Due to hectic schedules our dogs are required to stay at home for longer periods of time. Most dogs find this difficult and behaviours such as chewing soft wood, howling, crying, repetitive barking, self mutilation, excessive licking of the paws or skin, digging and general destructive behaviours will present.
Anything over 4 hours is excessive for a dog to cope alone especially if this is a regular occurrence.
Thankfully there are now many things you can do to help the situation.
Change the Feeding Pattern
What you will need:
1. Large KONG Toy x 2
2. Premier Treat Ball
3. Nylabone
Rather than feeding your dog from their bowl in the morning put their food along with some tasty extras into a large KONG toy. The KONG should be very interesting so use left over meat, cheese etc. The food should be stuffed inside so as it does not easily fall out. You can see recipes on www.kongcompany.com
Use a safe treat ball such as the one from Premier and put the dry food inside. The dog will learn to roll the ball and the food comes out. This will keep him mentally occupied especially if he has missed his breakfast that morning and needs to work to get the food out.
Leave a flavoured Nylabone for your dog to chew on. This will be far more interesting than your decking.
Daycare
Invest in Daycare for your dog. Spend as much as you can afford on daycare days for your dog where they can learn, socialise and receive training during the day.
Dog Walker or Sitter
Invest in a good dog walker or pet sitter. If someone can call to break up your dogs day that will be a considerable help. Spend as much as you can afford on a dog walker. Expect to pay €15 per walk.
Weekend and Evening Time
Spend as much time as possible with your dog at the weekend. In the evenings allow your dog inside regardless of muddy paws. They need human interaction and if they are outside all day it is unfair not to give them attention in the evening.
Training Classes
Enrol in a fun training course. For 1 evening a week you will spend time with your dog training and enjoying each others company.
Safety
Only use a safety collar on your dog when left alone especially if your dog is in a pen or there is decking or areas such as fencing where your dog can get caught. Many dogs suffer death by strangulation when their dogs collar gets caught and the dog panics.
Instead choose a Safety Collar which will snap open should your dog become caught in something.
Under no circumstances should a puppy under 16 weeks be left alone for more than 2 hours. You must either employ a pet sitter or leave your puppy in daycare during this period.
All items listed above such as KONG’s and treat balls are available from www.DogTrainingIreland.ie/shop
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Comments
is a kong toy safe to leave with a dog? my 1 year old Chi chews pieces off – is that normal?