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How can I tell if my dog is bored?

Dogs, like people, need mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. A bored dog may develop undesirable behaviors or even experience stress. But how can you tell if your pup is feeling restless? Here are some common signs of boredom and what you can do about it!

Signs Your Dog Is Bored

Destructive Behavior

Chewing furniture, shredding pillows, or digging holes in the yard? A bored dog may resort to destructive activities to entertain themselves (Landsberg et al., 2013).

Excessive Barking or Whining

If your dog barks at nothing in particular or constantly seeks attention, it could be a sign of frustration due to a lack of stimulation (Overall, 2013).

Pacing or Restlessness

A dog that frequently paces around the house or seems unable to settle down might be seeking an outlet for pent-up energy.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

Nudging, pawing, or even stealing objects to get your attention can indicate boredom. Dogs may also perform learned behaviors (like sitting or offering a paw) excessively in an attempt to interact with you.

Over-Sleeping

While dogs naturally sleep a lot, excessive sleep or laziness when awake can be a sign of mental under-stimulation (Horowitz, 2016).

How to Prevent Boredom in Dogs

Daily Exercise – Walks, playtime, and outdoor activities help release energy and prevent boredom-related behaviors.

Mental Stimulation – Food puzzles, obedience training, and scent work can engage your dog's mind (McGreevy et al., 2012).

Interactive Toys & Chews – Toys that dispense treats or challenge your dog to solve a problem can provide hours of entertainment.

Socialization – Playdates with other dogs, visits to the park, or even new environments can help break the monotony.

Training New Tricks – Teaching new commands or tricks combats boredom and strengthens the bond between you and your pup.

If boredom-related behaviors persist despite increased activity, consult a veterinarian or behaviorist to rule out underlying medical or anxiety-related issues. Keeping your dog engaged leads to a happier, healthier companion! 🐾

References

• Horowitz, A. (2016). Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell. Scribner.
• Landsberg, G., Hunthausen, W., & Ackerman, L. (2013). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. Saunders.
• McGreevy, P., Starling, M., Branson, N., Cobb, M., & Calnon, D. (2012). "An overview of the dog–human dyad and ethograms within it." Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 7(2), 103-117.
• Overall, K. (2013). Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier.

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