Have you ever wondered why your dog is exhibiting a certain behavior, are they being naughty or could it be that they are bored? Has someone told you that dogs don't get bored and you disagree? Read this article to find out exactly what dog boredom means.
Dogs are highly intelligent and social creatures. Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, social interactions, novelty and variety, they can become bored. Each dog will have their own limits as to how easily they become bored but some, especially high-drive breeds, can become bored very quickly if they are not worked and entertained.
Dogs are highly intelligent and social creatures. Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, social interactions, novelty and variety, they can become bored. Each dog will have their own limits as to how easily they become bored but some, especially high-drive breeds, can become bored very quickly if they are not worked and entertained.
A bored dog is a stressed
dog. Behavioural issues can result from boredom and they are normally
destructive. When dogs
are bored they make their own entertainment. Unfortunately for you this tends to involve digging up your garden or chewing your
favourite pair of shoes.
If your dog suddenly becomes lethargic or depressed do not assume that they are bored. In fact, this can be a sign that they are not feeling well and you will need to take them to the vets.
For bored dog solutions, ideas and activities please click here.
If your dog suddenly becomes lethargic or depressed do not assume that they are bored. In fact, this can be a sign that they are not feeling well and you will need to take them to the vets.
For bored dog solutions, ideas and activities please click here.
![]() |
Photo Credit: BuzzFarmers |
Stealing
A dog
that steals food off the counter, random objects from around the
house and waste items from the bin may be bored. They may be feeling
a little lonely and they are seeking some attention. The last time
they ran off with your shoe you chased them around for hours, which
was great fun! Of course, when stealing food, they may also just be
opportunistic.
Excessive Barking
A common
reason for a dog to bark excessively is to get their owners attention
because they are bored. However, barking doesn't automatically mean
that your dog is bored as they will bark for a variety of reasons,
including:
- They become excited during play.
- It is a learned behavior; for example, if your dog barks at you because he wants to go on a walk, and you take him on one, he will learn that barking gets you to take him out.
- They are in pain.
- They have obsessive compulsive disorder.
- Alerting their owners to visitors.
- Timid dogs may bark at strangers due to fear.
- Distressed barking due to separation anxiety (more about separation anxiety later on).
However, 'nuisance' barking may develop when a dog is bored, for example, when they are left on their own for an extended period of time. When a dog has nothing to do barking can become the default behavior. They may bark because they are attention seeking and they want you to interact with them. If they are excessively barking then it's important to determine the reason for their behavior, but boredom is certainly a valid cause.
Hyperactive
Dogs that
are very excitable and have lots of pent-up energy may be bored and
in need of some extra mental and physical stimulation. Although
exercise is important don't forget that dogs also need to be mentally
challenged, such as via training.
Digging
Although
digging is a normal behaviour, it can also be a sign of a bored dog
that is trying to busy themselves. As well as boredom, dogs dig because
they are trying to escape; to bury objects; they are hot and they
want to dig a cooling pit; or because they are predisposed to digging due
to their breed, such as terriers. If your dog is excessively digging
it is important to try and understand the reasons why, and establish whether or not you should be concerned.
![]() |
Photo Credit: Zeus |
Chewing
Like
digging, chewing is also a normal behavior. However, it can easily become
a problem if they are excessively chewing or chewing items not meant
for them. There's a difference between enjoying a dental chew stick
now and again, and chewing the cushions every time you leave them on
their own.
Many dogs chew because they are bored, but again, it's not
a conclusion you can jump to straight away. Dogs also chew because
they are teething, they are exploring their environment, due to
separation anxiety (more on separation anxiety later) or because they
enjoy it. Many dogs chew as a way of relieving stress and anxiety,
which can certainly be a result of boredom.
Separation Anxiety
A dog who
has separation anxiety will often be extremely vocal, chew and may
inappropriately eliminate while you are gone. Some of the signs are
similar to a dog who is bored.
However,
separation anxiety is a dog's version of a panic attack. If you set up a camera and film them while you are gone you will see that they are
extremely anxious, where as a dog who is bored will probably destroy
your home in a more relaxed manner. A bored dog usually knows that
their behaviour was wrong and they will look guilty on your return,
where as a dog who has separation anxiety is less aware that their
behaviour was inappropriate. They are so wildly excited when you
finally return that they are unaware that you might be angry. Dogs
who are generally anxious and nervous are more likely to suffer from
separation anxiety, rather than those who are generally calm in
nature.
For more
information on separation anxiety please click here.
For ideas on how to keep your dog from getting bored please click here.
For ideas on how to keep your dog from getting bored please click here.
Your post is very helpful, thank you.We all know that dog is man’s best friend, and over the millennia we have come to know and love them almost as much as they have come to know and love us. So much so that dogs have their vital roles in our lives. There are military dogs, search and rescue dogs, hunting dogs, even traction dogs that pull sleds and heavy objects in order to make our lives easier, however we tend to get a little carried away.See more http://dogsaholic.com/breeds/info/best-house-dogs.html
ReplyDeleteRaw Puppy Food is a more controversial way of feeding your puppy as many people are concerned about feeding raw bones and meats also fish to their puppies. James Schmitz
ReplyDeleteThere are some great magnetic and infrared controlled doors that can do this and they will stop any unwanted visitors from entering your home. dry Foods for Kittens
ReplyDeleteVery recently I have had a good few FREE consultations with prospective clients for dog walks, and it's reminded me of some of the common concerns that owners have. So I thought I would explain what off lead dog walking does for dogs here.
ReplyDeletedog kennels
Now that is the thing that I call an epic blog. Superbly made.
ReplyDeleteBest Hypoallergenic Dog Food
CBD is a cannabinoid, a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive in nature, has an abundance of healing effects and is largely derived from industrial hemp, which means that it is legal throughout the world.
ReplyDeleteCbd-olie voor honden
Your pooch should have the capacity to lie agreeable in the overnight boardinghouse out and in addition twist up.acl brace for dogs
ReplyDeleteFleas can likewise be controlled utilizing straightforward, characteristic substances, and the two lemons (bubble them in water, at that point shower the water on your dog once it has cooled medium-term) and fragrances, for example, sweet almond oil make a viable natively constructed dog treatment for bugs. tick repellent for dogs
ReplyDelete