Our dogs are intelligent, sentient beings that require social contact and inclusion, just like us. Where we live incredibly busy and fulfilled lives between work, social commitments, sports, favourite TV shows/ movies, social media and, of course, watching cats on roombas.
However, our dogs’ lives are fulfilled by us.
Often, undesirable behaviours occur where dogs are under-stimulated, and under-exercised throughout their day – they’re busy and social creatures and if we don’t give them a job to do while we can’t be with them, they’ll create their own work. Unfortunately, while we would appreciate help with the housework, when our dogs become self-employed their jobs often reflect normal doggy behaviours - which are undesirable, ‘problem’ behaviours for us, like digging, barking, chewing or escaping.
When left to their own devices – your dog won’t make good choices.
You can help keep your dog busy by including them as much as possible in your life:
- Take them for car rides / to run short errands with you (don’t leave them in the car for long periods, or in the sun)
- Bring them inside to watch TV with you (on lead if necessary)
- Take them with you for coffee or lunch dates, to friends’ houses or even work if possible! (There are many recognised benefits to business productivity with the presence of a pet in the office!)
- Distribute their daily meals through training or food dispensing toys, treasure hunts or food scatters in the back yard to help keep them busy for longer and keep their mind active and stimulated.