog engaged (see 1) prior to you leaving.
4) Weekly Dog Day Care – is a great option if you are leaving your dog home alone for 5 or more hours during the day. Day Care allows your dog to play, socialise and exercise in a safe and secure environment. It’s also a wonderful way for your dog to have the socialisation they love and thrive on that they often don’t get regularly! A social dog, is a healthy, happy dog!
A happy dog makes for a happy life! Our “Best Friend” deserves the best quality of life we can give them. Following some, or all, of these tips will help both you and your pooch to live harmonious lives when you’re together and when you’re apart from each other.
