Dogs who suffer from boredom develop behaviors born of frustration like tail chasing, incessant licking, inappropriate chewing and destruction, or hyperactivity to name just a few. A dog that is under-exercised still maintains that energy, but it will become bottled up and eventually vented out in ways we may not like, such as eating part of the sofa!
So, what is one to do?
Mental Stimulation
A dog’s brain thrives in an environment that continually challenges and entertains it. There are absolutely tons of activities that we can do each day to exercise those brain cells! Here are just a few suggestions:
- Training: This is the #1 suggestion for a reason! Training is probably one of the single most important things you can do for your dog. Not only is it a bonding experience between person and dog, but it also flexes the brain and encourages thinking and learning.
- Hide N’ Seek: Use your dog’s nose and encourage him to seek out people, toys, or treats. Start out simple and hide things in easy locations that he sees you do. Tell him to ‘find it’ and reward big time when he does. Most dogs love this game, and as he catches on, increase the difficulty.
- Food Games: Appealing to your dog’s sense of smell and taste: Use a sterilized hollow bone or rubber toys like Kongs and fill with a variety of soft, spreadable foods. You can use canned dog food, peanut butter, peanut butter mixed with small dry kibble, canned cheese, or something similar. Stuff the insides of the bone or toy and let your dog take time trying to get it all out. You can even freeze the toy so that it takes even longer! Dogs love this game and can stay preoccupied for a long time. There are also toys that release kibble strategically when played with, and these are great toys for play as well. Lastly, if you have just one dog, why not try hiding piles of his dinner around the house so that he has to use his nose to search it out? It appeals to the hunting instinct in your dog as he ‘works’ for his dinner. Just make sure you write a list of where all the piles are located in case he misses one!
- Frozen Fun: Does your dog like ice cubes? Take ice cube trays or bowls and put food treats or toys inside. Fill with water and freeze until hard, then release it. Your dog will love licking and chewing its way to the prize.
- Breed Specific Games: What kind of dog do you have? All breeds have a propensity for certain instinctual skills. Learn what they are and make up fun activities that incorporate them. Hounds love to trail scent; tracking games are perfect. Herding breeds excel at not only herding but agility too. Dogs that love to dig, an annoying and unwanted activity at times, can be made into a fun and rewarding opportunity for your dog to enjoy in an appropriate context. Take a child’s swimming pool or sandbox and fill with sand or dirt. Take a few of your dog’s favorite toys and goodies and bury them. Encourage your dog to ‘look for’ the goodies!
Physical Stimulation:
We have to also balance the mental exercise with physical exertion. Sometimes they can go together like in tracking, agility, or even digging for toys. Other times, our dogs need physical exercise simply for the sake of exercise to stretch and strengthen those muscles. Some of the easiest ways to get exercise:
- Walking or Jogging: Just like in people, this is the easiest way to get exercise. How much walking a dog needs or will enjoy largely depends on your dog’s breed and energy level. A Labrador retriever will likely appreciate a much lengthier, strenuous walk than a pug whose breathing and facial structure limit its walking ability. Your dog should be taught to walk on a shortened loose leash and be under control.
- Toys: If your dog likes toys, then sessions of play are excellent forms of exercise. There are ball launcher toys to make balls go farther, toys that look like sticks made of rubber, and lots of different types of flying saucers. In addition to excellent exercise, toys can be used as part of a training program.
- Appropriate Dog Play: Dogs are pack animals and interacting with other dogs in friendly play is a very stimulating and appropriate form of exercise. Start a small sized dog play group containing dogs of similar size, personality, and play type and get together for playtime. It gives your dog excellent opportunities as well as valuable social time for you.
- Swimming: Retrievers, Newfoundlands, and similar breeds love the water! On a simple level, take a child’s pool, fill with water, and float some toys. Other toys can be submerged. On a larger level, swimming pools and ponds make good outlets for exercise.
These are just a few suggestions to stave off your dog’s boredom blues. The sky is the limit. Look at what your dog enjoys to do, their natural abilities, and their fitness level, and then tailor activities suited just to your own individual dog. The important thing to remember is that the happiest dogs are the ones whose needs are fulfilled, whose days are full of activity, and who go to bed contented at night. And, they will love to have you along for the ride.
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