It’s common for pet parents to worry about how to stop a dog from getting bored. We’ll explain how to keep your dog entertained.
HighlightsSigns of dog boredom: chewing, digging, barking.Differentiate boredom from conditions like separation anxiety.Dog sports & training classes stimulate mind and body.Variety of toys, like puzzle toys, keep dogs active.Long walks before leaving can reduce dog boredom.
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Table of ContentsSigns of boredom in dogsWays to keep your dog happyDog sportsDog Training ClassesToysGive them something to chewWays to keep your dog from getting bored when they’re home aloneGive them a new toyPut the radio onTake them on a long walk before you goFrequently asked questionsDo dogs get bored being home all day?Do I need to entertain my dog all day?Is it OK for a dog to do nothing all day?Why does my dog do nothing all day?Conclusion
Signs of boredom in dogs
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Like us, dogs enjoy having something to do and will primarily benefit physically and mentally from some kind of enrichment or play during the day.
To help keep your dog healthy, veterinarians recommend:
Signs of doggy boredom can include:
It’s essential to get to the bottom of your pet’s behavior and ensure it’s due to boredom and nothing else. This can be tricky to work out, as signs of boredom could resemble something more serious such as ‘Separation Anxiety‘.
But why do dogs get bored?
Often the main reason for a dog getting bored is that they aren’t having enough enrichment at home. This could be due to insufficient physical exercise, mental stimulation, or interaction with their owners.
It’s important to differentiate boredom behavior from conditions such as separation anxiety.
If you’re finding it hard to have the time to play with your dog or stimulate your dog during a walk, then you might want to consider pet walking, doggy daycare, and pet sitting services.
Let’s not take a look at ways to keep your dog happy and free from boredom.
Ways to keep your dog happy
Dogs are intelligent, and keeping them happy can take a variety of methods. If your dog has any kind of physical condition, we recommend checking with your veterinarian before participating in dog sports or training classes.
Dog sports
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If you can sign up for a dog sport activity, this could be a great way to introduce your dog to new friends, learn a different skill, and exercise your dog all in one. Frisbee or agility encourages your dog to exercise their mind and body, helping them feel more relaxed at home.
Your dog trainer can advise you about the different dog sports suitable for your dog’s breed, age, and physical ability.
Dog Training Classes
Training is a fun way to keep your dog interested and has many benefits for them and you. Dog training will help engage your dog and give them something to think about, not to mention tiring them out so that they enjoy a good rest when you get them home.
You can teach your dog various tricks and skills, which you can then practice at home and incorporate into your dog’s routine.
Whether you attend a class and allow your dog to make new four-legged friends, or you attend a private dog training class, it’s something your pet will enjoy.
Toys
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It may sound obvious, but giving your dog a variety of toys and things to play with, is a great way to keep both their mind and their body active.
We’ve given some examples below:
When it comes to entertaining your pet with toys, we’d like to mention a couple of things:
Give them something to chew
Similar to giving your dog a new toy, if your dog likes chewing and gets bored when left alone, then a great way to get over their boredom could be giving them achew toy.
Be sure to choose a veterinarian-approved toy made from pet-friendly material and an appropriate size for your dog’s mouth. It’s also best to be sure to supervise your pet when they’re chewing, in case they damage their teeth or mouth.
Ways to keep your dog from getting bored when they’re home alone
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Let’s now look at some boredom busters to keep your pup entertained when they’re home alone.
Give them a new toy
Giving a bored puppy or older dog toys to keep them entertained while you’re away is a good way to beat dog boredom. They’ll surely be happy to enjoy some time playing while you’re away.
It’s probably not feasible to buy your dog a new toy each time you need to make sure they aren’t bored however, you can also trial making your DIY dog toys using the following materials:
Put the radio on
Dogs get bored just like us, and this can happen more quickly when they think they are alone. By leaving the radio on when you’re away from the house, you could help keep your dog from feeling lonely and bored. They’ll often appreciate the sound of background noise, and you can also set it on a time if you don’t want it on the whole time.
Background sound can help calm your pet and make them feel relaxed even when you’re not at home. You can even find some music channels dedicated to pets.
Take them on a long walk before you go
Letting your dog run off some steam at the dog park or on their favorite walk can help their situation when you need to leave them at home. Atired dog, who’s run off enough energy, will likely feel more relaxed when you take them home and is less likely to get into trouble.
Taking yourdog for a long walkbefore you leave them gives them plenty of dog stop-and-sniff time and the opportunity to take enough toilet breaks. If they’ve had plenty of time to explore and sniff, then often they will be happy to come home and rest while they wait for you to return.
Frequently asked questions
Let’s now take a look at the most frequently asked questions relating to the topic of how to prevent boredom in dogs.
Do dogs get bored being home all day?
In circumstances where they don’t have enough to do, it’s not surprising to hear that, yes, dogs can get bored when they are at home all day. No matter why you must leave your dog alone, it’s essential to consider how to keep your dog engaged to help them feel comfortable and decrease the chances of them feeling stressed.
It’s more likely for a dog to get bored when they are left alone if they don’t have toys to play with or a comfy place to sleep. It’s also important to ensure they always have access to plenty of clean, fresh water and that all their dog needs are met. By this, we mean having plenty of toilet breaks, even when you’re not there. This might mean asking a friend, pet sitter, or dog walker to let your dog out.
Do I need to entertain my dog all day?
It’s a good idea for dogs to have some kind of entertainment during the day, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the entertainment has always been directly related to pet parents.
Dogs love interacting with us humans, whether it be at the park, during a training class, or when you take your dog for a walk. It’s unlikely we can dedicate our whole day every day to a dog or puppy, but it is vital to make sure we have dedicated time during the day to cater to their every need.
Having a dog is a rewarding experience, and entertaining them is a fun and relaxing part of that and helps strengthen the dog-pet-parent bond.
It’s a good idea to think about how you’ll keep your dog entertained before you bring them home for the first time. This will help you to be fully prepared and keep your dog as happy as possible. However, sometimes circumstances change and you may not have as much time for your pet as previously. However, don’t worry. A range of toys and pet-sitting services help you care for your pet.
Is it OK for a dog to do nothing all day?
The answer to this question depends on your dog’s character and the situation. We’ll look at a few scenarios below:
Why does my dog do nothing all day?
The answer to this question depends on your dog’s character if all their needs in terms of eating and drinking, exercise, and toilet breaks are met.
If your pet is usually pretty relaxed and enjoys sleeping when they’re not out walking, it is probably okay for them if they don’t do much during the day. However, if your usually very active dog is bored or doesn’t want to do anything, then you might want to check if everything is ok.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article about why a dog may feel bored and what you can do to help them. Bored dogs often are missing some enrichment, however in a few small steps you can help your dog find something to keep their mind interested, and their body healthy.
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