First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘puppy boredom’

Ever get home only to find your dog had destroyed some of your prized possessions, maybe chewed up a favorite item of clothing?  This may well be a scenario that you have faced or wish to avoid in the future.  One possible reason for this kind of behavior is separation anxiety, especially when a dog has been left alone for a long period.  However, it may be that the cause is simply that your dog is suffering from boredom.

Dogs need company and stimulation just as we humans do.  Almost any dog will get bored if left alone for a long time.  If you don’t provide stimulation for your dog, he will find his own activities and these could involve chewing up your possession, digging up your garden, barking or whining constantly. 

Dogs should never be left alone for longer than four hours at most.  If because of your life circumstances or job, you can’t avoid leaving your dog alone for long periods, here are some tips:

•    Why not hire someone to walk your dog.  Maybe you can get a friend or neighbour to walk your dog. If not, you could hire professional dog-walker.  Walks are a great activity for dogs. They stimulate him with all the fascinating sights and smells.  Dogs love walks and it’s great exercise also!

•    Being an only puppy or dog, like being an only child, can sometimes be lonely.  It may be worth thinking about having another dog as a companion.

•    If your dog likes to dig, you could give him a specific place in your garden. It gives him something to do to relieve his boredom.  You could create a digging pit where he can dig as much as he wants without destroying your flowerbeds.  To being with it is important to make him want to use the pit by building up a positive association with it. You can tempt him into it with treats and have some treats in the pit for him to find.

•    You should have a variety of toys and chews for your dog and rotate them to keep up his interest. Dispensing toys that contain treats are particularly useful since they have a high fascination for a dog. Also, keep your possessions out of the dog’s reach if you don’t want them chewed upI.

•    Hiding treats around the house is one way that you can stimulate your dog’s interest.  Make sure that you hide the treats in easily accessible places, but that provide some challenge for them.  In old socks, under an upside down bowl – these are examples of hiding places.

Hopefully you will find the tips given useful in dealing with boredom in dogs.  Obviously when you are with your dog, make sure that you take him out for regular walks and play games with him.  It is essential that you puppy dog is given the correct training.

Read more about dog separation anxiety and about emotions in dogs.

Are you are having problems with your puppy chewing your furniture and possessions. You may have now gathered that your little puppy can create a huge amount of damage, from picking at your carpet and scratching doors and floors, to chewing your brand new pair of very expensive shoes. As with any negative behavior, there is always a reason for chewing.

It is important to understand that it is natural and healthy for a puppy to chew. It is only when the chewing becomes destructive that it should be stopped. In this article the main reasons for chewing will be outlined together with details on how to stop this.

There are various reasons why your puppy is chewing your house to bits. The ones covered below include teething, boredom and separation anxiety.

Teething
At about 3-4 weeks your puppy’s teeth start to emerge. By 16 weeks they will start to fall out when the first permanent teeth start to come through. When their gums are sore, they chew to ease them.

Boredom
Young puppies are particularly prone to becoming bored. You need to provide them with stimulating activities and exercise. Left alone for a long time, your puppy may rapidly become bored and will turn to destructive behavior like chewing.

Separation Anxiety
Your puppy may start chewing in order to alleviate his stress and separation anxiety especially if he is left alone too long.

Once you know what the reasons for your puppy’s destructive chewing, it will help you to take appropriate action. Here are some tips to help you stop inappropriate chewing.

• Firstly, give your puppy a few specific toys. It is important that they are different in texture, taste and shape and are sturdy so your puppy does not become bored too quickly.
• By using these toys and playing regularly with your puppy, they will begin to have pleasant with them and are more likely to play with them when left alone.
• Put any items of value out of reach. You can also discourage your puppy from chewing your furniture and other objects by spraying something like Listerine or other anti-chew deterrent. The taste is not pleasant for the puppy and will prevent him from chewing.
• In the beginning it is important not to leave your puppy alone for extended periods of time. Begin with a short 10 minute period and gradually build up to longer absences.
• If you are away for a period of time or cannot watch your puppy, you could confine them either in a pen or crate.
• It is important to praise your puppy when you see him chewing appropriate items. This establishes the desired behavior through positive reinforcement. On the other hand if you see your puppy chew on something he shouldn’t, say something like “no” or “stop” in a stern voice. Consistently doing this will give a negative association.

Now that you appreciate the causes for your puppy’s chewing, you should be able to take appropriate action. It is very important to reward correct behavior and to consistently teach your puppy what he is allowed to chew and what he is not allowed to chew.

Check out these links to read more about stopping your dog chewing, dog separation anxiety and how to deal with boredom in your dog.