Curing boredom?

So I got home yesterday and Alfie had ripped up some tiles in the kitchen and had been chewing on the door frame. I can only presume this is down to boredom. He has plenty of toys but has never ever played with them (i think this may be because he didnt have any with his previous owner so doesnt understand?) We also bought him a toy similar to a kong and filled it with treats but he really isnt interested. I have tried playing with the toys myself to show Alfie how "fun" it can be but this didnt work either. Any tips or advice on curing his boredom?

How long is he alone for?

Whilst I am at work in the day. He is usually absolutely fine but this came out of the blue yesterday

Maybe a neighbour or friend or family member can pop in during the afternoon and give him an extra walk or play with him? If he won't play with his toys or a Kong, I guess there wouldn't be much else to do to cure his boredom than to add more exercise to it to tire him out more.

Is there someone who can take him out in the middle of the day?

There isnt unfortunately! I am not really friendly enough or know the neighbours enough to ask them. He has been good as gold up until last night, I dont know if something had amybe spooked him? Does anyone have any ideas on how I can get him interested in his toys? Id love to throw a ball for him but he just doesnt seem bothered

You were saying about getting a long training lead to try. This will give him a lot more stimulation on walks as he can explore more etc. Apart from that, just plenty of walks. You said before in a previous post that Alfie isn't toy motivated but I guess you could try a stagbar as it's as much food as it is a toy.

Bare in mind the fact that Alfie is Staff x JRT and Jack Russell's are a working dog that need a lot of mental stimulation. A long lead allowing him to get a sniff and a bit of a hunt for scents will surely help a bit. I wouldn't go for too long of a lead at the start, especially if you plan to walk with it as it gets tangled up and caught on things etc.

I've a 20ft lead and it's plenty long to allow him into the trees/bushes etc.

Thanks Matt, not sure if it was a one off Ill soon see when I get in. What is a stagbar?

http://www.petsathome.com/shop/stagbar-antler-dog-chew-medium-96653

It is an antler. It gives most dog weeks/months of chewing time. They are all different sizes, I'd say medium would do for Alfie, I got a medium for my girlfriend's Stafford as she is a small dog and it does her fine.

Ooh brilliant thanks!

However, now that I'm thinking...The extra chewing makes them extra thirsty which might add to your toilet training. Maybe best ironing that out before getting him one for being home alone.

The long lead is really worth getting.

Ah good thinking. Ill do that then first

Was there something in the air yesterday?I came home from work to find Katy had taken dvds off the shelf & chewed them, she also got a couple of jars off the spice rack. Cardamon seeds all over the floor(yes she can open a jar )Normally she is as good as gold, She has a stag bar,loads of toys which she plays with & access to the log basket !!!!!

How strange!! Maybe there was something in the air They must just think "well ive been good for so long I better do something naughty now"

Think i need to get some sky hooks Its surprising what they can reach when they are in the mood

theres something you can spray which deters them allegedly as, as of yet, have not had this problem. From pets at home i heard

Do you take him on a long walk before you leave for work? I leave my girl all day while I am at work, but we go out for an hour before I leave, we have a 20 min walk to the park 20 min off lead play, and 20 min walk home I then get ready for work give her breakfast and she goes back to bed for most of the day ( I know this as I have recorded her many times and also now my parents are home they have they let me know )