What is your cure for boredom in dogs?

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   midget38posted 11 years ago

   What is your cure for boredom in dogs?

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   Rosie writesposted 11 years ago

   I wrote and article about this  called, "How to Keep Your Dog Busy for Long Periods of Time."  One of the thins I mention is that keeping your dog busy will not be necessary as often, if you are active with your dog on a regular basis. Taking your dog for regular walks or playing with them for 20 minutes each day will cut down on the period of time they tend to be bored. Take your dog for a long walk just before the time you expect your dog to stay occupied. Your dog will be more content with just resting if you do this.

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      midget38posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Rosie, yes, playing with your dog is important, especially since they do not get the chance to do so during the day when we are at work. It is bonding time and gives them something to look forward to! Thanks for sharing!

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   Wild_Lifeposted 11 years ago

   Vary the toys to let your dog so that every day he has "new" toys.

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      midget38posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Good idea....at least they won't feel that they are seeing the same things everyday! Thanks Wildlife!

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   prettynutjob30posted 11 years ago

   Plenty of daily exercise is the cure,  I walk mine at least two hours a day. He is a German Pincher and he gets way too out of control when he is bored, he likes to chew walls and other items, so I make sure his morning walk keeps him whined down.

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      midget38posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, the daily walk is really important....they need the stretch just as we do. Thanks, prettynutjob!

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   Necessityposted 11 years ago

   Play dates with other dogs is an excellent way to keep your dog happy and occupied.  This does not mean you have to take them to a dog park but if you know someone else with a dog you can offer to have that dog over to hang out with your dog, this is especially good if you know that you are going to be out of the house for an extended period of time.

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      midget38posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Excellent idea! This helps them socialize as well.

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   Billrrrrposted 11 years ago

   Wonderful question. Owners who really care about their dogs are concerned with such things.  One thing that can be done which will help the dog and people too, is to volunteer to visit shut ins, old age homes, nursing homes etc.  Perhaps even schools.   The love and positive energy radiating from the canine offers emotional and physical benefits to the people.  And no dog who does this kind of volunteer work is ever bored.

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      midget38posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I think volunteering is a great way to socialize a dog and to help others too. I am considering volunteering mine as a therapy dog! Thanks for commenting!

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   Dr. Haddoxposted 11 years ago

   My suggestion, when it comes to training dogs or dealing with any behavioral kind of issues in dogs, is to use "behavioral modification techniques" to get good results. You may have to spend some time learning "behavior mod" but it will be well worth your time once you have mastered some of these, easy to use, scientific principles. If you have children you may also want use behavior modification to help you with behavioral issue that you are experiences with your children.
   Boredom in dogs is not a problem that I have, personally, had to deal with but I am sure that there are ways to deal with problem effectively using behavior modification.
   Regards,
   Dr. Haddox

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      midget38posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Dr. Haddox! Yes, behavior modification takes time, but worth the effort, and is done in a compassionate manner. Thanks for sharing!

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   alexadryposted 11 years ago

   Lot of exercise, mental stimulation, games. If the dog is alone, safe interactive toys, treats hidden around the house, and a radio or TV on to create white noise. If the owner is around, fetch, training sessions, hikes, doggie sports, shell game, there's so much to do!

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      midget38posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, dogs love games......especially hide and seek with treats! It gives them something to do too, and creates bonding time with you. Thanks for sharing!

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   wychicposted 11 years ago

   I have a Catahoula, so he requires constant stimulation. He is trained to the bicycle, and we go for at least hour-long rides every day (ride for me, run for him), taking a different path each time. I take him with me outside of the house wherever I can, allowing him to experience new sights and smells on a regular basis. When he's home, he has a Nylabone to chew, and gets a rope toy when it's time to play. He doesn't get any other toys because we have children, and too many would confuse him about what's okay to chew and what's not. With three kids in the house, he constantly gets new exposure to human antics through them, which also helps with the stimulation.
   
   Short answer: He's a working breed, so he needs exercise and a job

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    Kristen Haynieposted 11 years ago

    Are you having trouble keeping your dog entertained? Here are a few tips for curing your dog's boredom and preventing it from happening again. read more

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    ladydeonneposted 11 years ago

    Dogs require activity just as children and adults do.  I have 2 dogs. Yogi, a Red Nosed Pit/German Shepard Mix (8.6) and Gypsie, a Red Nosed Pit (1.5).  As I work out of my home, I am able to give them constant attention.  The younger one begs for attention and loves to kiss and cuddle.  She loves to play fetch and tug of war and can play for a couple of hours non-stop.  She also loves chew toys that do not require my participation  Yogi requires frequent petting and brushing/massaging sessions.  He sleeps when not engaged outside or just chills as if to say when Gypsie and I are playing, "fetch and toys are for kids."  The dogs go for two (1) hour walks per day and periodic hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  I also take them for rides in the van on a regular basis.  They are dog and people socialized so we frequent  parks in our community.  Active and engaged dogs are happy and healthy dogs!  They are such wonderful companions!

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    fpherj48posted 11 years ago

    Just a few quick suggestions, that are probably very common....but I'll offer them anyway.
    Get your dog a fresh bone from the butcher.....that's all-day fun sometimes.
    Go for a walk to a place you've not walked before.
    Take him/her for a ride to a park where dogs are allowed....let him play with other dogs
    Play ball or frisbee, if your dog likes to participate.
    Visit a friend who has a dog your dog gets along with (like a play date!)

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