Does your dog show signs of boredom? Not every day can be one long walk around the park, so learn the behaviors of boredom before too much havoc is raised!
If you have a breed that is active and requires both mental and physical stimulation, a solitary day spent with themselves may be too much and they may begin to exhibit poor behavior.
If you notice concerning behaviors from your dog, out of the blue, they may not be getting the activity they need, thus acting out in boredom. At The Vet Set in Carroll Gardens, we know city life in small spaces can be difficult for dogs. It never hurts to schedule a wellness exam in our vet clinic to get diagnostics or just talk with the vet for helpful tips. Learn more in today’s blog about the signs your dog may be bored.
Boredom Signs in Dogs
When left unstimulated, dogs will act out. They’ll act out, not to spite you, but generally because they are bored and are trying very hard to entertain themselves or get attention. Dogs are not trolling you by destroying your favorite shoes or ripping the trash to shreds, they do it to amuse themselves — to get through the day when you are not around. Below are some common signs your dog may be disenchanted.
- Mischievous behavior – We alluded to this above, but any behavior in which they are acting out by demolishing a couch cushion to digging straight into fresh, folded laundry is a sign they are bored. Dogs love to create their own fun by turning the house upside down.
Barking – Dogs bark for many reasons but if it is becoming a habit, it may just be out of boredom. Dogs will bark at anything — from the squirrel in the tree outside and a balloon that floats by, to neighbors and mail people approaching the door.
- Destructive chewing – Your dog may have a basket of toys, but when it comes to boredom they don’t discriminate between their toys or your shoes — it is simply what they can sink their teeth into first. Chewing is a task for dogs that stimulate them in the meantime — it may just end up costing you some of your favorite items.
- Over-the-top salutations – If your dog over-eagerly greets you and anyone who comes over, this is a tell-tale sign they are bored. If your dog loves to jump on or zoom around and acts like a wild creature (even when cues are given to settle), having company is a way to let out all their caged and chaotic energy.
- Doggie Departures – If your dog acts like a seasoned Harry Houdini and loves to escape any chance they get, this may be a result of an adventure sensed by their nose. When the door is opened they may catch a whiff of another dog, a delicious meal, or spot the squirrel that’s been harassing them. When they bound out that door they can run freely and exercise their energy, and if it proves to be an exciting feat, you may have a repeat offender on your hands.