The care of zoo animals is under strict guidelines which govern that the animal must have acceptable living area and be provided with mental stimulation. At Sea World on the Gold Coast, before the Polar Bears are released into their day enclosure, their food is hidden by a carer who walks around the enclosure in company of a seal. When the bears are released, not only do they enjoy finding their food, but they also have the added activity of tracking the scent left behind by the seal.

The care of the majority of pet dogs in any given town or city would fail any zoo inspection. Gone are the days when zoo animals could be placed in stark environments and only fed and watered, leaving them to have nothing to do all day. Yet so many ‘animal lovers’ do just that to their dogs. Left in the back yard year after year without any mental stimulation at all with the exception of a five minute game with the owner if their lucky. These dogs are then abused verbally and unfortunately at times physically by owners when boredom gets to such a stage that the dogs have to find their own means of mental survival. Digging, chewing, escaping, barking. Yet the dog is always blamed.

Owners of pet dogs have to be more accountable and responsible for their pets. Pet dogs don’t just come with the furniture to make a ‘happy family’. They, like everything else in life need care and nurturing to succeed.

So what can owners do? Plenty!
1. Start by giving your dog things to do during the day. Alter these activities so the dog does not become bored.
2. Stop feeding your dog in one sitting, leaving the dog with nothing to do all day. Hide his biscuits in different places each day, but give him most of his meal in a “chew toy” such as a ‘Kong’. These can be made up with pet mince/cheese etc prior, placed in a plastic bag and frozen. Chewing at them whilst they thaw will give the dog all the activity for the morning, then we just have to plan the afternoon.
3. Hide toys and rawhide bones in a sandpit or area set aside for the dog. It is natural for a dog to dig, and a dog will usually return to the place where he can dig up surprises.
4. Train your dog in a positive way, the way you would like to be educated today – with praise for what you get right – not reprimanded for what you get wrong.
5. Call up some friends with dogs and start a ‘walking group’. Having someone to chat with on the way is great, and the bonus is that you get fit at the same time. And the dogs love it. Don’t forget the doggie bags to pick up the poo.
6. Start a puppy day care group, where you can all meet at someone’s place and chat over tea and biscuits whilst the dogs have fun together.
7. Start a trick training group with other dog owners. You will be surprised how intelligent your dog really is, and how quickly he will pick up on the tricks.
8. Play ‘Hide and Seek with your dog. Start by first playing fetch with him/her, then pretend to throw the ball. When the dog turns to look for the ball, hide it behind your legs. In a happy excited voice, show the dog your empty hands and say “Where is it? Seek”. When the dog returns to you and finds the ball give him praise. You can then start by hiding the ball in a nearby bucket, progressing to behind a chair etc. Eventually you can hold the dog whilst someone else hides with the ball. Then the word “Seek” will send him off scenting and looking for them. And he gets the ball as the reward for the find. You can then have the kids hide and let the dog find them, with the kids giving the dog treats when found.

There are many other ways to keep your dog happy and this then leads to a well behaved, well loved and contented pet.

Don’t let your backyard become your dog’s prison!