Pet Insurance Australia takes a look at one of the biggest issues facing our canines companions around the globe – boredom. PLUS; some great tips on how to beat boredom, understanding boredom and the importance of enriching your pets environment.

When we consider boredom in dogs, it’s important to first think like a dog. Endless days spent in the same backyard, with the same smells, sights and sounds can be dreadfully dreary. It would be similar to force a human to watch the same TV show on constant repeat 360 days a year. YAWN!

How do you know if your dog is bored?

Dogs are also masters at creating their own entertainment, so if your dog is bored at home they can come up with a whole host of fun activities to the displeasure of their owners.

Playing tug-o-war with a cushion to reveal a snow-cloud of fluff and chasing pleasure can be highly entertaining to a bored dog.

Understanding that many unwanted behaviours exhibited by dogs are actually a symptom of boredom is the most important step towards alleviating issues such as;

• Excessive barking
• Chewing
• Destructive behaviours
• Digging
• Escaping

It is important to remember that a bored dog is not a happy dog. A bored puppy will quickly learn that this type of behaviour is fun – making it much harder to retrain as a fully grown dog. Once a behaviour, such as excessive barking, has become a habit it can be much harder to reverse. Prevention is the best cure, and with dogs this comes in the form of enriching their existing environment.

If you do not adequately entertain your dog, and boredom creeps in – particularly when you are not at home – your dog will find something much more interesting to do.

How do I keep my dog from getting bored?

Firstly, prevention is always better than a cure. Always research your desired breed to ensure they match with your lifestyle and expectations. In many cases, dogs that end up in rescue situations, is due to the dog not being correctly trained and exercised, leading to boredom and destructive behaviours. Lifestyle matching is vital, so always look past the appearance of your chosen breed and go with lifestyle match. Every breed is different and requires different levels of exercise and training.

Training is also very important when it comes to dogs. Working side-by-side with your dog to develop a common language is what training is all about. Training flexes your dog’s brain and muscles while also strengthening the bond you both share. A well-trained dog is much less likely to suffer from behavioural issues and boredom. Training for puppies can also be very tiring. A bored puppy can run and play for hours but a quick training session can leave them completely exhausted.

Exercise also plays a big role in preventing boredom and while the off-leash park is a great way to burn-off energy and meet new friends, it can leave some dogs ‘hyped up’. On the other hand; a good brisk walk on a loose lead can give your pet the exercise they need, without all the hype. This is particularly good exercise before you leave for work for the day.

Enrichment is the missing ingredient in many dogs lives. Dogs can look bored if they are not entertained when you are not around.

Firstly, prevention is always better than a cure. Always research your desired breed to ensure they match with your lifestyle and expectations. In many cases, dogs that end up in rescue situations, is due to the dog not being correctly trained and exercised, leading to boredom and destructive behaviours. Lifestyle matching is vital, so always look past the appearance of your chosen breed and go with lifestyle match. Every breed is different and requires different levels of exercise and training.

Training is also very important when it comes to dogs. Working side-by-side with your dog to develop a common language is what training is all about. Training flexes your dog’s brain and muscles while also strengthening the bond you both share. A well-trained dog is much less likely to suffer from behavioural issues and boredom. Training for puppies can also be very tiring. A bored puppy can run and play for hours but a quick training session can leave them completely exhausted.

Exercise also plays a big role in preventing boredom and while the off-leash park is a great way to burn-off energy and meet new friends, it can leave some dogs ‘hyped up’. On the other hand; a good brisk walk on a loose lead can give your pet the exercise they need, without all the hype. This is particularly good exercise before you leave for work for the day.

Enrichment is the missing ingredient in many dogs lives. Dogs can look bored if they are not entertained when you are not around.

How do I keep my dog entertained while at work?

Enriching your dog’s environment is simple and will keep your pet happy and entertained while are away from the home.

Simple tricks are the key when keeping a bored dog at home happy and healthy. Your imagination and creatively can make this as interesting or as easy as you like.

TOYS – Take a look around your backyard or the area your pets spends most of their ‘alone’ time. Is it a graveyard of broken toys and half chewed bones? It’s time to remove all the broken toys and invest in a good selection of chew toys, soft toys and puzzle toys. These will be your ‘home alone’ toys. Rotate them daily, only allowing your dog to have two or three of these toys at once. Always remember to remove all the toys once you get home. Not only will you extend the life of your pet’s toys – and they’ll actually play with them – it will also keep your pet entertained.

JOB – dogs love to have a task to do. Puzzle toys can work perfectly here, as too, a little creativity with KONGS or frozen stock. Soak a portion of your dog’s daily food in some water, the stuff into the bottom of a KONG. Seal with peanut butter (check it does not contain xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs) and freeze overnight. Your dog will love this licking rolling fun treat. Freezing an ice-cream container with a little stock, and treats will also provide your dog with some cold entertainment.

Other Activities – Other activities that can help enrich the environment and help a bored dog at home can be tailor-made to suit your dogs needs. Some dogs simply love to dig, so develop an area they are ‘allowed’ to dig. Consider using a child’s clam-shell pool filled with sand and hide some treats. Simple things as scattering food over the lawn, or allowing your pet to rip up boxes, can also provide much needed entertainment.

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