Bored Dogs: Common Symptoms & Solutions for Dog Boredom

Is your dog bored? Boredom can lead to some troublesome behavioural issues. Appropriate mental stimulation can prevent anxiety and destructive behaviours in bored dogs. Pet parents hate to see their furry friends stuck in the doldrums without sufficient mental and physical stimulation.

Every pup has a different way of processing boredom and a lack of stimulation, and most pets need a variety of routine activities to avoid the undesirable behaviours that result.

From dog parks and play dates to doggy daycare, there are many ways to find entertainment your dog loves. Even a tired furry friend can enjoy an outing to break up the monotony of the day.

In this article, we are going to look at some of the common signs of bored dog behaviours and how to keep dogs from being bored when home alone and how to prevent destructive dog habits.

Identifying symptoms and solutions for dog boredom is pretty easy, but knowing which boredom solution will be effective for your dog may require some trial and error.

Keep Your Bored Dog Entertained

Dogs get bored from repetition. Sticking to the same old routine, with no new toys or not enough games can cause all dogs to get bored. Keeping their routine fun and busy can help to reduce boredom.

Find exactly what your canine loves to keep your dog engaged and happy. You may need to invest in toys for bored dogs, learn new games, increase daily activity, or make some changes to your dog's regular routine.

Some breeds need more physical and mental exercise to truly feel happy. Here are some common. Working dog breeds, for example, are more accustomed to a full day of stimulation and activity, so high-energy activities and services such as dog walkers and doggy day cares may be necessary to prevent dog boredom and destructive behaviours.

Here are some popular dog breeds that need more variety and longer play, training, and exercise sessions:

• • Border Collies
  • Huskies
  • Weimaraner
  • Jack Russel Terrier
  • Dalmations

Even lazy dog breeds can get bored in between naps and meals. Daily exercise, no matter how short or slow, along with playtime or training can help to keep even the laziest dogs engaged and satisfied.

Read on to discover some of the best dog toys for bored dogs, problem-solving dog games, and other dog enrichment activities to help with your pet's behaviour problems.

Common Signs of a Bored and Tired Dog

Many of these symptoms of bored dogs can be related to other issues, like separation anxiety, poor socialization, and even illness, but a good starting point is to keep your dog mentally stimulated.

Do dogs get bored? Yes, they do!

Here is a list of some of the most commonly seen signs that your dog might be bored to tears.

• • Chewing
  • Pacing
  • Attachment
  • Anxiety
  • Aggression
  • Barking
  • Poor or inconsistent eating habits
  • Inconsistent sleeping patterns
  • Sporadic energy levels
  • Marking 

Some signs are more noticeable than others, like destructive dog chewing. This one tends to affect us the most because the things that they are chewing are often ours... and expensive. Besides being a nuisance, this can be dangerous.

Is Dog Boredom Dangerous?

Many bored dog behaviours can be dangerous. It's important to understand the risks so that when you see signs, you can act quickly to correct these behaviours.

Take a look at some of the dangers of bored dog behaviours.

• • Unsafe Eating Habits - Pets eating non-edible materials can cause digestive upsets and blockages and present a choking hazard.
  • Nipping for Attention - Your puppy nibbling on your fingers may be cute, but if your pup were to chew through a cord, there is a much greater risk of harm. Of course, this is very concerning, and putting a stop to destructive chewing should be a top priority.
  • Weight Issues - Dogs who are bored might not adhere to regular eating and sleeping patterns. Overeating, undereating, and not burning off calories from food can lead to poor weight management. 
  • Hip and Joint Issues - Dogs who lead a sedentary lifestyle are less likely to maintain healthy muscle mass that protects their hips and joints. 
  • Poor Socialization - Dogs that are understimulated could be a little feistier when it comes to playing with their humans and animal friends. This could lead to injury for your dog, you, or another pet in your house.

All of these can lead to serious health issues in your dog. This is why it is crucial to pay attention to your dog's behaviour and note sudden changes or increasingly destructive habits.

You can't blame your pet for getting a bit grouchy when they spend all day doing nothing, idle hands and all, but you can enrich his routine and allow him to use that pent-up energy for something productive and enjoyable.

Building an active and fun routine can help prevent your dog from finding alternative ways to relieve their boredom.

Employ a dog walker if you can't walk your dog yourself. Take your pup to dog training. Basically, work at getting your dog engaged with the world and to burn off pent-up energy.

How to Relieve Boredom in Dogs

A lot of bad things can happen when your dog is under-stimulated. Fortunately, building a consistent routine is actually pretty simple once you determine what your dog likes to do. 

That may sound a bit silly, and I am not overlooking the fact that we have a tendency to humanize our pets, but they do have preferences when it comes to activities for bored dogs.

Stimulation can be broken down into two categories, physical and mental, and both are very necessary in order to provide a stable routine for your dog.

Keep a toy box filled with a variety of mentally stimulating toys that appeal to an energetic pup and seniors.

They could prefer dog mind games or food puzzles to group play. Other dogs, such as the herding breeds, may only be interested in games requiring physical exercise and agility.

It's important to provide your dog with a variety of daily activities that suit their needs and abilities. You want them to have so much fun that they forget about being bored.

Physical Stimulation for Dog Boredom

We all know that ‘physical stimulation' is just another way to say ‘exercise'- that thing we all hate to do. But exercise for your pet doesn't need to be difficult and definitely doesn't need to involve expensive equipment or a gym membership.

As a dog owner, you must ensure they remain active. From various dog toys to high-energy outdoor games for dogs, choose activities that both you and your dog are comfortable with.

Depending on your dog's abilities, body condition score, energy levels, and mobility, exercise can range from simple activities like daily dog walks around the neighbourhood to more advanced exercises like agility sports.

For more information, check out this article about the importance of exercising your dog. 

We always appreciate ambition and goals, but start small and work up to grander ambitions instead of pushing your dog too hard right at the beginning. This way, you can see what your dog is capable of and avoid athletic injuries from overworking their previously inactive joints.

Diet plays a role in how your canine exerts energy, so understand that increasing energy may mean increasing portions or switching to a more protein or fat-dense food.

For overweight pets, it may not require dietary changes, but you should be regularly monitoring your pet's weight as activity increases.

Best High Energy Games for a Bored Dog

Here are some great games that you can play at home or in the backyard that will increase your dog's physical activity without drastically changing their current routines:

Fetch

Fetch is the beloved classic game for you and your pet. Fetch is a great way to encourage continuously active play in short periods, letting their noses work as they sniff out new interests.

A five-minute game of fetch for you may not seem too strenuous, but for your dog, especially prey-driven dogs, fetch can be intense.

On top of that, fetch helps you strengthen your bond with little Fido. If you show excitement for the game, then your dog will be more excited about including you in playtime.

If you are looking for the best toys for bored dogs, check out our 50 Best Dog Toys to find the perfect tossable toy for your dog to chase.

Walking

Daily walking or running with your dog is a great way to relieve both stress and dog boredom. Regardless of your pace, this outing is both great exercise and an adventure for you and your pet.

Getting out of the house or familiar territory will allow your dog to explore the world safely and controlled. It provides an opportunity for socialization with people, dogs, and wildlife, and it will help your dog understand their boundaries.

Plus, this activity you would do together provides some much-needed one-on-one stimulation and bonding for you and your pup.

Flirt Pole

Flirt poles can be another excellent exercise technique for prey-driven and high-energy dogs.

A flirt pole can be found at many pet stores, but they are pretty simple to make yourself if you want something a little more cost-effective. It may not be as durable, but your dog will not care.

Flirt poles are a great way of expending large quantities of energy in a smaller area, like your backyard. The idea is to encourage your dog to catch the “prey” at the end of the rope, but don't make it easy for them.

Spin, lift or flick the flirt pole toy out of reach to increase your dog's activity.

To end the game, make sure you let your dog catch the prey and give them lots of praise for a job well done. This method isn't ideal for low-energy pets or dogs with limited mobility.

Remember to start small to determine what your dog is capable of.

DIY Obstacle Courses

Use what you have to create fun indoor activities. Creating an obstacle course using furniture and pillows or running your dog up and down the stairs is a great way to help your pup work out on cold or rainy days.

Check out this blog for simple and fun ideas for building your DIY dog obstacle course.

Slower-paced indoor fetch games are a great way to use the stairs, but ensure it is safe. Carpeted stairs provide your dog with more traction and prevent injuries and slipping.

Always take precautions when playing indoors. Move furniture or obstacles that may be in your pet's running path. It will avoid injury but also prevent damage to your house.

For more ideas to increase your dog's physical activity levels, check out 10 Ways to Exercise with Your Dog.

Dog Sports and Social Events

A method that may be available to you is groups or organizations that offer classes or get-togethers to help train more advanced mental stimulation techniques. These are great for any canine but are extremely beneficial for high-energy dogs that need extra activities to wear them out.

Agility classes, scent detection, lure coursing, and flyball are all great ways for your pup to stay active and social. Work with a dog trainer to focus on animal behaviour training to keep your pup occupied.

If you are new to dog sports, check out your local dog sports clubs. They may have free trial classes to help you decide if this activity is suitable for your pooch.

Dog obedience and sports are great ways to keep your dog engaged.

Mental Stimulation for Bored Dogs

Exercise is vital to a happy and healthy lifestyle, but exercising their minds is just as important as exercising their bodies.

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated will not only keep them out of trouble, but it will also help them develop and learn.

Mental stimulations can be achieved through various methods, from beginner to advanced, and starting a consistent mental activity routine will be exciting for you and your pet.

Activities that focus on the mind will also help reduce excess energy, so it's great for days when outdoor exercise is not an option, and you want to reduce your dog's boredom.

Dogs get bored when they can't burn off their energy supplies. Other dogs become bored from a lack of loneliness. You need to find what your dog loves to relieve their melancholy.

Best Dog Toys for Bored Dogs

Dogs may be goofy, but they are very intelligent. Toys for bored dogs can help to encourage playtime, learning, and distraction.

Many dog puzzle toys and games may seem too complicated for your dog, but you'll be surprised by how quickly they learn and how persistent they can be with the right motivation.

Here are some of the best types of dog games for mental stimulation:

Puzzle Toys

Many toys are made to keep your dog thinking and motivated by incorporating food or treats to encourage problem-solving and foraging. This is a simple way of providing mental stimulation with an immediate reward for solving the puzzle.

These toys usually require coordination and logic skills to get to the treats. They often can't be simply nudged or shaken to loosen the treat; Instead, they must be turned, pressed, or pulled to unlock the prize.

Treat balls are another form of puzzle toy, and although they are not typically very complicated, they can hold a larger quantity of treats allowing for longer playtime. Here are a few of the best dog puzzle toys for bored dogs:

• • • Outward Hound MultiPuzzle: This large puzzle for dogs boasts several different types of hidden compartments that your dog has to work to open to uncover the hidden treat within.
    • Kong Wobbler: Though a bit more simplistic, it is a great option for beginners. The Wobbler is a Kong-shaped hollow toy that is weighted on the bottom, requiring them to nudge, push, and wobble the toys to release the snacks.
    • Snuffle Mats: This type of puzzle toy is made from fabric and has dozens of folds and flaps to hide treats or kibble. These puzzles are a great way to allow your dog to express natural foraging behaviours. 

DIY Dog Puzzle Toys

There are lots of puzzling toys on the market, but just like chews, they should be rotated to allow for variety. This can get pretty expensive.

Try rotating in some of these cool DIY puzzle games to help keep your good dog entertained on a budget.

1. Shell Game

I'm sure we've all seen this as a classic busker routine. Put a ball under one of three cups, shuffle the cups around and guess which cup the ball is under. Except for your doggo, you'll be using treats instead of a ball bearing!

It's a great way to help your dog learn to pay attention and wait for the right time to act, being prompted by vocal or hand commands.

It seems simple enough, but it will take some practice for your dog to understand the sequence of events in this game.

Just show your dog which cup you placed the treats under, mix them up, and ask your dog to indicate which cup hides the goodies either by pawing the cup or nudging it with his snout. If he guesses right, he gets the reward, if he guesses wrong, show him the treat and shuffle again.

2. Re-purposed Recycling

Plastic bottles can be re-purposed to make a fun game for your pet. This method requires minimal effort and zero cost to you, so it's worth a try.

Grab a water bottle, or juice jug, remove the labels and clean the container thoroughly. Cut a few holes (sand any sharp edges), toss in some treats and screw the cap back on. Your dog will chase and bat the bottle around to release the treats.

Empty cardboard boxes can also be used to hide treats, but make sure that they are not eating the cardboard. Be prepared to take the “toy” away if your dog is starting to tear it apart.

3. Muffin Tin Game

This is a beginner-level canine puzzle, but it's a great way to teach your pup to use their noggins to figure out how to get the reward.

All you need is a muffin tin, some tennis balls, and a few tasty snacks. Check out the step-by-step instructions in Easy DIY Dog Toys to Keep Your Dog Busy

Word Association

Dogs can learn approximately 160 words. Beyond basic commands like sit, shake, and stay, that leaves a lot of options for word association. A popular version of this is to teach your pup the names of his toys.

This is a great way to make a game within a game. Before playing fetch, you can teach your dog the word ball. Then ask them to grab their ball and reward them when they pick the right toy.

Or come up with simple fun names for the toys, like Steve or Mike. Keep the words small and simple to start, and make sure you always choose new names for new toys to prevent confusion.

Did you know that dogs can count too? Again keep it simple by using larger treats or toys and teach them 1, 2, and 3. This can be incorporated into other fun games.

Hide and Seek

This is another simple game you can change up by using toys, treats, or simply yourself for a more classic version of hide and seek. Ask your dog to sit and stay. Show him the reward. Let him smell it, too, because dogs hunt by scent.

Then sneakily hide the treat or toy somewhere in the living room. Try not to be too obvious, but don't make it too complicated either.

Start by hiding the prize under a blanket or around a corner while your doggo is in a stay position.

Once your pet has gotten a knack for the game, start choosing more difficult hiding places, like harder-to-reach areas or a spot in another room where they will have no idea where to begin their search. You can even play hide and seek at the doggy park! 

Other Ways to Reduce Bored Dog Behaviours

Sometimes, a good way to reduce destructive behaviours in bored dogs is to give them something fun or tasty to occupy them. Here are a few ways to reduce boredom and keep your happy:

Natural Chews

To replace the habit of destructive chewing, offering long-lasting edible chews are a great way to curb bad behaviours. They satisfy the need to chew, promote better dental health, and occupy their time.

Not all chews are right for every dog, so never leave your dog unattended with something that could be a choking hazard.

Find an appropriately sized chew that is tough enough not to be broken up and swallowed in large chunks.

To provide a challenge, offer different types of chews routinely. Switching up the shape and texture of chews will prevent your dog from figuring out how to demolish them as quickly as possible.

Many dogs learn to hold the chew a certain way with their paws so that they can get more leverage with their bite. Changing up your chews will help prevent this familiarity and help each variety last longer.

Chew Toys

While no toy is truly indestructible, there are some pretty close contenders. Chew toys are not edible, but they are meant to be durable enough for rougher play, tug, or fetch.

Check out our blog on some of the most durable dog toys for extreme chewers for some recommendations.

Always monitor your dog with chew toys, as the materials are not meant to be ingested. If a chew toy is damaged, remove the toy immediately.

Rotating them frequently is a good way to keep your pup interested in their chew toys. After a few days or a week of playing with one toy, remove it and replace it with a new one.

Continue to rotate your toys so that your dog is always excited to see them. In addition, the rotation will help prolong the toys' life.

Dog Training

Teaching your dog basic commands and tricks may not seem all that exciting, but it's a great way to keep their minds active and occupy their time. 

Start small with basic commands like sit, come, or stay, and work up to more complicated tricks. Before you know it, your dog will be happy to show off his new skills, assuming a tasty reward is in store for them. 

Get some simple training tips to get you started in Dog Training Tips for First-Time Pet Parents.

Make Doggy Friends

Canine companions have the potential to relieve boredom and make your dog happy. If your dog is comfortable with other dogs, then try to make some doggy friends that you can schedule regular playtime with. 

A friend can create a sense of competition during playtime that encourages even lazy dogs to run around and act a little goofy. Less socialized dogs may need some practice, especially if they are used to being the only dog in the house.

Dog daycares, dog parks, or even your friends and neighbours' dogs could allow you to socialize your dog and teach them how to play in a group.

Appropriate Alone Time for Bored Dogs

Many pets show destructive behaviours when they are left to their own devices. This could be while you're at work, while you're asleep, or even the ten minutes that you are in the shower.

This can be related to separation anxiety in dogs, but is often simply a sign of a bored dog or under-stimulation. Teaching your pet how to keep themselves occupied and providing plenty of stimulation before and after alone time will significantly reduce their negative behaviours.

Durable dog toys and long-lasting chews can be an option if you choose ones you know aren't a potential choking hazard, but there is always a risk that your dog will try to consume a toy or will swallow large pieces of chews when left unsupervised. 

A better solution is to encourage relaxing and naps when left alone by crate training your dog, and then helping them release energy and stay active before and after crate time. A well-exercised and stimulated dog is more likely to use their alone time to rest and recharge.

1-on-1 Time for Bored Dogs

Your pet wants to spend time with you. This means it is important to set aside time with them every day.

Simple games and even small amounts of attention show your pet that they are a priority in your life, and in regards to destructive behaviours, that bit of time goes a long way.

Even a simple couch cuddle or a belly rub while relaxing in the evening can be a bonding experience. Find regular activities that you can do together. If you have more than one pet, it's very important to spend time with each of them one-on-one, if possible.

Dog Boredom Leads to Bad Behaviour

Now that you have the tools to help revive your pet's activity routine, it's time to jump in.

There is no single right choice for every pet, so take the time to test out a few of these methods to find out how you can engage your pet more.

By using a variety of stimulating methods, your pet will feel loved and energized and stay both physically and mentally stimulated in their environment- ultimately leading to a reduction of undesired behaviours and annoying habits.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to build an enrichment routine for your pooch: 

• • Work At It Every Day - Our pets need structure and routine, so working their exercise routines into your daily schedule will make your pet happier and healthier.
  • Health Matters - Poor weight, poor diet, and a high-stress environment can make sticking to a schedule challenging.
  • Fun and Practical - If you want your dog to look forward to his daily activities, make them fun. Exercise and training can be games when done right. 

Busting Dog Boredom Takes Time

Once you recognize doggy boredom, overcoming it takes time and getting your bored puppy to play.

Give your dog toys, such as food-stuffed toys or toys that dogs love playing with, to get them interested and break the boredom cycle.

It's critical to remember not to expect immediate results. As with any lifestyle change, time and patience are required while you transition to a new routine.

Some games and activities may be too intense or too complicated for beginners, so you may find your pet getting frustrated with a challenging puzzle toy. Don't get mad or discipline your dog.

Instead, break the game into simpler components or try an easier game. For an activity to provide value, it should be challenging but accessible and fulfilling.

Don't set impossible goals; instead, choose ambitious goals that are attainable and fun. In time your pet will be better behaved and happier in its environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bored Dogs

Why is dog boredom a concern?

Dog boredom is a concern because it can lead to various behavioural issues in dogs. When dogs are bored, they may exhibit destructive behaviours, excessive barking, or engage in digging or chewing on furniture.

Boredom can also contribute to anxiety and stress in dogs, impacting their overall mental and physical well-being.

How can I tell if my dog is suffering from boredom?

There are several signs that may indicate your dog might be bored. These can include restlessness, excessive chewing or digging, pacing, excessive barking, attention-seeking behaviours, and a lack of interest in toys or activities they previously enjoyed.

If you notice these signs, it may be an indication that your dog needs more mental and physical exercise.

What are some ways to prevent dog boredom?

To prevent dog boredom, you can provide your doggo with various mental and physical exercise forms.

Try interactive toys, puzzle feeders, regular exercise, obedience training, chews like bully sticks, socialization with other dogs, and engaging activities such as agility or scent work.

Also, rotating toys and introducing new experiences can help keep your dog mentally engaged and entertained.

How much exercise does my dog need to prevent boredom?

The exercise needs of dogs can vary based on their age, breed, and overall health. However, most dogs require regular exercise to prevent boredom.

On average, dogs should receive at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of physical activity each day, depending on their energy levels.

Go for walks, runs, playtime, or interactive games that stimulate both their mind and body.

Can leaving toys alone with my dog prevent boredom?

While providing toys for your dog is essential, simply leaving them alone with toys may not be sufficient to prevent boredom in all cases. Dogs also require social interaction, mental stimulation, and physical exercise.

Combining interactive toys with activities such as training sessions, walks, and playtime with you or other dogs can help keep them engaged and entertained.

Are there any risks associated with dog boredom?

Yes, prolonged periods of boredom in dogs can lead to behavioural problems and have negative effects on their well-being.

Dogs may develop destructive behaviours, become anxious or depressed, and exhibit excessive barking or aggression.

Boredom can also contribute to weight gain and other health issues if the lack of stimulation leads to a sedentary lifestyle.

Providing appropriate mental and physical exercise is important for maintaining a healthy and happy dog.