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Environmental Enrichment
Many common behavioural problems dog owner’s encounter are a direct result of boredom! Consider this…If, like the average owner, you take your dog out for a walk for say, 2 hours everyday, 7 days a week, then the dog will still spend 91%, or almost 10 years of his life in the backyard! Dogs’ are social, intelligent, pack animals. It is not normal for them to be isolated from their ‘pack’. Working breeds, (such as the Border Collie, Kelpie, German Shepherd, etc), are particularly prone to boredom, however this can, and does, occur in any breed. Dog’s that are confined to a backyard need a stimulating environment that provides both mental stimulation and physical activity. Dog’s that become bored become destructive! Common behaviours that we see, directly resulting from boredom are;
- excessive barking - pulling washing off the line - digging - escaping / jumping fences A big backyard is great, but if it’s empty, your away all day and Fido is left alone everyday, is it really all that fun? Put yourself in your dog’s paws….Would you rather be in an empty room the size of the MCG, or a small room filled with books, a T.V, computer, etc? In an hour, you would know every square inch of the large room, but in a smaller room filled with things to do, you may have only just started reading a book. Now for the good news……There are many simple ways to combat boredom! Treat balls and Kongs are a great way of making a meal last longer. The heavy duty, plastic ones are perfect for destructors!
Buster cubes are a plastic cube that has a maze inside. This allows you to set the treats, (or dog biscuits) to come out easy or hard.
Providing a view of the world where the dog can observe the ‘passers by’ can keep them entertained for hours. Some dog’s find it very frustrating when they can hear what’s happening outside their gate, but can’t see it. (NOTE: You need to take this on an individual basis, as some dog’s find it very entertaining to bark at everyone who passers by! Work out what ‘triggers’ your dog, then act accordingly. Please feel free to ask me for help if you are not sure). Digging is a natural, canine behaviour, so while it is unrealistic to expect your pooch never to dig again, we can set him up to succeed by providing him with his very own digging pit! A plastic clamshell, designed for children, filled with sand or dirt, can be a great way to satisfy your dog’s desire to use his paws and claws! To keep him really entertained, hide his favourite toys and / or bones in there. (These clamshells also work well filled with water. Now Fido can enjoy his very own swimming pool in summer!). For further ideas on Environmental Enrichment, please feel free to contact me! |
