Home Alone
By Paul Johnston
Dogs are social creatures and need mental and physical activity to keep them
happy and healthy. A bored dog will bark, dig, run away or even show signs
of aggression. Enriching the home environment with toys and providing plenty
of exercise and socialisation will usually halt behavioural problems.
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Not everyone has the luxury of having
more than one pet, but if you can provide for two instead
of one, your pets will have the opportunity to interact
with each other throughout the day.
If you work during the day, take a moment to consider
the increasing number of home services or doggie
day care that is now available.
Day creches are designed to provide for those dogs
and cats whose owners often spend much of their day
away from home or even if a particular week requires
the owner to be away for longer periods of time.
Contact your local animal welfare league for more
information. There are also numerous dog walking
services available. Just look under Pet Care Services
in the Yellow Pages directory. |
Toys and games
Toys provide a source of amusements for our pets. Give your dog a special toy
as you leave each day (and take it away when you return).
Dogs like to tug and pull and those toys that hang, and
designed with a durable thong to allow it to stretch, are
popular with dogs. Some are designed to hold small biscuits
and the dog will learn to play with the toy until a biscuit
roles out. More the reason to keep playing with it!
Socialisation and training
Quality time with your pet is important. Invite your pet indoors to sit with
you in the evening. The more you interact with your pet, the more frequently
it will initiate interactions with you.
During the evening, invite your friends over along with
their pooch or take your dog to the leash-free park for a
game using fluorescent balls or discs. Some parks are well
lit, are small enough to keep your dog close and will inevitably
have other people there with their pets.
Stimulation helps to prevent boredom so taking your dog
to a training class on the weekend will provide your dog
with a weekly dose of interactive fun and games. Teaching
your dog tricks or simply playing 'hide-and-seek' are all
ways to keep your dog entertained and prevent noisy or destructive
behaviours.
For lots of easy to read articles, full of useful information
that is sure to help you out with your pet or pets, go to http://www.P-E-T-S.info. While you are there sign up for the PET NEWS email newsletter - it
is FREE and packed with handy tips for pet owners.
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