7 Easy Ways to Beat Your Dog’s Boredom
For many animals, boredom is a biological phenomenon that occurs when the brain wants stimulation. When dogs are bored, their boredom can lead to stimulatory actions such as biting and chewing furniture or carpets or scratching up floors. In order to prevent these bad behaviors, it is important to keep your dog from becoming bored. But how can you beat doggy boredom?
Here are 7 easy ways to prevent your dog’s boredom!
1. Consider a Playmate for Your Pup
If your dog loves other pups, adopting a second dog may be a great idea! Adding a second pooch to your family means your dog would always have a companion to play with and you would be giving a home to someone who really needs it! Just make sure you have the means to care for a second dog prior to adopting.
Schedule time in your day to play with your pup! Your pup will appreciate you making time for some walks or a session of fetch. The exercise you both can get out of playtimes are beneficial for each of you, and the memories you will create will last a lifetime.
3. Hire a Dog Sitter or Consider Doggy Daycare
Are you going to be gone all day? Hire someone to drop in and take your pup for a walk while you are gone or put them in doggy daycare! You can find a pawesome sitter or pet care professional who fits the qualifications you require to help beat your dog’s boredom on Sitting for a Cause.
The best thing about toys and puzzles is that there is such a huge variety of them, all tailored to your specific kind of pup! There are toys made for active dogs who love to be outside, and toys for dogs who would want nothing else than to stay inside all day and chew on their rubber bone or stuffed animal. Some dogs prefer a brainy approach to their playtime, so doggy puzzles are an option too! Just be sure to monitor your dog with new toys to ensure their safety.
5. Chat System
Boredom strikes dogs most when they are alone, so if you’re not home all day, consider investing in a chat system to keep in touch with your dog while you are away! There are options on the market that have both visual and audio options to keep tabs on your pup, and some even have a treat dispenser you can activate remotely. Two of the most popular models include PetChatz and PetCube.
Try to give your pup extra love and attention. After all, they rely on you for everything, and they might just want extra time with their owners. There’s nothing like holding your pup in your arms and having some quality bonding time with them!
7. Scavenger Hunt
Your pup has natural heightened senses and you can exercise these senses by taking them on a scavenger hunt! Before you leave your home, hide treats or kibble around the house for them to find. They will love the thrill of searching for treasure and the experience will awaken their inner huntsman!
How do you keep your dog from becoming bored? Leave a comment and let us know!
I agree with everything above except #5 Chat System. Simply because it’s not natural to the dog, and could be stressful, to hear your voice but your scent (or your physical body) is not there.
Also, I’d like to add another great way to prevent boredom: let your dog work!
Yes, most dogs love to work. For example, my dog loves to track, and after we’ve been out in the woods tracking (I create the track in advance) for just a short time, she’s so mentally exhausted that she sleeps for hours when we get home.