HOW TO HELP BORED DOGGIES

​There’s an old biblical proverb that says that idle hands are the devil’s workshop…basically that boredom can lead to bad things. We know this to be true with us, but it’s also the same for our furry companions as well. And it’s not only true according to old sayings. Recent studies are finding that play and exercise are vital to our dog’s overall health.

“There is a growing acceptance among scientists that play is very, very important and the type and frequency of play are a really good indicator of a dog’s quality of life. – Mark Evans former RSPCA chief vet. Boredom for our four-legged family members can lead to destructive behavior or even depression. So what can we do to avoid this?

“Dogs are social animals and they really enjoy being with us. Play is good for your dog physically, mentally and emotionally. Your dog gets exercise, they get to work their brain and it helps to build your bond. Everybody benefits from play.” – The Power of Play: How Play Opened Up a New World For My Fearful Dog.

Obviously, there are ways that we can keep our doggies from boredom when we’re around.

1. Make a play date with a friend or take a trip to the dog park.

As much as our fur babies love us, they really enjoy interacting with other dogs. A play date or trip to the dog park can be reinvigorating. As always, it’s important to know your dog. If she doesn’t like other dogs or has high anxiety levels, there are plenty of other ways to keep her busy.

2. Switch Up Your Routine
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When you’re taking your daily walk, do you always turn left at the end of the street? Try turning right next time. New surroundings, a new environment, new sights and sounds are a perfect way to keep him from being bored. Also consider visiting a park you’ve never been to before. Many parks have walking trails that not only will give your pup great exercise, but that will also be a new, fun adventure for him.

3. Switch Things Up at Playtime
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We all play with our pups, and usually on a daily basis. But things can get old after a while. You’ve seen the way your fur baby acts when she gets a new toy. This is a great way to chase away boredom. And if a new toy isn’t in the budget, simply alternate her current toys. Put away several, then switch them out after a week or two.

4. Don’t Forget The Training
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Keeping your pup mentally sharp is just as important to avoiding boredom as staying physically active. Consider trying some training for a new trick. Whether it’s more simple commands like sit and stay or more involved tricks like shutting a door or bringing in the paper, training will keep her body and mind active…and also help to increase the bond between the two of you.

Many of us work, and if we’re not working that day, we’ve inevitably got places to run and things to do. So how do we keep our fur babies from being bored when we’re not around?

1. Filling a hollow toy with a special treat they love will keep them happy and occupied.
2. Using a dental chew will not only keep them busy and satisfied, but also help their teeth.
3. Hiding several small pieces of his food around the room he stays in can keep him busy with a fun “scavenger hunt”.

Whether we’re at home or away, there are things we can do to help keep our fur babies from being bored. And just like us, they don’t like to be bored. Keeping them physically and mentally active will help chase away boredom and lead to better overall health.