As dog parents, we can feel as if we need to keep our dogs entertained and occupied at all times – whether to ensure they have enough stimulation, stay well-behaved, or we worry about whether our dogs are bored.
But do we actually need to give them the best dog chew toys, puzzles, and mats constantly? After all, parents often let their children amuse themselves when they’re bored, so does it need to be any different when it comes to our canines?
Expert trainer Carolyn Martell, the founder of Good Dog Training, has explained why it’s fine to let our dogs do nothing if the time calls for it in a new Instagram post – and it’s certainly eye-opening!
“You should not have to constantly entertain your dog with chews, lick mats, toys, or play,” says Martell. “This is a problem. This tells me that your dog does not know how to actually do nothing.”
She differentiates between doing nothing and chewing on a bone or licking a mat, to give two examples. These are distractions.
“I’m seeing owners scared to stop distracting and entertaining their dogs,” she explains. “It’s exhausting for them.”
Often, dog parents feel as though they must constantly entertain their dogs, because if they stop, their pups will vocalize, or become destructive. They can’t handle being ignored, and not being distracted and entertained.
Constantly distracting a dog can become counter-productive, leaving you stuck in a vicious cycle in which you can’t cope with your dog’s behavior so you distract them again – so they never learn to sit there and do nothing. Particularly if you live alone or are often at home on your own, it can be impossible to get things done. So, why not take a look at these practical tips for training your dog on your own?
“Don’t be overly reliant on distractions,” Martell urges. “Let your dog be. Let them sleep or watch. Let them play by themselves. Work on teaching appropriate behavior rather than distracting them constantly.”
She explains in her caption, “I can take Olive to a restaurant and sit and eat. She doesn’t need a chew or a mat. She just knows what’s expected – lie at my feet and don’t be a pest.
“I can sit at home and work for hours, ignoring them all. They may nap. They may play with each other, or they may find a toy and play by themselves. They know how to behave reasonably well without me constantly giving them things and doing things.”
This doesn’t mean that the best long-lasting dog chews and the best dog puzzle toys aren’t incredibly useful – and can help keep your dog active both physically and mentally – but your pup will be absolutely fine without them sometimes!
If you’d like more advice regarding your dog’s behavior, these common dog behavior problems and solutions could be well worth reading up on.
