With our busy lifestyle these days, a lot of dogs often spend extended periods of time home alone. A lot of the problems we are seeing are due to a lack of mental and physical stimulation.
Dogs are social animals and it is important that you spend quality time with your dog each day. They should go for at least one walk a day (30 to 40 minutes at least) and if possible two walks are even better. It is also important to do a couple of training sessions each day and a visit to the dog park (if your dog likes other dogs) once or twice a week. This is in addition to your daily interaction with your dog.
You should also make sure that there is no danger to your dog or others in any of these activities.
Toys and more toys
There are many interactive toys on the market that are designed to keep your dog occupied when home alone. Rotate them on a daily basis otherwise your dog will get bored very quickly.
Less free feeding
Make your dog work for part of their food, hide it in the backyard, or put it in a toy or a Kong.
School run
Take your dog for a ride when you make short trips to the school to drop off the kids. It offers a change of scenery and when you have time take them to the coffee shop.
Iceblocks
Place suitable scraps of food in an ice-cream container or Kong, fill with water and freeze. You can also use chicken stock which is a great idea for hot summer days.
A sand pit
Some dogs like digging. Provide an area where your dog can dig or use a children’s clam shell pool as a sandpit. Hide bones, treats and toys to encourage digging in this area.
Wading Pool
Get a shallow plastic children’s clam and make sure your dog can easily get out! You can also put some of the floating toys in there.
Treat balls
These are another great toy where you can place dried food.
Plastic bottles
Remove the bottle top and the plastic ring for safety and fill it with dried food so that your dog has to work to get it out.
Treasure Hunt
Hide the stuffed kong or other toys in the backyard or sprinkle breakfast onto the lawn.
Dog walker
Consider a good dog walker if you are out all day.
Stay with friends
If you have friends with compatible dogs, maybe your dog can spend one day a week at their place and vice versa.
Doggy Door
If your dog has access to the house they might spend much of the day inside, feeling safe and secure and asleep.
More ideas:
• Start a dog sport like agility, doggie dancing, obedience etc.
• Consider a dog day care
• Timed food dispenser
• Leave the radio on
• Pigs ears/roo flaps etc
• Work for food, no food bowl
• Off leash exercise
• Companion dog (not yours)
• Neighbours’ visit
NB. Some of these ideas may not be suitable for you and your dog so be careful and always supervise your dog the first couple of times when introducing something new. Be sensible when choosing the best options for your dog.
Written By: Barbara Hodel
On: May 19, 2016
Views: 568 Views