Dogs get bored if they never leave home

Ask the experts
Dogs get bored if they never leave home
Susan Sharpe

Winter months are very busy for dog trainers. Previously well-behaved dogs begin chewing, jumping, barking and seem to be out of control.

Dog owners fail to make the connection between their dog's unwanted behavior and the fact they are walking them less – or not at all, because of the weather.

Dogs need to be walked even in the winter months. Going for a walk supplies both mental and physical stimulation, but few dog owners realize the importance of mental stimulation. Even if your dog receives adequate exercise playing fetch in the backyard, if he never leaves home, he too can go a little stir crazy.

Put yourself in your dog's place, imagine you have a treadmill and other exercise equipment in your home, but you can never leave your property. You receive adequate exercise by working out in your home gym, but how do you feel after a few days of not leaving the house? All of a sudden a simple trip to the grocery store is a welcomed event. Going off your property is not about exercise, but stimulus!

If you're not able to walk your dog, take him with you to visit friends and family, but ask them first. Find dog-friendly places such as dog groups and doggie daycare.

Take him along to run errands. Stores selling food items cannot permit dogs inside, other than service dogs, due to health laws. Non-food stores such as banks, hardware stores or other places where food is not sold, there is no harm in asking, as long as you respect their answer. When you are allowed inside with your dog be sure to give your dog the opportunity to relieve himself prior to entering the building and have your dog on leash. You might be surprised how many places welcome a well-behaved dog for a short visit.

If your dog is not comfortable with going to new places, then provide new stimuli at home. Teach him new tricks or behaviors; learning is stimulating. Use interactive toys such as Kongs or treat balls that intermittently dispense food. You can use his regular amount of daily food consumption in the toys, to prevent weight gain.

Another option is to hide small amounts of food around the house and teach him to "find it." Start by putting your dog behind a closed door or baby gate, then place small amounts of his daily food ration in various locations, let him out and tell him to find it. Initially you'll need to teach him how to play the game by going with him and getting excited when he sees the food, but soon he'll be searching through the house upon hearing the cue "find it".

The more active the dog the more you'll need to keep him physically and mentally stimulated to prevent unwanted behavior problems. Failing to provide adequate activities means you're forcing your dog to create his own ways to occupy his mind. When dogs are forced to create their own mental stimulation owners rarely approve of their methods. Proper exercise and mental stimulation can prevent and even resolve most unwanted behavior problems.

Tip of the week: If you have problems walking your dog, or taking him to new environments find a positive reinforcement trainer to help you. Find a dog group, doggie daycare, or create your own dog group with other dog friends.

Bark questions to: Canine Companion, 11652 North - 825 West, Huntington, IN 46750 or e-mail info@caninecompanion.us.

Canine Companion conducts dog training classes in Fort Wayne, Huntington and surrounding communities and behavior consulting nationwide. Along with their combined 30 years experience and endorsement by national organizations, the trainers are all graduates of Purdue University's DOGS! Program and have earned the title of Certified Pet Dog Trainer through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers.

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