Is Your Dog Bored? Signs of Dog Boredom.

Dog owners often wonder whether their dog is bored or resting at a given moment. In humans, boredom results from routine, in dogs from something else. And there are many reasons for dog boredom. Today we explain how boredom most often manifests itself in dogs and what to do about dog boredom.

Why is my dog bored?

In dogs, the concept of "boredom" is primarily manifested by a decrease in mood. Boredom in dogs is associated with the lack of satisfaction of their psychophysical needs.

These include, among others:

-lack of adequate exercise

-unmet need for fun

-too little contact with the caregiver

-lack of activity during walks (i.e. the proverbial "poop, pee and go home")

-unused excess energy

Just like people, dogs get bored due to lack of activity. Just as we provide ourselves with the right amount of exercise, entertainment, meetings with friends, etc., dogs need similar stimuli: meetings with other dogs, running around, playing.

Dog home alone

Dogs spend much more time at home than we do. This in turn can cause frustration and a lower mood, which we call boredom. A dog should not be left alone at home for more than 8 hours a day. If the pet is left alone for longer, day after day, it can result in frustration due to loneliness. The dog may start looking for entertainment during your absence, which no one is able to provide.

Signs of boredom in dogs

How can you tell if your dog is bored? What should draw the owner's attention? A bored pet's behavior most often involves forcing certain behaviors on you, such as walking in step or bringing favorite toys. A dog that is bored will seek the owner's attention by force. On the other hand, a bored pet may be lethargic and without energy. What we call sadness is a manifestation of boredom in a dog.

Bored Dog - Typical Behaviors

Dog boredom can take many forms. From behaviors in which the dog is very quiet to excessive activity. How can you tell if your dog is bored? Below are the most common symptoms:

Following step by step

If your pet follows you around and constantly looks out for you, then you know that this is one of the signs of dog boredom. Following the owner aimlessly is one of the signs of ongoing boredom in a dog.

Somnolence

Does your dog lie around all day and doze off? Know that if he doesn't feel like being active, it's a sign of boredom.

Overexcitement

The second extreme symptom of boredom in dogs is hyperactivity. This can manifest itself through excessive jumping. A bored dog will try to do everything to get rid of the feeling of boredom. In this case, provide the dog with appropriate activity that helps to discharge excess energy. This can be a longer walk with fetching. Nosework works great with my dog. After such an exercise, she is tired enough to remain satisfied for a long time.

Destruction

Dog boredom can take many forms. One of them is undesirable behavior. A bored dog starts looking for attractions in different places. It can start gnawing on various objects. For dogs, biting is a way to release emotions, including sadness and boredom. A bored dog can also show other undesirable behaviors, such as stealing food.

Physiological symptoms

A sign that your pet cannot stand boredom may be so-called compulsive behaviors. These include: excessive grooming of the fur, which consists of licking its own body. In addition, a dog desperate for loneliness, in order to break the ongoing boredom, may start to "mutilate" its body. This manifests itself through nibbling and biting. In extreme cases, serious bodily harm may occur.

What to do about dog boredom?

First of all, devote enough time to the dog. Especially when the dog has to be left alone at home for a few good hours. Playing with a dog is always a great way to kill boredom and strengthen the bond that connects you. A happy dog that receives enough attention, regularly goes for walks and spends time playing together will definitely reward you with even greater devotion and commitment.