Dog boredom is more common than you might think. Even the happiest pups can get a little restless when their routine doesn’t offer enough mental or physical stimulation. Thankfully, most signs of boredom are easy to spot once you know what to look for, and even easier to fix with a few simple steps. This article covers three of the most common behaviours that signify boredom in dogs, along with easy ways to help keep them happy.
1. Destructive chewing or digging
If your dog has suddenly taken an interest in chewing your belongings, shredding soft furnishing, or excavating your garden, boredom could be the root cause. Dogs naturally explore the world with their mouths, but when they don’t have enough to keep their brains busy, their innate curiosity can turn into destruction.
Why it happens:
Bored dogs often have excess energy they need to burn off. Chewing or digging becomes their way of finding an outlet.
Easy ways to fix it:
- Rotate their toys to keep them interested and engaged.
- Offer long-lasting, natural chews to help them focus on something constructive.
- Add two or three short training sessions throughout the day to provide extra mental stimulation.
2. Excessive barking or attention-seeking
Is your dog barking at every little sound, or constantly pawing at you for attention? While barking and need for affection can be perfectly normal, a sudden increase often points to boredom.
Why it happens:
When dogs don’t have enough mental stimulation, they find their own ways to fill the gap. Behaviours like barking, pawing, whining, or dropping toys in your lap are all classic signs that they’re trying to entertain themselves (and would like you to join in).
Easy ways to fix it:
- Use puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys to keep their mind working.
- Try simple scent games, like hiding natural treats around the house for them to find.
- Add more interactive play, even if it’s just a short session of tug-of-war or fetch.
3. Pacing, restlessness, or random zoomies
Another common sign of dog boredom is restless behaviour. This might look like anything from pacing around the house to struggling to settle to suddenly breaking into the zoomies out of nowhere.
Why it happens:
Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation to avoid boredom. When one is lacking, they can become unsettled, fidgety, or overly energetic at irregular times.
Easy ways to fix it:
- Include daily enrichment activities like Lickimats, natural chew sessions, and simple training games.
- Offer tougher, longer-lasting chews that help them focus and relax.
- Switch up your walking routine by trying a new route or offering a slow "sniff walk" can make a big difference.
Simple daily habits that help
You don’t need to overhaul your whole routine to keep your dog from feeling bored. Small, consistent habits add up quickly:
- Keep training sessions short and fun. As little as 2-3 minutes can be enough.
- Mix higher-energy activities with calmer enrichment options for balance.
- Provide safe, natural chews and treats to help them stay occupied.
- Add variety to their day, whether that’s a new toy, a new walking route, or a new game.
Final thoughts
Boredom isn’t a sign that your dog is misbehaved, it’s just their way of saying they need a little more to do. With a few easy adjustments, you can help them feel happier, more relaxed, and content. From long-lasting chews to training games to sniff walks and beyond, there are plenty of ways to keep your pooch occupied.
