subject: Is Your Dog Bad Or Is He Just Bored? [print this page] At the end of a long day at work coming home to find that Fido has chewed the couch, or spread the trash across the kitchen, or shredded an entire roll of toilet tissue can be so frustrating. It is not uncommon for dog owners to find that no matter how much they scold or pet proof, every day their dog finds something new to get in to.
Fortunately there are some new tricks you can try to change these behaviors. Your dog is not purposely misbehaving, he is bored. Dogs require intellectual as well as physical stimulation. When you are home playing games with your dog and making sure they get enough physical activity will help them to spend their energy in ways that cause less destruction to your home.
Long work days for you mean long, lonely days for your dog. Many dog's only daily activities are sleeping and eating. This eventually causes behavior problems. Dogs will react by entertaining themselves with whatever is available, often causing destruction. Just because your dog isn't destroying your home doesn't mean he is not bored, some dogs will entertain themselves by chasing their tail, licking or chewing their paws, or barking excessively.
Some owners leave the television on for their pet, this will engage some pets for short periods of time, and the sound may be comforting to some dogs. Teach your dog a hunting game. In the morning before work, hide several treats around the house. Sniffing them out will keep him busy for some time. Make sure your dog has a variety of toys to keep him entertained during the day. Toys with squeakers and rawhide (make sure it is not imported rawhide, which can contain salmonella and other contaminants) keep the dog busy without requiring interaction from you.
For an even better option, consider investing in some of the dog puzzle toys that are designed specifically to stimulate your dog while you are away. Fill the puzzle toy with kibble and set your dog to work. They will have to chew, roll, paw at, or shake the toy to get the food out. Once you know your dog can eventually work the puzzle consider removing their food dish entirely and feeding him exclusively through the puzzle toys. Choose several different types, fill them with a day's ration of food and leave them out for your pet in the morning. This is also a great option for dogs that typically gobble their food too quickly. When they have to work for each kibble it forces them to eat more slowly.
If your dog has to work to get his food not only will he be stimulated but he will also have less time to engage in destructive behavior, making happier dogs, and happier dog owners.
