Have you noticed lately that your pup is unusually restless? Maybe they are tearing through your furniture, fighting with their furry siblings, or begging for more treats. These seemingly small changes in their behavior may be just enough to get your attention and make you wonder why it’s changing. There may be a simple answer.

Your dog may just be bored.

It’s true that your pets can get bored just like you do. The difference is that they do not have the capabilities of communicating their feelings. Instead, they show you that there is a problem. Changing their behavior is the only way they have of getting your attention.

In fact, some studies on animals have found that they can become bored just like their human counterparts. They can also experience depression or anxiety, especially if they are under stimulated for a long time. Recognizing the warning signs and addressing the issue can help make your pup happy and prevent long-term effects of boredom.

Sign 1: Damaging or Destroying Behaviors

If your dog is bored, you may notice them acting out by scratching at your furniture. They may start chewing on coffee table legs. Of course, they chew on things like this if their chew toys are unavailable, but you may notice that these types of actions become excessive. Your dog may start chewing or scratching your household items for longer periods of time or being destructive in areas of the house they used to avoid.

Sign 2: Repetitive Behaviors

Did you know that animals can develop their own form of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder.)? Stress, anxiety, or boredom can lead to repetitive behaviors. Some of the repetitive behaviors dogs exhibit as signs of OCD caused by boredom can include:

• Pacing
• Spinning
• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting
• Light or shadow chasing
• Tail chasing

Sign 3: Begging or Overeating

It can be cute when you are eating your meal, and your dog suddenly jumps up near your plate and gives you “the look.” You may be used to it if they do it often. However, if you notice that they are begging more than usual, this can be a sign that something else is going on. They may also start eating too much. Begging and overeating can both suggest that your furry friend needs more attention or entertainment.

Sign 4: Eliminating in the House

Boredom can also be expressed by pooping and peeing around the house and not waiting for potty trips. When a well-trained pup suddenly has problems waiting for a potty break, it’s a sign that something is wrong. You may even think they are trying to get revenge, especially when you notice them relieving themselves in places they don’t normally use. Of course, you’ll want to rule out other possibilities such as being pregnant or an illness before you take steps to eliminate boredom.

Sign 5: Excessive Sleeping

Dogs can sleep up to 14 hours a day. The amount of sleep they need can fluctuate depending on factors like their age. But if you start noticing your dog is sleeping all day long, and there are no potential health issues, they may be bored. It’s normal that your pup will take naps here and there throughout the day, but they shouldn’t be sleeping 24/7. Humans tend to sleep when there is nothing else to do, and it’s true for your dog too.

Sign 6: Fighting with Other Dogs or Furry Siblings

When your dog is bored, they will find anything to use to entertain themselves. That may mean they start picking on their furry friends or family members. Even if they are normally cordial with other animals or pets, they may start fights at random. Your dogs and other pets may play fight just to have fun, but there are some ways to tell if the fighting turns serious.

Signs of Aggression or Fighting

• Excessively chasing or cornering other dogs or pets
• Causing physical harm to other pets
• Standing at alert more than normal around other animals
• Barking

It’s important to stop the behavior and separate animals immediately if you sense things are getting out of hand.

Sign 7: Attention Seeking

Don’t you love it when your pup is extra cuddly? It can be such a sweet, shared moment. Those types of snuggles may be the reason you decided to become a dog parent to begin with. But if your fur baby starts whining, nudging and begging for your attention all day long, it can be a problem. Even if you try to redirect their attention or stop their behavior, they may just be telling you they are bored and need another form of engagement.

Tips for Solving Your Dog’s Boredom

There are lots of ways to curb your dog’s boredom. A few simple changes that you can implement today, can be helpful.

When dogs don’t have enough ways to engage their natural instincts to play, hunt, or run, they may become restless. Your dog needs stimulation from exercise, chew toys, attention, treat-dispensing toys, and other opportunities to explore. Here are a few ways to alleviate your dog’s boredom.

• Keep plenty of toys around the house for your dogs. Choose toys you know they love and keep them available. Try to use engaging toys or try adding treats to safe household items like containers, bottles, or egg cartons.
• Use low-calorie, high-protein treats for your dog. These will provide your dog with the energy they need to play, but without adding weight. They can be great for enhancing doggie puzzles and games.
• An indoor agility obstacle course can be a great way to keep your pup busy while they are in the house.
• Grab your leash can BrilliantK9 harness and get your dog up and moving. Increasing playtime can make a huge difference, even if it’s just 10 extra minutes each day.
• Do a little research to find fun activities that will get your dog running. They should get tired from playing with balls or fetching toys or sticks. Schedule a playdate with their furry buddies.
• Don’t punish your dog if they start acting out. This can cause them to have increased anxiety or fear.

If you have tried some options and your dog is still showing signs of being bored, talk to your veterinarian. There could be other underlying issues you are unaware of.