We all know that people can get bored, but did you know that canine boredom is a possibility for your pet? The problem is more serious than you think – a bored dog is likely to develop several behavioral issues, which will worsen if you simply ignore them. How do you know if your dog is bored?
A few obvious red flags will let you know your dog needs more stimulation and activity. The most obvious of these is if he becomes destructive. A bored dog will create their own fun, which means they may chew on your shoes or clothes, tear up your pillows, or scatter bins of items across your home. You may immediately want to punish them to discourage the behavior, but it will not be effective if the root cause is not addressed.
If your dog seeks attention all day long – such as pawing at you, barking, or whining – they need something to keep them busy. Canine boredom may also cause them to follow you around the house all day long. Sure, they may love you – but they are probably hoping you’ll engage them in some way.
How to Cure Canine Boredom
- Exercise is Key: All dogs need the appropriate amount of physical activity for both mental and physical health. (Besides, if they are worn out, they are less likely to tear your house apart!) If your dog is only walked around the block once a day, they are probably not getting nearly enough exercise – not to mention, the walk itself becomes boring if you always follow the same route. Add variety by changing up your route, so your pet is exposed to different stimuli. If you are up for it, jog or run on portions of your walk to pick up the pace. Conversely, ensure you give your dog plenty of time to sniff around. Many owners try to hurry their dogs along and drag them from all those delicious smells – but sniffing is an excellent form of mental stimulation for your pup.
- Mental Stimulation is Essential: A vigorous walk on its own will not cure canine boredom. Your dog requires daily mental stimulation as well. Brain games are known to be so mentally stimulating that your dog can be more exhausted by them than a daily jog or long walk. Ideas for mental stimulation include food toys, such as a Kong, snuffle mats, and puzzle toys. Regular toys work well too, but change them out every few days, so your dog doesn’t lose interest in them too.
- Establish a Routine: Dogs do best when they have a regular routine. It gives them a sense of security when they understand what is happening. Routine will also help with your dog’s boredom. If they understand that they will go for a run an hour after eating, they are more likely to rest before exercise than get too crazy.
- Provide Ongoing Training: Training is an effective way to eliminate boredom. Training teaches your dog something new, keeping their brain active, and they love the interactive time with you. If your dog already understands the basic commands, take your training to the next level and learn some fun tricks. Short, daily training sessions will keep your dog entertained and modify destructive behavior. (Read more about training ideas here.)Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is one of the area’s premier dog training facilities. Call our Bradenton experts today if you need help with your dog’s obedience or behavior.
