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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.
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#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.
#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.
#3 – Tail Chasing
Though there are other reasons dogs may do this obsessive behavior; pent-up energy can be one of them.
#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!
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
#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.
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!
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