Is My Dog Bored?

Many times when I go visit a client in their home, I immediately notice the massive amount of toys strewn all over the house. After the client and I get to talking, I ask them about the over the top toy situation. Nine times out of ten, the response is something akin to ‘I just don’t want my dog to get bored!’

Lavishing our pups with plushy goodness is not a bad thing. However, there should be an objective behind giving a toy. Allowing a dog to have all its toys at their disposal is directly connected to pushy, oftentimes possessive behavior. In addition, it does not give the right tone that your home should have. The overall tone of your home should be one of peace and structure. If you want to initiate toy playtime with your dog, that’s fine. Have them earn that toy. Make sure that they release it every time you command an out. And then when play time is over, the toy goes away. By allowing our dogs to be inundated in a 24/7 world of squeaky chaos, how does that make us look? It is our job to create the proper environment for our pups. By keeping an orderly home where there is a time and place for everything, you are helping your dog remain in a calm and focused state of mind. Concerned about boredom? Then make sure every part of your day involves an inclusion exercise based on structure. Whether its a structured walk, a Place exercise, or a down stay on the porch while you go and get the paper in the morning, by inviting your dog to participate properly in every possible part of your day, they will never be bored. In fact, they will love you even more because you are projecting yourself as a good and trustworthy leader and companion.