From House To Home

Imagine sitting in one room for eight hours every day. You are not allowed to watch TV or do any activities. There’s no one to socialize with. You can’t even go to the bathroom.

For millions of dogs across the country, this is what their “workweek” is like. No wonder they develop pesky behaviors such as chewing on the new leather ottoman or digging up your prized hostas. These highly social animals are not only bored, but they are also being deprived of their exalted pack leader: you.

These highly social animals are not only bored, but they are also being deprived of their exalted pack leader: you.

Yet you have to leave them alone sometimes. Someone needs to bring home the kibble.

The Following Pointers Might Help:

• Keep your arrivals and departures low key. If you make a big fuss over your dog at these times, you’re not only winding him up, but you’re also signaling to him that your absence is a very big event.
• Consider doggy day care, which provides lots of exercise, attention, and socialization with other dogs.
• For shy or older dogs, a better solution might be a good dog-sitter.
• For dogs who get super anxious, check out herbal stress-reduction formulas such as Ultra-Calm and Rescue Remedy. Another option: the B0002XAEJC, which mimics a new mother’s natural pheromones and can be soothing to canines.
• Invest in a few high-quality treat-dispensing toys. (In our office, visiting canine Buddy went nutty over the Hi.Q., a treat-dispensing puzzle toy shaped like a water pipe.) Or put peanut butter in a rubber Kong and freeze it. Your dog will be kept busy for hours trying to get all of it. (Don’t give Rex access to the white living-room rug when trying this one!)
• If none of these activities seem to help your dog, you’ll want to consult your vet or an animal psychologist.

When Buster Gets Bored: 15 activities to ease your dog's ennui

Sue Owens Wright shares dozens of ideas on how to keep your dog stimulated and happy in her book 150 Activities for Bored Dogs (Adams Media, 2007). Here's a sampling:

1. If your office is dog-friendly and Fido isn't a Tasmanian Devil, bring him to work when you can.
2. Hide part of your dog's daily ration so he has to "work" for it: bury it under leaves or place it on the low-lying crotch of a small tree for outdoor pets; hide it under throw rugs or beneath overturned serving bowls if he's indoors. Because food is such a strong motivator for most dogs, activities like these can keep his mind focused on more productive pursuits.
3. Invest in a bubble-blowing machine, which can keep some dogs occupied for hours. There actually are models made specifically for dogs; they even make chicken-scented bubbles!
4. Keep replenishing his toy stash so there's always something new to chew. (Check out yard sales if you don't want to spend a mint on new dog toys.)
5. Believe it or not, some dogs actually are TV hounds. We've even heard of a pooch who likes to watch videos of himself. If you suspect you have a couch mutt, try leaving on Animal Planet or nature shows during the day.
6. Music soothes the savage beast, so why not try it on your schnauzer? Mozart, especially, can calm the soul.
7. Some dogs will benefit from any new companion (even a cat!). But do your homework beforehand to make sure this newcomer will get along with your existing pet. Otherwise, you'll just double your trouble. And don't leave them alone together until you know they get along.
8. A retriever-type dog might enjoy an automatic pitching machine that is specifically designed for dogs. Use with caution though: Tennis balls can actually get caught in a larger dog's throat.
9. If your dog stays outdoors, try filling a child's pool for him. (He'll especially appreciate this during the hottest months). Try bobbing his favorite ball or even a few cut-up hot dogs in the water.
10. Freeze treats (beef bouillon, chicken broth) in ice cube trays or small pans so your pet can savor them. Tah-dah! Pupsicles.
11. Put peanut butter in a rubber Kong and freeze it. It can take your dog hours to get all of it. (Don't give Rex access to the white living room rug when trying this one.)
12. Life is always more interesting if your dog can watch the world go by. Keep him in a room where there are windows. If he's a sawed-off little guy, you might even consider installing a Plexiglas porthole in the bottom half of your front door or backyard fence so he can watch birds, squirrels, and by passers.
13. Engage him in a game of Tetherball Tug. Attach a slightly stretchy rope and tetherball to a (strong) tree branch or pole. Some dogs, especially athletes like terriers, can entertain themselves for hours by jumping up and batting the ball back and forth.
14. Leave your dog with a recently worn T-shirt or pair of socks. They'll find your scent comforting.
15. Give your four-legged pal more exercise when you are home. Just like their humans, dogs benefit from the stress-busting, health-boosting benefits of extra workouts.