Hey Dog Lovers,
Not sure if your dog is bored, well fear no more I am here to educate to see if you should be doing more to keep your dog occupied.
Who can resist the charm of a sweet puppy face or an adult dog’s fun loving personality? These adorable qualities often lead people to add pets to their families. What they may forget to consider while staring into those big, brown eyes is that dogs have been bred for many centuries to perform specific tasks. Dogs today are usually selected as companions, not workers, which can lead boredom.
Consider the Siberian Husky that loves to run. A history of pulling sleds for many miles each day remains in a husky’s DNA. Terriers were bred to dig and chase rodents. Retrievers run through fields and retrieve game from ponds, and herding dogs run all day, nipping at the heels of sheep, cattle and anything that needs directed to a field or pen. The beauty of a dog at work is breathtaking, but bring those dogs home and you could have trouble if the dog becomes bored. Your dog is likely to become destructive if you don’t replace its natural job with another activity. Here are five signs your dog is bored:
1. Constantly seeking attention. Although you may enjoy structured activities with your dog, he or she may need more time. Does your dog try to climb onto your lap when you’re using the computer? Does she bark or whine to get your attention? There’s a message there.
2. Digging. A dog will keep busy by digging if left alone to entertain itself. The digging can be annoying if a flowerbed is lost in the process, and it can turn dangerous if the effort results in an escape from your yard. Unfortunately, digging is a self-rewarding behavior. As the dog “digs in” he or she experiences smells and textures that peak curiosity and encourage the digger to keep going.
3. Getting into trouble. Your bored dog may suddenly notice the trash can, your clean laundry, or a special pair of shoes. Dumping the trash allows him or her to discover many new items—some dangerous if swallowed. Your laundry could become a pull toy, and say goodbye to those shoes if a bored dogs sees them as something fun to chew.
4. Excessive barking. Dogs left unattended in a backyard will bark at anything moving. A bird on the fence, a teasing cat, and delivery people — especially if they step foot on your property. One way to curb the barking is to block fences and openings that allow your dog to see out. Another is to simply keep your dog indoors, but a reliable dog walker should be part of your barking solution.
5. Obsessive/compulsive behaviors. A really bored dog may develop serious, destructive behaviors such as chewing his or her feet, continuous scratching, or tail chasing. These signs of boredom are often missed because owners attribute them to other causes, and the dog may have more than one problem. Parasites could cause itching and biting or scratching, for example. Report these signs to your veterinarian, who may be able to prescribe drugs that can help with these problems while you look for ways to keep your dog busy.
While different dogs will exhibit various reactions to boredom, the solutions are the same: find activities your dog will find challenging and spend time providing the stimulation he or she needs. An obedience course refresher might be fun for you and your dog, and some new toys may help for a while. Perhaps agility or water activities will challenge and heal your dog. If your dog is suited, join a pet therapy group and visit hospitals or a senior center, or teach your dog to pull a cart, catch flying disks, or bring in your groceries.
If you need assistance in dealing with your unemployed canine companion, or if your dog becomes aggressive or territorial, consult an animal behaviorist for guidance. While you rehabilitate your bored pal you may find that increased activity is good for you, too! For further reading on activities you can enjoy with your pup, check out the following articles:
- Fun Activities for High Energy Dogs
- Fun Fall Activities for Your Dog
- 5 Fun Winter Activities to Do With Your Dog
- 6 Water Sports to Try With Your Dog
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you would help spread it by email to a friend, on social media or even word of mouth! Thank you so much!
