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Dr. Dog Pages
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Helping a Bored Dog. | 
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Keeping a dog entertained and engaged is good for both dog and owner. Not only will your dog be happier, but he will generally exhibit better behavior. Dogs that are bored or lonely are prone to exhibit annoying or destructive behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, or chewing. High energy dogs are especially likely to act out if not given attention and exercise. Giving your dog attention is a critical part of keeping him happy. Dogs are social animals and need regular interaction with people. Also, this is much of the fun of being a dog owner. Interacting with your pet either for grooming, or for play, or for a walk, or simply to pat him is critical to your pet and increases the bond between pet and owner. If one leaves a dog alone in the yard a majority of the time your pet will be lonely which can translate to anxiety or obsessive behaviors such as barking. For high energy pets, like labs and other sporting dogs, they need more attention, interaction, and exercise than most other dogs. As most people can’t spend all their time with their pet, providing other ways for dogs to stay active and engaged when alone is helpful. For some a favorite toy fills the bill, keeping them entertained for hours. However, many dogs will need more variety, challenge, and exercise. Providing an area that is interactive can help. A place to dig or run, toys that are challenging, or areas that can be explored will help a dog keep his mind and body active which makes for a happier pet. One can add variety to the activities that they do with their dog which
is fun for pet and owner. Take your dog to a new place for a walk or hike.
If you go, it is wise to check in advance about an area’s dog policy.
For some dogs like Golden Retrievers a trip to a lake or other swimming
hole is as good as it gets. There are also organized sports for dogs. Agility
is one of the most common, a competition where a dog runs a timed obstacle
course. Flyball is a sport played by teams of dogs. These activities are
great not only for exercise, but as an opportunity for dogs to interact
with other dogs and people. The possibilities for added activity and entertainment
are practically endless. The more you do with your dog the happier you
are both likely to be. |
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