"My Dog Is Bored" - What To Do To Fix It.
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Dogs thrive on mental and physical stimulation, and when they don’t get enough, boredom can lead to destructive behaviors, anxiety, and frustration. If your pup has been acting out or seems less engaged, they might just need more enrichment in their daily routine.
Bored dogs often show signs like excessive chewing, restlessness, barking, or attention-seeking behaviors. The good news? Research from RSPCA Victoria, PetMD, and Business Insider confirms that simple activities like interactive dog chew toys, sniffing games, and puzzle feeders can help keep dogs happy and engaged.
5 Signs Your Dog is Bored
1. Destructive Chewing
According to Business Insider, a bored dog may start chewing on furniture, shoes, or anything within reach. Dogs need a healthy outlet for their chewing instincts—without it, they’ll find their own (often destructive) way to stay entertained.
2. Excessive Barking or Whining
The RSPCA Victoria notes that excessive barking and whining can be signs of boredom, as dogs vocalize their frustration when they lack stimulation.
3. Restlessness & Pacing
If your dog is constantly walking in circles or pacing around the house, they might be trying to burn off excess energy that isn’t being used through play or mental stimulation.
4. Digging or Destroying Things
A study by RSPCA Victoria highlights that digging can be a sign of stress or boredom, especially in breeds with high energy levels.
5. Excessive Attention-Seeking
If your dog is constantly nudging you, pawing at you, or demanding interaction, they might be saying, "I need something fun to do!"
How to Keep Your Dog Engaged and Happy
Give Them the Right Toys – Interactive dog chew toys and puzzle feeders help mentally stimulate dogs while satisfying their natural instincts, according to PetMD.
Make Mealtime More Fun – Instead of a regular food bowl, try a slow feeder or a treat-dispensing toy to turn mealtime into a fun challenge.
Incorporate More Exercise & Sniff Walks – Letting your dog explore their environment through sniffing can drastically reduce boredom and frustration.
Train New Tricks & Play Games – Short, daily training sessions keep dogs engaged while also improving their behavior and confidence.
Rotate Toys Regularly – Keeping a fresh variety of pet accessories and toys in rotation can make playtime feel exciting every day.
Where to Find the Best Supplies for a Happy Dog
Looking for the best pet supplies to keep your pup entertained? Atlantic Animals offers a variety of pet accessories and dog supplies that encourage play, mental stimulation, and enrichment. If you’re shopping at a pet shop online, make sure to choose high-quality toys that suit your dog’s chewing and playing style.
Final Thoughts
A bored dog isn’t just an unhappy dog—they’re also more likely to develop unwanted behaviors. By recognizing the signs and adding fun activities to their daily routine, you can make sure your pup stays happy, active, and engaged.
Sources:
- RSPCA Victoria – Boredom in Dogs
- PetMD – Ways to Relieve Your Dog’s Boredom
- Business Insider – Do Dogs Get Bored?
Does your dog show any of these boredom signs? What’s their favorite way to play? Let us know in the comments!