Although it’s next to impossible to keep your dog entertained 24/7 (but you can certainly try!), they’ll definitely let you know if they aren’t getting enough exercise, mental stimulation, or time spent outside. They start to act out and will do anything to get your attention—sometimes destroying your house in the process. Before your favourite armchair gets shredded, you’ll want to listen to what your dog is trying to say.

Each dog displays different signs of boredom, and the general rule of thumb is to detect if they are acting differently or trying to get your attention. If they generally begin to bark more or start chewing on furniture, that’s a good indicator that they need more stimulation.

Here are five telltale signs that your pet is bored and what you can do about it:

1. Chewing the Furniture

If you sent your pet to dog training to eliminate destructive behaviours, yet you’ve come home to a torn-up couch, it’s a probable sign that your dog was incredibly bored. The same can be said for other ripped up items, like shoes, chair legs, and your carpet. These are all normal behaviours they would do in an outside environment, like digging in the dirt or chewing what they can find.

Luckily, these destructive behaviours are easy to solve. A tired dog is a happy dog, so giving them plenty of exercise will keep your furniture and other items safe from being torn to pieces. Different breeds and ages need different amounts of exercise, so consult your vet if you aren’t sure how much your dog’s physical activity needs.

2. Barking Excessively

It’s perfectly normal for a dog to occasionally bark when you’re out and about, hear other dogs bark, or if they hear the doorbell ring. However, if they start to bark or constantly whine throughout the day, it’s a good sign that they’re incredibly bored and their mental health is badly affected.

A great way to keep them entertained is by giving them a fun toy to occupy themselves with, especially when you’re busy. There are also plenty of dog TV shows that are exciting and stimulating for dogs. Although it’s not practical for every dog, it’ll only take a little trial and error before you find something your pet loves watching.

3. Stealing Food

Ensuring that your dog receives an adequate amount of nutrition is essential to their health. It also makes sure they’re full and well-fed, preventing your pup from begging at the dinner table. However, if your dog regularly steals food off the counter or breaks into food containers, that’s a warning sign they’re bored to death.

Most people tend to eat more when they’re bored, and the same applies to dogs. A great way to counter this habit is to make their mealtimes more fun and entertaining, like putting the meal inside a maze, slow feeder, or even a puzzle toy.

4. Chasing Their Tail

Although it’s incredibly cute when dogs chase their own tail, it’s another telltale sign that they aren’t getting enough stimulation. Your dog may be feeling frustration, stress, and anxiety, and they need an outlet to release it. If left untreated, this habit can quickly turn into addictive behaviour, which is incredibly difficult to undo.

Offering them enough physical exercise is crucial to their mental and physical health, but they also need mental stimulation. You have various options to choose from: you can teach them a new trick, hide treats and make them find it, or even train them to imitate you. If you need more ideas, a paw resort in Brandon will be happy to help.

5. Being Extra Needy

Most dogs are known to be attention-seekers, which is part of why they’re so endearing. They love to follow you around, sit on your lap, and sleep with you at night. However, excessive attention-seeking behaviour such as constant pawing, jumping up, and general neediness are indicators that your dog is in dire need of something else to do.

If the behaviour begins to annoy you, don’t push them away or dismiss them. They need mental stimulation, especially if your dog is an intelligent, high-drive breed. Giving them puzzle toys is a dependable way to keep them entertained, so you’ll want to look into the best ones out there for your pup!

Conclusion

While it’s vital to ensure your dog receives enough physical and mental stimulation, you don’t need to entertain them all day long. When they begin to show signs of boredom, jazz up their routine by adding more exercise, teaching them new tricks, or giving them new stimulating activities. All of these techniques will go a long way in ensuring your dog a happy life.

Does your pet require dog training in Brandom, Manitoba? Let us know at the Paw Resort and Wellness Centre! We are a family-owned facility with expansive greenery for your pets to play in, run around, and enjoy. We also offer multiple pet services that cater to their individual needs, as your pet’s comfort is our priority. Get in touch with us today to see what we can do for you and your pet!