Most dog behavior problems that owners attribute to stubbornness, bad character, or spite are actually boredom. Dogs are intelligent, social, active animals who in many households spend most of their time doing nothing. The results are predictable and expensive.
10 Signs Your Dog Is Bored
- Destructive chewing — furniture, shoes, baseboards, anything available
- Excessive barking especially when alone or looking out windows
- Digging — in the garden, in the carpet, in the couch cushions
- Pestering you constantly — pawing, nudging, following you everywhere demanding attention
- Getting into the trash — trash is interesting when nothing else is
- Excessive licking — of themselves, objects, or you
- Hyperactivity at inappropriate times — unable to settle, restless
- Stealing items — not to destroy, but to get a reaction from you
- Weight gain — in combination with reduced activity and overeating out of boredom
- Depression-like symptoms — lethargy, reduced interest in things they normally enjoy
The Quickest Fixes
Feed meals in a snuffle mat or treat ball instead of a bowl. Immediately converts mealtime from 30 seconds to 10-15 minutes of mental engagement.
Give a frozen lick mat during periods when you can't give attention. Lick mats loaded and frozen the night before provide 20-30 minutes of focused enrichment on demand.
Add a 10-minute training session to the daily routine. Teaching new things is mentally tiring in the best way.
Rotate toys — put most toys away and rotate them weekly. A toy that's been absent for a week feels new again.
Add a comfort toy for dogs who need something to do with anxious energy during alone time.
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