Dogs make our lives richer, providing a great deal of fun and entertainment each day. They snuggle with us during TV time, keep us active by insisting on daily walks and make us laugh with their quirks. But many people don’t realize that our canine pals need entertainment and mental stimulation, too.
Remember that dogs are intelligent, social creatures. Although they may enjoy hanging out on the couch for a good part of the day, they also need other activities to keep them happy and mentally fit. The smarter and more active your breed, the more true this is!
So if you have a Border Collie or a Belgian Malinois, expect to spend a significant part of your day keeping your pup engaged in productive games, training sessions and other forms of exercise in order to maintain peace in the household. If you have a Chihuahua or a Pug, your job will be a bit easier—but even smaller, less active breeds need more than a dog bed and a food bowl to make them happy.
With this in mind, here are a few telltale signs that your dog may be bored and in need of something to do.
Digging
Digging holes in the yard is a common nuisance behavior that many owners struggle with, especially with dogs who spend a lot of time outside alone. Of course, it’s possible that your pup may hear moles or other animals under the grass, especially if you have a Terrier or other breed that loves to search out prey. But in many cases, excessive digging is a side effect of being stuck in the yard with nothing better to do.
Chewing
Destructive chewing (often on baseboards, furniture, drywall or the owner’s belongings) is another common issue that is often related to boredom. For a dog, settling down for a good chewing session is similar to us picking up a book or crossword puzzle to relax and pass the time.
Attention-Seeking Behaviors
Many dogs will pester their owners by barking, whining or pawing at them for petting or attention. Or, your pup may repeatedly bring you a toy or ball to throw while you’re trying to relax.
Repetitive Behaviors
Dogs who are bored may engage in repetitive behaviors with no apparent purpose, such as pacing back and forth along a fence line, licking their paws or chasing their tails. In some cases, these behaviors can cross the line and become a mental health problem that needs professional intervention. If you have a hard time interrupting your dog when he’s doing these things, or if they’re interfering with normal daily activities, talk to your veterinarian right away! But if he only engages in these behaviors when there’s nothing else going on, he may simply need a better outlet for his energy.
If your pup is going stir-crazy, what can you do to help? The best activities for your dog will depend on his specific personality and energy level, but here are some ideas to get you started.
Take your dog for at least one long walk a day (30 minutes or more). If you can, try to find a quiet area where he can roam and sniff on a longer leash.
Sign up for a weekly training class. Many dogs enjoy activities like agility, rally obedience, barn hunt or fly ball. See what’s available in your area and give it a try!
If your dog is friendly and social with other dogs, consider trying out doggy daycare if you have a good provider in your area.
Feed your dog from interactive puzzle toys rather than a regular bowl. Many dogs enjoy the game of working the toy to get their dinner—and as a bonus, it keeps them busy while you do the dishes or watch TV.
With a little thought and creativity, you can make a few easy changes in your daily routine to help your dog get the most out of life.