Is your dog bored?

The main cause of boredom for your dog is restricting him to your home for long periods of time and depriving him of his natural inclination to be a socialble and inquisitive creature. Therefore it is inevitable that dog behaviour problems will stem from being deprived of exercise, mental stimulation and social contact.

Dogs love the opportunity to move freely, investigate, scent, mark territory, socialise with other dogs. Moreover they would love to mate, hunt food and wee and poo wherever they like however, for the responsible dog owner this is not possible.

There are many things you can do to prevent your dogs boredom, here are just a few ideas. Remember preventing your dog from being bored can be stop many unwanted canine behaviour problems.

Walk your dog at least once a day for thirty minutes to an hour;
Let your dog run free off his lead whenever you can, if this is not possible use a long lead (about three to four meters);
Socialise your dog with other dogs as much as possible, also if you can socialise your dog while off his lead all the better. Dogs love the company of one another where they can get the opportunity to run and play;
Play with your dog as often as you can;
Train your, its good for his mental agility, dogs love to work;
Join an agility group socialise, exercise and stimulate your dog.
If your in a position where you have to go out to work consider the following options.

Get a companion for your dog, another dog perhaps;
Leave your dog with a friend;
Take your dog to work if its possible;
Consider getting a dog flap to allow your dog to come in and out of the house. Be considerate to your neighbours though, will your dog likely bark all day. Will there be potential for your dog to escape?

Julian Addington-Barker is the owner of www.articlesafe.com and