- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
If you feel bored, this often means you’re not very interested in your surroundings. As a result, you might feel lethargic, or like doing nothing at all. Dogs can get bored, too, but dog boredom may show up in very different ways.
Dog boredom is more like what we see in young children, explains Dr. Janet Cutler, a certified applied animal behaviorist and owner of Landmark Behaviour.
Instead of becoming lethargic or inactive, bored dogs often find ways to entertain themselves or seek attention—by chewing, barking, or whining, for example. These unwanted behaviors can frustrate you as well as your dog.
Read on to learn the signs and causes of boredom in dogs. Plus, get tips on keeping your dog engaged whether you’re at home or away.
How To Tell If Your Dog Is Bored
“If your dog does nothing all day, this isn’t necessarily a sign they’re bored,” Dr. Cutler explains. “Activity levels in dogs can vary with age, breed, personality, health, size, and many other factors.”
Carolyn Menteith, dog trainer and behaviorist at Tails.com, says a bored dog might show the following signs:
- Sadness: Boredom can lead to sadness, which can show up in dogs as low energy or sleeping more than usual.
- Destructive behavior: A bored dog might fill their time with destructive behavior like chewing, digging, or jumping on furniture.
- Excessive noises: Increased barking, howling, panting, or whining could mean your dog is bored or lonely.
- Hyperactivity: A bored dog might seem restless and unable to sit still, have a shorter attention span than usual, or have extra energy.
- Escapology: Bored dogs might find ways to escape their crate, the room you leave them in, or your backyard.
- Loss of toilet training: Unusual accidents indoors can be a sign of boredom, as well as some health conditions.
- Self-mutilation: Bored dogs might chase their tails or chew and lick body parts excessively.
- Separation anxiety: Signs of separation anxiety include trembling, destructive chewing, digging and scratching at doors, and increased whining.
- Predation: A bored dog might have more interest in chasing, capturing, and killing small animals, even if they never did before.
- Aggression: If your dog is bored, they may become aggressive and start growling, biting, and guarding.
Dr. Cutler advises against punishing your dog if you notice any signs of boredom. Punishing a dog can create fear and anxiety, leading to further issues.
What Causes Doggy Boredom?
Many different factors can play a role in boredom.
Here are some of the most common causes, according to Alexandra Bassett, certified dog trainer and the lead behavior specialist at Dog Savvy and Russell Hartstein, certified dog behavior consultant, dog trainer, and founder of Fun Paw Care Dog Training.
- High puppy energy: Puppies are naturally curious and driven to explore, test boundaries, and learn survival behaviors. Without outlets for this energy, puppies may bark excessively, chew furniture, or dig to stay busy.
- Repetitive daily routine: While a regular routine helps dogs feel secure, too much repetition can become dull. For example, a dog who gets bored of taking the same route every day may resist going on their walk.
- Not enough social interaction: Dogs are social by nature and need regular connection with people or other dogs. Dogs who feel isolated may seem sad or start whining, pawing, and barking for attention.
- No breed-specific job or outlet: Many dogs were bred for specific tasks like herding, guarding, and retrieving. Without a way to express these instincts, they may try to “create jobs,” such as herding other pets, hoarding toys, or barking at every movement.
- Boring environment: Even a loving home can feel unstimulating if it lacks variety. If your dog doesn’t have different toys, chews, or sights and sounds to explore, they may tear up items or sleep more than usual.
- Minimal exercise: Physical activity is essential, even for lower-energy breeds. Dogs who don’t get enough exercise can become restless and destructive. They may chew furniture, dig, or beg for attention.
- Limited mental enrichment: Mental stimulation is especially valuable for dogs with limited physical ability. Without enough mental enrichment, any dog may get bored and create their own entertainment, like getting into the trash or whining for attention.
- Emotional neglect: Like people, dogs need emotional connection to feel secure and fulfilled. If your dog doesn’t get enough interaction, they might follow you around or lose interest in things they used to enjoy.
How To Solve Boredom in Dogs
You can do a lot to help keep your dog from getting bored.
Dr. Cutler shares several possible solutions below, including physical and mental activity, training classes, and scent work. She recommends trying just a few at a time to find out how your dog responds.
1. Increase physical activity
Releasing energy can help reduce boredom and encourage relaxation—one good reason why it’s important to make sure your dog gets the right amount of exercise for their breed, age, size, and health.
A few ideas for increasing your dog’s physical exercise include taking longer walks or engaging in more active play like tug-of-war and fetch.
2. Provide mental stimulation
Mental enrichment helps sharpen your dog’s mind, reduce stress, and burn energy—all of which can help prevent problem behaviors.
For mental and sensory stimulation, try:
- Puzzle toys filled with treats
- Food-stuffed toys like Kongs—freeze them to make them last even longer!
- Chew toys
3. Try new training classes
Training activities or classes can offer productive entertainment for bored dogs.
Whether you’re reinforcing basic cues or teaching fun tricks, training helps reduce boredom and grow your bond. Just a few minutes of training each day can make a noticeable difference in your dog’s behavior and mood.
4. Try scent work
Dogs naturally experience the world through their noses, and scent-based games can be deeply satisfying.
Try hiding treats around the house, laying scent trails in your yard, or letting your dog sniff out different safe household items. You can also explore online or in-person scent work classes for guided enrichment.
5. Create outlets for natural behaviors
Many dogs have natural instincts like digging, chasing, or herding. Providing them with appropriate ways to express these behaviors can help ease boredom.
If your dog loves to dig, for example, you can set up a designated digging spot, like a sandbox or a section of the yard. Dogs with strong chasing or herding drives may enjoy fetch or designated herding classes.
6. Set up playdates with other dogs and people
Playdates can help satisfy your dog’s need for social interaction, especially if they enjoy meeting new friends. A walk with a neighbor’s dog or a backyard visit with a familiar person can break up your dog’s routine.
Just be sure to monitor your dog’s body language and energy to make sure they’re having fun.
7. Spend more engaged time with your dog
Dogs crave connection, and dedicated time together can improve their well-being and reduce boredom.
Set aside time each day to really engage with your dog by playing games, going for a walk, or cuddling. Shared activities offer mental and emotional stimulation and help your dog feel loved.
8. Enroll in doggy daycare
If your dog enjoys time with other dogs and people, doggy daycare can be great for enrichment, exercise, and socialization. Consider whether your dog enjoys group activities enough to enjoy daycare. If so, find a facility that prioritizes safety, structure, and rest breaks.
9. Hire a dog walker or sitter
If your schedule keeps you away for long hours, a dog walker or sitter can provide companionship, stimulation, and potty breaks while you’re gone.
Even a short midday walk or play session can help prevent boredom-related behaviors and give your dog something to look forward to.
10. Create an enriching environment
An enriching environment can help keep your dog mentally engaged at home.
Bassett offers a few tips:
- Rotate interactive toys: Swap out puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and frozen treat-stuffed Kongs to keep playtime fresh and stimulating.
- Provide visual stimulation: Set up a cozy window spot. Add a bird feeder or turn on dog-friendly TV for extra entertainment.
- Create scent scavenger hunts: Hide treats or kibble in boxes, under towels, or around the house to tap into your dog’s natural foraging instincts.
Dog Boredom FAQs
Could my dog be depressed?
While depression isn’t a recognized diagnosis for dogs, they can experience depression-like symptoms, especially if they’re bored. Signs may include low energy, destruction, or changes in eating and sleeping habits.
How do I find the right amount of exercise and enrichment for my dog?
The ideal amount of exercise and enrichment for your dog depends on their breed, age, and energy level. Most dogs require daily physical activity and mental stimulation, like training, puzzle toys, or sniffing games.
How can I balance my dog’s routine to make it predictable yet engaging?
Dogs thrive on a consistent routine but also benefit from variety. This can be challenging, especially if you work full-time, but hiring a dog walker and providing interactive toys can help keep things interesting.
How can I tell the difference between my dog being lazy, bored, or sleepy?
Lazy dogs may have low energy but still engage when you encourage them. Bored dogs might seem restless or destructive. Sleepy dogs generally nap a lot and might not perk up for activities.
When is my dog’s behavior a sign of something more serious than boredom?
If your dog shows signs of distress when left alone, becomes more clingy than usual, or engages in destructive behavior, it could be separation anxiety or another behavioral or medical concern. If you have any concerns, it’s best to ask your vet for a proper diagnosis.
