Banish boredom – find a hobby for your dog

Physical exercise is something all dogs require - at least an hour a day for adult dogs - so sporting activities might be the thing to give your pet a boost. Photo: dpa

If your dog is regularly ripping your flat to shreds, or insists on howling its head off when you really need peace and quiet, it could be that it’s not being challenged enough intellectually.

These destructive and disruptive behaviours are often your pet’s way of saying “find me something useful to do!”, according to pet behavioural experts. As with humans, a rewarding vocation or interesting hobby could be the answer.