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12 Signs Your Dog Is Bored

| Published on March 23, 2015
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Ever wondered how your dog is feeling? Of course you have, we all have! And while some emotions may be harder to pinpoint, boredom is one that most dogs display quite clearly. Here are 12 signs that your dog is bored and needs something to do. One thing to note: a lot of these can also be signs of stress and/or separation anxiety. Talking to a certified dog trainer or behavior consult can help you determine what is causing your dog’s behavior.

Are you confused when it comes to training? You don’t have to hire a trainer to take over. SpiritDog can guide you and your pup through the training process and help you have the well-behaved pup you know your dog can be. Check out their website to learn more about how SpiritDog is helping humans and their pups bond over training!

#1 –Destructive Behavior

Is your dog chewing on shoes, the couch, etc.? He may be bored. Too much energy and not enough outlet equals a nice chew fest.

Image source: @TaroTheShibaInu via Flickr
Image source: @TaroTheShibaInu via Flickr

#2 – Digging

If you have a digger in the backyard, you guessed it, he’s probably bored! Digging is a self-rewarding behavior and is a great energy releaser…or at least your dog things so. You, probably not so much.

Image source: @MajaDumat via Flickr
Image source: @MajaDumat via Flickr

#3 –  Tail Chasing

Though there are other reasons dogs may do this obsessive behavior; pent-up energy can be one of them.

Image source: @TaroTheShibaInu via Flickr
Image source: @TaroTheShibaInu via Flickr

#4 – Demand Barking

Does your dog bark at you incessantly? Guess what? He IS trying to tell you something. Possibly, I am bored, play with me!

Image source: @OCAlways via Flickr
Image source: @OCAlways via Flickr

#5 – Listlessness

On the other side of the coin, your dog may just lie there or act “listless.” She may have “given up” on life, so to speak, and figures there is no end to her boredom. She may even be depressed.

Image source: @BenoitDupont via Flickr
Image source: @BenoitDupont via Flickr

#6 – Biting

Is your dog following you around, biting your clothes, ankles, anything he can reach? This “puppish” behavior could be a sign he has nothing to do with all that energy he has, and biting you seemed like a good idea to him. Probably not to you, however.

Image source: @AshleyWebb via Flickr
Image source: @AshleyWebb via Flickr

#7 – Whining

While apparently random whining can be caused by stress, it can also be caused by boredom. Especially in young dogs, you may find them whining at the door when they just went to the bathroom, sitting and whining, or following you around whining. Take this as a clear sign that they are begging for something to do.

Image source: @TonyAlter via Flickr
Image source: @TonyAlter via Flickr

#8 – Harassing Other Dogs

If you have more than one dog, your bored pup may decide a good diversion is to attack one of your other dogs.  While it’s all in fun to the harasser, the victim may not agree. Best to keep your dog occupied than to chance what may turn into a fight.

Image source: @LorenSztajer via Flickr
Image source: @LorenSztajer via Flickr

#9 – Getting Into Things

Aside from chewing, your bored dog may pull all of your clothes out of the laundry basket, strew garbage everywhere, or decide all your pillows should be off your bed.

Image source: @Sarah_Ackerman via Flickr
Image source: @Sarah_Ackerman via Flickr

#10 – Getting in Your Face

Dogs understand body language better than we do. Does your dog force himself in your lap and put his face right in yours, staring at you? He is probably asking for attention or something to do.

Image source: @ErinCampbellSmith via Flickr
Image source: @ErinCampbellSmith via Flickr

#11 – Pacing

Is your dog pacing your floor and won’t sit still? He is probably bored and is looking for something to do. Some will even get the “zoomies” and run full-tilt through your house.

Image source: @ChristinaSpicuzza via Flickr
Image source: @ChristinaSpicuzza via Flickr

#12 – Excessive Licking or Chewing

Some dogs, if bored enough, may over-groom or chew on their paws just for something to do. This could also be a sign of an allergy, so be sure to talk to your vet. Some dog’s may lick you over and over too.

Excessive Licking or Chewing Some dogs, if bored enough, may resort to over-grooming or chewing on their paws for something to do. This could also be a sign of an allergy, so be sure to talk to your vet too. Some dog’s may lick you over and over too.
Image source: @HollyWilliams via Flickr

Do any of these sound like your dog? Here are some ways to help your pup alleviate boredom–because an occupied dog is a happy dog!

 

Training doesn’t have to be a chore. Let SpiritDog help you make training time a fun, productive bonding experience between you and your best friend! Whether you want to work out bad habits or strengthen good canine manners, SpiritDog can help guide you!

SpiritDog’s courses are developed by real trainers who know that the best teacher for your dog is the person they love most in the world – you! Even if you’ve never trained before, you can get better behavior out of your pup with SpiritDog’s guidance. With so many happy pet parents who have used their courses, SpiritDog guarantees 100% satisfaction!

SpiritDog offers over 17 science-based courses, as well as 12 free bonus courses to get you and your pup bonding and building better behaviors. Their Tacking Reactivity Bundle can help you keep your pup safely by your side and help anxious or reactive pups keep calm. For new pet parents, the Ultimate Puppy Program can help you start your pup off on the right paw from the beginning. Those who want to teach their pets great behaviors at any age, check out their Ultimate Masterclass Bundle. Whatever you need, SpiritDog can help keep your dog safe, happy, and well-behaved!

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