We all know that a bored dog is a destructive dog, right? Yet it’s kind of hard to entertain our pups 24/7. After all, some of us DO have to work! No worries! These tips from our special guest, Sandie Muncaster of The Pet God, will help you make the most out of the time that you do have to spend with your pups so they feel like they’ve gotten a good workout. This leads to far less dog boredom later on! Check them out!
10 Simple Ways to Relieve Dog Boredom
Dogs were once bred to work alongside us humans, but now with the age of “designer” dogs and some of the breeds getting smaller and smaller, dogs are no longer “busy.”
However, when our canine companions get bored, they can also develop destructive behaviors, to both your home and yard and to themselves. For this post, we’ve “dug” through the web to find 10 simple ways to relieve dog boredom.
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Play, Play, and More Play
Dogs need to play, it’s just a fact. Playing is the perfect way to relieve boredom and to help mentally and physically stimulate your pooch.
For some one-on-one playtime, try a sturdy tug toy for medium to large-size dogs and have a rousing game of tug-o-war. If you are near a park or have a big backyard, throw a ball or flying disc for your dog.
Another fun play adventure is to take a day trip to the beach (make sure the beach allows pets!) and let your pup run off some energy in the sand and surf.
It doesn’t really matter what the form of play is, just get out there and do it with and for your canine companion.
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Walk a Different Path
Taking a dog for a walk is a form of exercise, but providing your pup with a change of scenery and three new sniffs each day will help relieve Fido’s boredom.
This can be as simple as walking a new route on your daily routine, going on a hiking trail, or finding a new park or setting to take a vigorous walk through.
Bring one of those above-mentioned toys with you and turn your walk into a fun play session.
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Do Some Obedience Training
If you have a new puppy, then obedience training is not only a productive way to teach your dog what he needs to know, but it also helps to stimulate the brain.
If your dog is an adult, don’t be shy about teaching a new trick or command. Dogs love to learn and please their pet parents, just be sure to have plenty of treats on hand for a job well done.
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Have a Doggy Play Date
Most dogs are very social so set up a doggy play date with your friends or family members that also have dogs.
This is a great way for you to catch up on the latest “gossip” while your pup is running off his energy and boredom with his buddy. Don’t know anyone with a dog?
Dog parks are a great place to meet other pet parents and their pooches.
Who knows? You might just meet a new friend or significant other for yourself.
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Stuffed Treat Toys
If you are away from home a lot during the day, invest in a puzzle toy or those toys that can be stuffed with goodies.
These require your dog to dig, chew and think about how to get the treats out of the holder. Some of these are also designed to hold peanut butter, so it’s harder for Fido to get that sticky stuff out. Try freezing it for an even tougher chew – perfect for those warmer months.
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Get a Dog Walker
If you don’t have time to walk your dog, enlist the help of a dog walker. Professional walkers offer many advantages over just a friendly neighbor, but either way, it will get your pup outside to run off his steam, do his “business” and beat that boredom.
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Alternate Toys For Fresh Fun
We may tend to overindulge our dogs with new toys. So when you notice your pup becoming bored or disinterested in a particular toy, switch it out for a new one or an old “new” one.
oftentimes when a toy has been put out of sight for a while, Fido will be thrilled with it all over again.
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DIY Agility Course
You may have seen canine agility courses on television with their ramps, jumps, and zig-zagging poles. But did you know you could build your own agility course?
Depending on the size of your dog, you can use just ordinary household or backyard goodies such as buckets, sticks, kids’ toys, etc. Once you have your pooch-appropriate course, teach your dog to run it using treats and praise. After your dog has mastered the course, switch it up and start all over again.
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Chew Toys or Rawhides
Rawhides and durable chew toys are meant to help your dog satisfy his instinctive need to gnaw on things (better a rawhide or toy than the leg of your furniture).
These come in a variety of styles and textures to please even the pickiest of pooches. However, if you decide to use rawhide, do so under supervision as some of these can pose a choking risk if a large chunk is swallowed.
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Get Another Pooch
If you have the time, money, and space, getting another dog for your canine is a great way to help them both relieve boredom. Dogs that play together most often won’t need as much one-on-one attention from their pet parents.
A great way to find a canine companion for your canine companion is a rescue group. Bring your dog along and see who he’d like to be his best furry friend.
Beat the Doggy Boredom Blues
These are 10 simple and effective ways to help beat the doggy boredom blues.
Don’t let your canine companion get overweight or depressed because he doesn’t have anything to do. Even if you’re busy, taking the solutions above can make all the difference between a happy dog and one that is just existing.
Author bio: Sandie Muncaster has been writing for 26-plus years and loves to help educate pet parents in a fun and engaging manner. She is currently a regular contributor for ThePetGod.com when she’s not pet-parenting her three fun rescue felines.
Do you have any favorite tips for relieving dog boredom? Share below!
