When Barbara Richards first started staying home, she says that her dog, Shortly, loved it. "Now I think he resents it," she claims. "I think he wants his home alone time that he's used to."
Is it possible that we've been spending too much time with our beloved pets during the coronavirus quarantine?
"Because we're home all the time, he always wants something from us. He is requiring a lot more attention," said Brian Hall of his mini dachshund, Duncan.
According to Juliette Nash, San Diego Humane Society's Community Training Coordinator, there are several signs indicating that your dog is getting tired of the constant company.
""Your dog might be doing things to get your attention—laying their head on you, nudging you, pawing you, jumping on you, [or] barking at you," she says. "They might grab your things to say 'hey come, chase me!'"
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep Fido entertained in the interim.
Nash says that dogs don't like to feel bored. "Dogs like to be busy and have something to do," she continued. "It helps manage the structure in the home. It helps manage all sorts of behaviors."
It could benefit you and your dog to invest some time in creating food puzzles from household items, such as a dishtowel with treats rolled inside, or an egg crate filled with treats. If you're looking to tucker them out, you can fill a cardboard box with pieces of crumpled paper and put your dog's kibble or treats in it.
There are plenty of ways to get creative when it comes to keeping your dog entertained during the quarantine. Take some time to research, and don't be afraid to try out new things.