Help! I Think My Dog is Bored

Much like humans, dogs crave stimulation and activity. Most dogs were originally bred with specific jobs in mind, be it herding sheep, hunting small vermin, or guarding human communities. As the world turned and infrastructure developed, however, many jobs for dogs became redundant and therefore obsolete.

Nowadays, most dogs get pretty much everything they need with little effort required. They live in warm homes and are fed consistently. This may seem like a dream, but for some dogs, it quickly transforms into a nightmare. Plus, far too many dogs stay home alone all day while their owners work. All these factors result in bored dogs. So what’s a dutiful dog owner to do?

Signs of Boredom

When dogs are bored, they soothe their feelings in various ways. These methods, however, are probably not to your liking. Seeking stimulation, a bored dog will likely make a mess of your house. They will chew furniture, demolish pillows, and even unroll toilet paper. Not only does it pass the time, but the feeling that they are getting away with something they’re not supposed to do makes rebellion all the more exciting.

It’s not just unmonitored destruction either. You could be home all day, but if your dog is always on the hunt for attention, it may mean they’re bored. Other symptoms of boredom in dogs include restlessness, jumping on houseguests, and barking for extended periods. These symptoms, however, may also suggest separation anxiety. A clingy dog is usually just bored, but be sure to rule out a fear of being left alone before jumping to boredom-relief methods. But what are these methods?

Mental Motivation

There are a variety of ways to help your dog feel mentally stimulated. By wearing out their brain, you relieve their boredom. Games of hide-and-seek, tug-o-war, and scent games keep your dog mentally engaged and strengthen bonds between owner and pet.

A cursory glance at the internet will show you the multitude of mental stimulation games available for pups. Things like treat-hiding puzzles and squeaky toys can help your dog feel fulfilled even when you are at work all day.

Physical Exercise

Dogs are physical beings. As such, they require a considerable amount of exercise to feel whole. You may take your dog on a walk around the block every day but this might not be enough exercise for them. Try implementing games like fetch, or at the very least, provide them a space where they can run free.

Remember, each dog breed has different needs and capabilities. A five-pound chihuahua will probably require less physical exercise than a border collie. Adapt activities for your dog’s breed to help stave off their boredom.

Canine Connection

Dogs are social creatures. While they are loyal to their pack, they also benefit from some social mixing. Being open to letting your dog make friends with other pups in the neighborhood can do wonders for their boredom.

If your neighborhood is lacking in canines, there are probably dog parks in your area. These provide a great venue for dogs to socialize, make friends, play, and get all the stimulation they need. For doggy playdates, be sure to pair your pup with another compatible dog. If your pet is timid, you should avoid matchmaking with an aggressive dog that likes to play rough.

Training and More

Dog training isn’t just for obedience. It can provide a great outlet for bored dogs. Basic obedience training will help your dog stay calm in uncertain situations, but trick training might be just the solution for dog boredom that a pet owner is looking for. Not only does trick training give dogs a source of stimulation and novelty, but it gives you another way to bond with your pet.

If these methods don’t relieve your dog’s boredom, there are more drastic yet fun methods. Take dog sports, for example. Activities like AKC Scent Work or Triebball can provide seemingly endless stimulation for the chronically bored pup.

Beyond that, there are always jobs. Most dog breeds come from a working heritage and get fulfillment from pursuing their purpose. For big, herding dogs, there are search-and-rescue or therapy jobs. If you have a terrier, you could build a digging box in your yard for them to play with. Have fun with it, and your dog will have fun too.