Bored dog – WOOF! I’m bored!!!

Bored dog behaviours… what are they and why is it that some dogs seem to be able to sit at home all day seemingly just enjoy the sunshine, whilst others seem to spend their spare time re-landscaping the backyard or annoying the neighbours?

Often I can pick the dogs and puppies that are predisposed to boredom-related problems. How? Because they are really, really smart! Often owners will comment on how quickly their dog learns new things, their dog only has 2 speeds; off and on, owners find it difficult to gain the dogs attention when they are in a more distracting location, the dog is ‘nosey’ and likes to know what is going on and will follow the owners from room to room … the list goes on.

Bored dog behaviours

So what are boredom related behaviours? Barking, chewing, shredding, digging and pacing are some of the most common. Often boredom related behaviours occur once the dog is on their own. Most boredom related behaviours occur, well, when the dog has nothing to do and becomes bored!

So what can we do to prevent these from occurring or reduce them once they start? Give your dog better options like the following:

Food hunt

Shred it

Hit it

Find it

Lick and chew

There are many other wonderful interactive food toys on the market or you can DIY – the ideas are endless!

More ideas!

I’m a huge advocate of prevention rather than cure, as prevention is far easier than trying to break a habit after it’s been well learnt!

ALERT!!! Some behaviours labelled as ‘boredom’ may actually reflect an individual who is not coping with being alone. Chewing, shredding, digging, pacing and barking can all be performed as part of a coping strategy for dogs suffering separation anxiety or other types of anxiety. Spy-cam is ideal for understanding whether your dog is ‘making their own fun’ or attempting to cope with aloneness. If you are unsure, Kalmpets can help.

For Further Reading:

The un-calm dog

Off-switch training

Dog fun

What issues are you
having with your pet?


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