Bored Dogs: How to Recognize Doggy Boredom (and Help!)
Mar 26, 2021 0:18:21 GMT -5
Post by maybetoday on Mar 26, 2021 0:18:21 GMT -5
Bored Dogs: How to Recognize Doggy Boredom (and Help!)
By Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT
Originally, different dog breeds were bred to have different jobs. Even companion breeds were meant to spend all day with their humans. But these days, most dogs get everything they want for free with no work involved. Plus, they spend hours alone while we go off to work or to run errands. So, do dogs get bored? Absolutely! Doggy boredom can lead to problem behaviors, but more importantly an unhappy dog. Read on to learn the signs of boredom and tons of tips for making sure your dog is getting all the stimulation he needs.
Doggy Boredom – Signs and Symptoms
A bored dog will make his own fun. And most likely in ways that don’t work for you. When left to their own devices, bored dogs will chew furniture and shoes, shred pillows, or even unroll your toilet paper. Whatever they can find to pass the time. And because you’re not there to stop them, it’s all the more exciting.
Big messes when you get home are a clear sign of a dog with nothing to do. You might also see digging in the backyard or tipping over trash cans. And signs of boredom can be seen even when you’re at home. If your dog is always mugging you for attention and acting restless, chances are he’s bored and wants something to do. He might also jump on you and your guests or bark excessively.
Be sure to rule out separation anxiety if you’re seeing destructive behavior and a clingy attitude. Most of the time, this is simply your dog relieving his boredom and enjoying a lack of supervision. But occasionally it indicates intense distress about being left alone. If you have any concerns, consult a dog trainer or an animal behaviorist.
Physical Exercise
It’s true that a tired dog is more likely to nap than get into trouble while you’re out. So, make sure you’re giving your dog enough physical exercise. Talk to your breeder or veterinarian about how much exercise your dog needs. A Chihuahua might be good with a walk and a romp around the yard whereas the energetic Border Collie will need far more to satisfy his needs.
A ten-minute stroll around the block is unlikely to tire any dog, so make sure you’re adding in more vigorous exercise like chasing a ball or flying disc or giving him a safe place to run free. And keep your daily walks interesting. They should do more than provide a potty break. Take different routes and let your dog stop and smell the pee-mail.
Mental Stimulation
Giving your dog’s brain a workout is as important as exercising his body. Plus, it’s equally exhausting. Before you head to work, try interactive games to challenge your dog’s mind. Activities like hide and seek, where your dog has to find you, or tug-of-war let you play together and build your bond. Scent games where you hide treats or toys around the house are also fun boredom busters.
It’s great to give your dog comfort and squeaky toys but add some puzzle toys to the toy box too. There are stuffed puzzle toys with hidden squeaky bits, lift the flap toys that hide treats, and balls and cubes your dog must roll around to get at the treats you’ve placed inside. Consider a snuffle mat as well. These have fabric flaps and loops that hide kibble or treats for your dog to sniff out. Whatever toys you give your dog, be sure to rotate them frequently so your dog stays interested. Even an old toy seems new and exciting when your dog hasn’t seen it for days.
You can also make your own puzzle toys from things around the house. Stuff peanut butter in a toilet paper roll and fold down the ends. (Just watch to be sure your dog isn’t eating the paper.) Roll treats up in a paper bag and let your dog tear it open. Put treats in a water bottle with the cap off so he must toss it around to get the food. Or hide a treat in one of the cups of a muffin tin then place tennis balls on top of each cup so your dog must remove the balls to find the food.
Continued at link
By Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT
Originally, different dog breeds were bred to have different jobs. Even companion breeds were meant to spend all day with their humans. But these days, most dogs get everything they want for free with no work involved. Plus, they spend hours alone while we go off to work or to run errands. So, do dogs get bored? Absolutely! Doggy boredom can lead to problem behaviors, but more importantly an unhappy dog. Read on to learn the signs of boredom and tons of tips for making sure your dog is getting all the stimulation he needs.
Doggy Boredom – Signs and Symptoms
A bored dog will make his own fun. And most likely in ways that don’t work for you. When left to their own devices, bored dogs will chew furniture and shoes, shred pillows, or even unroll your toilet paper. Whatever they can find to pass the time. And because you’re not there to stop them, it’s all the more exciting.
Big messes when you get home are a clear sign of a dog with nothing to do. You might also see digging in the backyard or tipping over trash cans. And signs of boredom can be seen even when you’re at home. If your dog is always mugging you for attention and acting restless, chances are he’s bored and wants something to do. He might also jump on you and your guests or bark excessively.
Be sure to rule out separation anxiety if you’re seeing destructive behavior and a clingy attitude. Most of the time, this is simply your dog relieving his boredom and enjoying a lack of supervision. But occasionally it indicates intense distress about being left alone. If you have any concerns, consult a dog trainer or an animal behaviorist.
Physical Exercise
It’s true that a tired dog is more likely to nap than get into trouble while you’re out. So, make sure you’re giving your dog enough physical exercise. Talk to your breeder or veterinarian about how much exercise your dog needs. A Chihuahua might be good with a walk and a romp around the yard whereas the energetic Border Collie will need far more to satisfy his needs.
A ten-minute stroll around the block is unlikely to tire any dog, so make sure you’re adding in more vigorous exercise like chasing a ball or flying disc or giving him a safe place to run free. And keep your daily walks interesting. They should do more than provide a potty break. Take different routes and let your dog stop and smell the pee-mail.
Mental Stimulation
Giving your dog’s brain a workout is as important as exercising his body. Plus, it’s equally exhausting. Before you head to work, try interactive games to challenge your dog’s mind. Activities like hide and seek, where your dog has to find you, or tug-of-war let you play together and build your bond. Scent games where you hide treats or toys around the house are also fun boredom busters.
It’s great to give your dog comfort and squeaky toys but add some puzzle toys to the toy box too. There are stuffed puzzle toys with hidden squeaky bits, lift the flap toys that hide treats, and balls and cubes your dog must roll around to get at the treats you’ve placed inside. Consider a snuffle mat as well. These have fabric flaps and loops that hide kibble or treats for your dog to sniff out. Whatever toys you give your dog, be sure to rotate them frequently so your dog stays interested. Even an old toy seems new and exciting when your dog hasn’t seen it for days.
You can also make your own puzzle toys from things around the house. Stuff peanut butter in a toilet paper roll and fold down the ends. (Just watch to be sure your dog isn’t eating the paper.) Roll treats up in a paper bag and let your dog tear it open. Put treats in a water bottle with the cap off so he must toss it around to get the food. Or hide a treat in one of the cups of a muffin tin then place tennis balls on top of each cup so your dog must remove the balls to find the food.
Continued at link