Is your little canine bored?
Are you tired of pulling your hair out because your furry best friend won’t shut the fluff up?
Or maybe you’re on your last straw because they’ve chewed through the seventh pair of slippers you had lying by the back door?
Or maybe it just breaks your paw parent heart to see them pouting at your feet while you sit through yet another useless zoom meeting for work…
Dogs get bored. It’s a fact.
Quite simply, canines are naturally social creatures – just like humans, but unlike us, they don’t have cell phones and computer games and awkward zoom meetings to partake in. Rather like the fur-children that they are, when staring at the face of boredom, they act out by doing whatever they can to get attention. Here are some suggestions for identifying and dealing with your bored dog!
Signs of Boredom in your Dog
It’s important to note that boredom and separation anxiety can have similar symptoms and that it’s recommended to consult a Professional Trainer or Animal Behaviourist to rule out any intense distress.
If your puppers is simply, you know, just driving you mental with any of these (annoying but always cute habits):
- Destructive Behaviour – anything, everything, all of it…
- Barking (usually at absolutely nothing – or so you think…)
- Digging – in couches, outside, the bed, pillows…
- Bugging you for attention and/or acting restless – which is never when you want their attention and usually when you’re strapped for a deadline, or have to run errands…
…it’s probably because they are one bored dog and we’ve got some suggestions below!
Easy steps to entertain your fur-baby when you need some Me – Time
You know your dog best, so try a few of these or all of them and see what helps keep them occupied. You might even have to try a few at once!
1. Physical Exercise
Probably the most common and well-known way to tire out your pup – walking them is nonetheless an essential part of caring for your fur-babies’ well fare. Each animal is different however and some pets might need a significant longer activity than others.
A young energetic border collie for example might need two walks on which they get to chase a ball back and forth a million times. A finicky old dachshund on the other hand might be happy walking to the end of the driveway and back – depending on the weather and of course if there are treats involved…
Sometimes it sucks waking up early to get them outside, but some dogs do best if they have a run in the am and others are fine waiting till the pm. Explore different options and see what works best for your best fur friend.
2. Socialization – Physical Activity
Socialization for dogs, just like humans is crazy important. This can really help with your bored dog, but also your own bored-self. Dogs learn best from other dogs. Having them spend an hour or more playing, wrestling and chasing each other can knock your pooch out for even a couple of days!
- Off-leash parks: If your fur-child is old enough (do they have all their vaccinations) and if they have good manners, check out your local off-leash parks. These are generally great, FREE, spaces for your pup to find some furry friends to play with.
- Doggy Day-Care: A more expensive option, but also great for tiring your fur-monkey. Make sure to do your research and find a day care that can accommodate your pet and their needs. There are some fantastic options that divide dogs based on size, temperament and age. These are the best ones to ensure your doggo is in safe and caring hands.
- Meet-up groups: Although COVID is a thing for most of the world, meet-up groups could be a fun-tastic solution for when things hopefully sort of get more normal. If you live somewhere warmer, meet outside where you can socially distance and allow your fur-children to play while you sip an iced mocha while chatting with other semi-obsessed pet parents. Check out your own locality; some cities have parks that you can rent and they’d make great spaces for a scheduled playdate!
3. Mental Stimulation
Just as your pooch needs physical exercise, they also need mental exercise, or rather ways to stimulate their minds. This is can be done in so many ways, and just like with physical exercise, each pet is unique to their own needs. Try one or all of these suggestions to see what works best for your fur-baby to reduce boredom!
- Puzzle Toys: Check out our review of the the best store bought puzzle toys *link* or visit our article here *link* on how to save them dollars and craft your own handmade toys.
- Lickimats & Kong Toys: Depending of course on the dietary needs of your animal (whether they have allergies or are just picky or eat absolutely everything) these types of treat toys can keep your paw-child at bay for a while. Try mixing up what you put in the toys to keep their minds active!
- Training: They say that a fifteen-minute training session can be as good as an hour walk for tiring out your four-legged friend. It’s also amazing for strengthening your bond and of course increasing your own endorphins by interacting with your doggo. Be creative, if you have time incorporate the training into their breakfast or dinners or just set the timer for 15 minutes and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it passes.
4. New Toys
Your dogs love getting new stuff just as much as the next person, but it doesn’t mean go out every week and spend your life’s savings on outrageously overpriced toys. Not to mention, it can get incredibly overwhelming picking one out that they’re going to even like! Just make sure to have a few out at a time and switch them as you go. This can really help with your bored dog to keep them entertained.
Maybe 5 – 10 of their toys, making sure there’s an array of choices, some squeaky, some soft and plushy, something fun to chew on – then switch them out every week! Put them on rotation and then every other week your puperino gets a brand new but not-so-new something to play with again!
5. Playing Outdoors/Smell-o-rama
Granted you have some space (again, dog parks, regular parks, the small green space in front of your apartment building, the sidewalk, etc.), and obviously depending on the weather, let your doggo play outside! Or hopefully depending on their manners, take them to the pet stores, or other pet friendly stores!
Outside in the world there are so many smells. Sometimes on walks you might be trying to work on training and they don’t get to sniff. But smelling and sniffing is the way dogs understand this crazy messed up world and giving them a chance to put that wet snout to the wind is a fantastic way to stimulate their instincts.
If you have a digger, try putting a play sand box in your back yard so they have a designated spot for digging. Or a pile of dirt, whatever floats your boat.
If you have a barker, opt for a trip to the pet store. Most stores don’t mind a visit from your friendly pooch and they don’t even care if you buy something or not!
It’s Okay to Need a Break!
Whatever the case, you know your dog best, and being there for them when times are dull can not only improve their overall behaviour and stop them from annoying everyone, but it can also strengthen the relationship you share.
Sometimes you don’t have time to always entertain your fur-child, and sometimes you’ll try everything and you’ll still be left with a bored dog. Know when you need a break. All paw parents do. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! So many trainers have been through this, and there are dog walkers and daycare professionals available to help you out! If you’re tight on cash and looking for a free resource, check out some great youtube videos here: ***insert link*** and remember, you are not alone!
Xox
Your fellow Paw Parents.