The Best Boredom Busters for Dogs
Part of the parcel that comes with owning a dog is knowing how to keep them entertained. When dogs get bored, they can often create their own 'entertainment', though what might be entertainment to them can actually look like destructive behaviours such as chewing on furniture, digging or excessive barking.
Dogs can also suffer periods of anxiety, depression and restlessness if left to their own devices for too long. But with other lifestyle factors, such as work, taking up your time and attention, how can you ensure that your dog gets the stimulation they need? Below are some suggestions as to how you can prevent excessive or prolonged boredom in dogs and instead keep them feeling stimulated and satisfied.
1. Puzzle feeders: Replacing normal dog bowls for interactive feeders like lickmats/ bowls and snuffle toys is a great way to engage their brains and slow their eating pace. Bury kibble into snuffle mats to encourage foraging instincts, or layer lickimats with treat pastes or dry food to create a fun challenge. These types of 'puzzles' where dogs have to work for their food can be incredibly rewarding and enriching whilst redirecting restless energy; no more chewing on furniture, more tasty challenges!
2. Yak Chews: Yak chews are a bit of an all-rounder when it comes to their benefits: tasty, healthy and stimulating. Not only are yak chews a natural treat, high in calcium and protein and low in fat, but they can also occupy your dog for hours. These chews are tough, robust and can't be eaten quickly. When dogs gnaw down on yak chews, their saliva softens the chew and allows them to slowly digest it in small pieces, all whilst scraping away built-up plaque and tartar from their teeth. Dogs are forced to work through yak chews slower than other dog chews and treats, and the more time they spend focussing on yak chews, the less time they spend chewing inappropriate items around the home!
3. Treat dispensers: treat dispensers are dog toys that have places to hide, stuff or conceal treats. Similarly to lick/ snuffle mats, treat dispensers create a fun challenge for your dog as they work hard to retrieve their treat! Classic examples of treat toys the KONG Classic and the KONG Goodie Ribbon, which are great for stuffing with treats, whilst the BIONIC Treat Shaker is great for hiding pieces of kibble. Lather on treat pastes, dog-safe peanut butter or yogurt and let your dog entertain themselves as they work to lap up a tasty snack. 
Image: KONG Goodie Ribbon
4. Rope toys - if you have a moment to spare then tug/rope toys are a good opportunity for your dog to burn off some energy and bond with you over playtime. Rope toys are ideal as they can be used easily within the home rather than requiring a walk, meaning your dog can enjoy satisfying playtimes that are less time consuming for you. Interactive moments like these are important for engaging your dog in healthy play, strengthening your bond and burning off energy outside of their regular routines and walks.
These are just some of the ways that you can easily entertain and stimulate your dog and reduce the effects that boredom has on their well-being (as well as your furniture!). Mental stimulation and engagement can be just as important as physical activity when it comes to keeping your dog healthy and happy; plus, dogs are usually easier to entertain than you think!
To shop lick mats and bowls, please click here.
To shop yak chews, please click here.
To shop treat toys, please click here.
To shop tug/rope toys, please click here.
To shop other dog supplies, please click here.
