by Fiona Nicholson, Science Writer
Modern lifestyles have brought many changes for our pets, many of whom face long days alone in the house or kennel while the family goes out to work, followed by hours spent alone in the garden while the humans shop, prepare dinner and pursue numerous household and leisure tasks. Dogs are not solitary animals and often behavioural problems develop in response to this solitary confinement and unbroken monotony which they experience for many hours each day. This may be broken by a short visit from a pet minder, but busy families may not appreciate the levels of boredom and monotony which the family dog or cat is suffering. Enrichment is a key measure which anyone can provide to keep dogs and cats happily occupied. A sandpit in the garden allows the dog to dig without destroying the lawn, while treats and toys can be buried in the sand to provide surprise rewards for Fido. A lid will prevent neighbourhood cats from soiling in the pit – cats love sand!