A Blog by Guest Blogger Brandon Butler
Photo By: Pixabay
Snow, sleet, rain, or shine, when your pooch follows the same monotonous routine day in and day out, boredom is bound to creep in. Unfortunately, along with that boredom might come some unwanted behaviors. Rather than fuss and plea with your pooch, why not fight the boredom and enjoy some quality time with man and woman’s best friend?
Is Your Pup Bored?
Last time you checked, your pooch wasn’t able to verbally express his boredom, unless of course you are Dr. Dolittle. However, there are several signs to look out for that point to a restless pooch.
You may notice your dog using his words in the form of barking at everything and everyone. Perhaps your pooch is suddenly misbehaving such as getting into the garbage, turning over food/water bowls, ripping into treat bags, or suddenly engaging in a behavior that he has been trained not to do. Pay attention to how your dog reacts when you get home, too. He is excited to see you, of course, but all the energy that has built up throughout the day is being unleashed upon you.
Explore Indoor Options
The weather isn’t always cooperative, which means you’ll have to find some ways to entertain your pooch indoors. Have an epic game of hide-and-seek by hiding treats, tennis balls, or other toys around the house to not only get your pup up and moving, but give him some mental stimulation, too. You can even take it a step further and hide yourself. Call out to Fido and suppress the giggles as he sets out on a mission to find you.
Perhaps you could set up an indoor agility course, or play a game of fetch using a soft toy. Since you are already stuck indoors, why not spend some time preparing for future outdoor fun by brushing up on your dog’s public etiquette, leash walking, and basic commands.
Get Out When You Can
Once the weather starts to cooperate, it’s time to head outside for some outdoor fun. There are plenty of dog parks in the area, offering Fido an opportunity for an off-leash romp as well as some canine socialization. Make it a day or overnight trip by heading out for a beach day, hike, or camping trip. If you’re going camping, make sure you’re prepared and that you bring along a pet first aid kit and collapsible water bowl. You can even have your pup help shoulder the load with dog backpack (read reviews before making a purchase).
You could bring some of the indoor activities mentioned above outside by playing hide-and-seek in a fenced-in area or play fetch in a wide-open space. The truth is, there are plenty of dog-friendly activities in your area. If you aren’t sure where to start, sites like BringFido will point you in the right direction.
If Fido is bored, it’s time to do something about it. Entertainment options abound no matter what the weather is like outside, giving both of you an opportunity for fun and bonding.
The familiar proverb “April Showers Bring May Flowers” probably originated from the General Prologue of The Canterbury Tales:
