Has your dog destroyed anything in your house? If he has, it’s probably because he’s bored. Dogs need to be mentally stimulated; otherwise, they will find their own ways to occupy themselves, which often leads to unwanted and destructive behaviors. Here are some ways to keep your dog entertained while you’re away.
Install a Doggy Door
If you have a fenced-in yard that your dog is used to going in, let him go out whenever he wants by installing a doggy door. This is sure to keep your pooch occupied while you’re at work. The outdoors has plenty of sounds and odors your dog is going to want to investigate. As long as he hasn’t shown any undesirable behaviors such as digging, allow him to scope out the backyard.
Get a Pool
Most dogs are natural swimmers. Some need an introduction to a swimming pool to understand just how fun a pool can be. Because some dogs are intimidated by new things, a step-by-step process is often the best way to address this. Purchase a kiddie pool and show it to your dog without water in it. Toss some toys or treats inside to encourage him to go in. Once he is comfortable with this, add water. Although this process may take time and effort, eventually, your dog is going to love playing in his pool.
If he enjoys frolicking in a little pool, maybe he would be crazy about swimming in a larger one. Ask yourself, “Should I check out pool builders near me?” You might really enjoy swimming with your dog on a larger scale. Swimming is a great way to tire out your pooch before you have to leave the house. If he is tired, he’ll sleep rather than misbehave.
It’s important to note that you should never let your dog near a swimming pool alone. Block off the entrance to a large pool or empty a kiddie pool. Your dog has a chance of drowning, even in shallow water.
Hide Treats
Before you have to leave for work, hide some of your pooch’s favorite treats around the house. This is going to keep him occupied for hours. Choose different spots to hide them so the game doesn’t get dull. However, be mindful about where you place the treats so your dog isn’t getting into something he shouldn’t.
Use a Dog Puzzle Game
This is another way to hide treats. With puzzles, however, your dog needs to think about how to get the treats out. These games help to develop your dog’s problem-solving skills. Some puzzles require your dog to shake and toss the toy around to get the treats to fall out. Others have moving parts that your pooch must remove or flip open to uncover a treat.
