Back To Work Blues - Tips to Cure Boredom in Dogs

As many Australians return to the office and the children to school, the family dog can start exhibiting boredom symptoms, leading to frustration amongst pet lovers. The great news is we can prevent boredom from affecting our beloved canines with a little planning and observation. Pet Insurance Australia examines why our dogs feel bored and tips to help prevent destructive behaviours.

Boredom isn’t just a human problem; our furry companions can also suffer from extreme boredom. With their boundless energy and curious minds, dogs need mental and physical stimulation to thrive. When left to their own devices without adequate entertainment, they may resort to undesirable behaviours like excessive barking, chewing, or digging. As the holiday season ends, many dogs that basked in the constant company of their owners are now showcasing undesirable behaviours.

“It’s a good rule of thumb to consider your backyard as a television show,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “Constantly on rerun – the same smells, sounds and sights. If you do not enrich this space, your dog can easily become bored and start showcasing behaviours that are highly entertaining to a dog – cue the digging or endless barking at other neighbourhood dogs. As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to ensure our canine friends lead fulfilling lives, even when we are not around.”

The great news is that with some planning and creativity, you can easily ensure your pet has a ‘job’ when you are not home and abolish boredom-related issues.

1. Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are a fantastic way to engage your dog’s mind and body. Toys like puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing balls, and Kong toys can keep them entertained for hours as they work to retrieve treats or solve puzzles. These toys stimulate their problem-solving skills and provide a mental workout, which is especially beneficial for intelligent breeds.

“There are many wonderful puzzle toys on the market that can allow your dog to play without company,” Crighton says. “A top tip is to remove this puzzle ball when you get home so that your pet only enjoys this stimulation when you are away. Also, ensure you take the food out of your pet’s daily intake to prevent weight gain.”

2. Outdoor Adventures

Dogs love exploring the great outdoors, so use nature to cure their boredom. Regular walks in different environments, such as parks, forests, or beaches, provide sensory stimulation and mental enrichment. Consider incorporating activities like hiking, swimming, or playing fetch to keep things exciting and prevent monotony. Ensure you take your dog on a wee adventure before leaving for work.

3. Training Sessions

Training sessions serve a dual purpose: mentally stimulating your dog while reinforcing manners. Teaching your dog new tricks or practising basic commands engages their brain and strengthens your bond. Plus, a well-trained dog is a joy to be around and less likely to exhibit boredom-induced behaviours.

“Training allows you and your dog to speak the same language and can be instrumental with behavioural problems.”

4. Playdates and Doggy Daycare

Socialisation is crucial for a dog’s mental well-being. Arrange playdates with other friendly dogs or enrol them in doggy daycare programs where they can interact and play under supervision. These interactions provide mental stimulation, exercise, and companionship, all essential for preventing boredom and loneliness.

5. Rotate Toys and Activities

Just like humans, dogs can get bored with the same old routine. Rotate their toys regularly to keep things fresh and exciting.

“Introduce new toys, puzzles, or activities to pique their interest and prevent boredom from setting in. This simple strategy ensures that your dog always has something novel to engage with,” Crighton advises. “Having a good range of ‘home alone’ toys that you switch up daily cannot only extend the life of your toys, it can also act as a good boredom-busting technique.”

Boredom is a common issue among dogs, but with the right approach, it’s entirely manageable. You can effectively cure boredom in your canine companion by incorporating interactive toys, outdoor adventures, training sessions, socialisation, and variety into their daily routine.

“Remember to tap into external resources like pet stores, online retailers, dog trainers, and doggy daycares to access many tools and information to keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and entertained. A stimulated dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes for a happier pet parent!”

BACK TO WORK/SCHOOL TOP TIPS 

• Walk your dog before you leave for school/work
• Enrich their environment
• Consider boredom-busting toys that stimulate your pet’s mind
• Have home-alone toys and remove them when you arrive back home
• Play with your pet when you get home
• Weekly training sessions
• Special weekend adventures

Separation Anxiety

Some pets, particularly those who found forever homes during COVID-19, may also show separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is not boredom and is a condition that needs veterinary assessment and the correct treatment. Separation anxiety in dogs is characterised by excessive distress or panic when the dog is separated from their owner or left alone.

“Dogs with separation anxiety may exhibit behaviours such as barking, destructive chewing, urination or defecation indoors, pacing, or attempting to escape. It can mimic boredom; however, owners need to take note if they suspect their pet is super anxious when they leave or even when they give cues they are leaving such as grabbing the car keys.”

This condition can stem from a variety of factors, including past trauma, lack of socialisation, or being overly dependent on their owner. Pet owners need to recognise the signs of separation anxiety and address them through behaviour modification techniques, training, and sometimes with the help of a professional behaviourist or veterinarian. If you are concerned about your pet’s behaviour, it is vital you seek professional help and have a solid treatment plan.

“If an animal has a separation anxiety disorder, their owner needs professional help in dealing with this condition, Crighton says. “The pet requires a comprehensive treatment plan including an environmental management plan aimed at avoiding all the things that cause the pet to be stressed, a behaviour modification plan to teach the pet better ways to cope with these stressful events and a medication plan to normalise the neurological issues so they can relax and learn.”

The great news is that alongside a Veterinary Behavioralist, a treatment plan can be developed, and most animals with an anxiety disorder can lead happy, fulfilled lives.

“If you are concerned about your pet’s behaviour when they are home alone, it is best to seek professional advice to ensure your dog is not suffering from separation anxiety,” Crighton suggests.”

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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