Preventing Dog Boredom
Dogs are just like humans when it comes to boredom. They can get bored just like we do! Did you ever stop and think that a dog ripping up their home, destroying toys, or being destructive may be a sign of boredom? It most certainly is! This article will talk about why dogs get bored, the signs of boredom, and what you can do as a pet owner to help.
Dogs get bored because they do not have enough to think about. When this happens, dogs lose interest and start to do other things – which may not be considered “good”.
Below are some common signs of boredom in dogs.
- Chewing on things
- Destructive behavior
- Random barking
- Lack of interest
- Depression
The good thing is that there are several remedies to dog boredom. Please see our list of recommendations below!
Virtual Check In’s – Technology for the win! If your dog is spending a lot of time at home while you are at work or out and about, there are many high-tech solutions that you can use to keep them entertained throughout the day. Consider using a webcam set up so that you can spend some time with your dog virtually.
Exercise Routine – The same old walk may get boring for your four-legged friend. Switch it up a bit! Take a different route or try a game of fetch. Give your dog a different sense of mental stimulation.
Mental Exercises – Speaking of mental stimulation, these exercises are great to prevent boredom. Teach your dog how to solve a puzzle for a treat or play a game with buttons to boost their memory.
Chew Toys – This may be the simplest way to cure boredom in dogs, but it works! Chewing on something may be considered “fun” for dogs. The good thing is that there are healthy chews for your dog too!
There are other behaviors such as anxiety and pain which may be mistaken for dog boredom. If this is the case, different treatment will be necessary. However, if there is a clear lack of stimulation then your dog needs to have more fun. This is where you will need to be creative as a dog owner to ensure that your dog’s mental and physical needs are being obtained. This will make for the happiest pup at the end of the day!
