January 14, 2019
It’s not just people who suffer from the post-Christmas blues. After all the fuss and excitement of the festive season, dogs can struggle to get back into their usual routine, get bored more easily and start to display unwanted behaviour.
So, Bayswater head nurse Kate has some ideas for perking up your pooch.
Plus, don’t forget that you can always contact us for advice if you’re worried about your dog’s behaviour.
Signs your dog is bored
If your dog is acting differently but doesn’t seem ill, they might not be getting the stimulation they need. Keep an eye out for these behaviours, which are all signs of boredom:
- Chewing
- Restlessness
- Sighing
- Constant pining for your attention
- Destructive behaviour
- Following you around with a toy when you are home
- Excessive barking
- Chasing their tail
- Digging
How to combat boredom
The good news is that it’s easy to bust that boredom. Here are some ideas:
- Mind-stimulating games, such as playing hide-and-seek with their favourite toys, or teaching them new tricks.
- Plenty of exercise is vital at any time of year, but it’s easy to be lazy when it’s cold outside. Add new or longer walks to your normal routine, so that your dog can run off that excess energy and you can both discover new places to explore in Notting Hill and Paddington.
- Playtime not only entertains your dog, but also helps them to positively focus any predatory behaviour. To add novelty to the new year, you could even keep back some Christmas toys until January.
- Puppy preschool and similar structured classes are a safe environment to teach obedience, communication and socialisation. That goes for owners, too!
- Companionship is as important for dogs as it is for people. If you’re a one-dog household, take them to play with a friend. Not only will it give your dog essential social skills, but it’s also lots of fun.
Remember, you can always ask our vet nurses here at Bayswater Veterinary Clinic for dog game ideas or for advice about improving your dog’s behaviour. Here’s to a happy and healthy new year with your dog.