As a dog owner you are already aware of how intelligent your dog is and just like humans, are subject to getting bored if allowed to remain idle for too long. All Intelligent creatures need to be stimulated in order to have a good quality of life. Many dog breeds were initially created and bred to work for us, hunting, stalking, fetching, and searching etc. Being left with nothing to do can cause problems when frustration sets in as these animals are programmed genetically to be working.
When a dog is bored it will display different patterns of behaviour and can manifest as constant barking, digging or starting to be destructive in the home. Imagine if you were left on your own with no company, no TV, no books to read, nothing to occupy your mind at all, then its no wonder an intelligent animal can go stir crazy.
It doesn’t take much to keep your dog content mentally and just providing some toys can help. He may be perfectly happy just sitting watching the world go by if you have a secure enclosed yard or garden. Because dogs are quite territorial, they will probably bark at strangers passing by but once he gets to know the locals and your neighbours, he will be happy to let them pass by peacefully.
Some food treats can keep your dog occupies for a while especially those calcium bones stuffed with tasty morsels that he will spend hours trying to lick out or try strips of dried, very hard cow hide as this is also a good distraction and also helps to keep their teeth clean.
Regular walks is something dogs love and will wait patiently until it’s time. They seem to know exactly when they are due to be taken out and won’t let you forget it because they will sit and stare at you until you get up and reach for the lead. They can’t wait to get outdoors where they can read all the new messages left by other dogs and leave their own scent trails. Dogs love being allowed to run free and they will be happy to run around for hours if left to their own devices but this is obviously not always possible, safe or practical. However, even a long walk at weekends is better than nothing.
If you can try to keep your dog entertained and occupied as often as possible then this will help stop him from developing unwanted behavioural patterns and you will have a happy contented member of the family.