Going Back to School: Preventing Boredom
August 18, 2009 by Paris and John
Filed under Children & Dogs, Tips, Training
As many households make their back to school preparations, many dogs will have to get accustomed to a new routine, too. This week we’ve got tips from Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, about how to prepare your dog for the start of school.
Yesterday we covered preventing separation anxiety in your dog; today we turn our focus to keeping your dog from getting bored once you do leave the house. Sure, you know they’re going to sleep a lot, but what about the time when they’re awake and the kids are at school? Bark Busters gives two great suggestions:
Toys: Dogs love toys, but they can quickly get bored with or destroy them. Buy high-quality, virtually indestructible puzzle toys that your dog will always enjoy, such as those that hold treats like the Buster Cube™ and KONG™ (pictured above). Every few days, rotate what toys are available to him. This gives your dog something new and fun to hold his interest.
Scatter food: Dogs are natural foragers who enjoy looking for food on the ground–and will literally spend hours doing so. Scatter a variety of foods–such as bits of raw vegetables, dog kibble, and other foods that won’t attract wasps–around the yard when you leave. Try hiding a few treats so your dog spends extra time looking for them. And always provide lots of fresh, clean water to keep your dog well hydrated.
Tomorrow: Making Your Dog a Home Base
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