How to Know When Your Dog Is Bored (and What to Do)

Dogs can chew on shoes for a lot of reasons. Sometimes destructive behavior is due to separation anxiety. If they’re in a new or strange place, or just don’t feel comfortable without you around, they may try to deal with their feelings by chewing on shoes. However, they also do it when they’re bored just for something to do to get out excess energy. This is especially a problem for puppies who are teething and curious about just about everything.

Digging is a deeply inherent dog behavior, passed down from their wild ancestors. These wild creatures couldn’t always find regular sources of meat and would bury meat after big kills to have some for other days. However, dogs aren’t always digging to hide something. Sometimes they just make a big hole to let out excess energy and/or investigate a strange smell.

Tipping over trash cans is another behavior that dogs try when they’ve run out of other things to do. Knocking stuff over can be exciting for them and lead to unexpected results. Neglected dogs can also act like kids that don’t get enough attention. Sure, they know they’ll be in trouble for knocking over the trash can but they will certainly have your attention.

Bored dogs sometimes get very excited when someone new comes over. This may take the form of jumping up on new people and getting very worked up. This sort of behavior can be startling to visitors who aren’t familiar with the dog. The dog isn’t necessarily acting aggressively, they just really want to say hello.

Dogs often bark excessively for a number of reasons. For one, barking is one of the main ways they communicate, and trying to get their message across to non-understanding humans can be very frustrating. However, a lot of times dogs are barking at strangers because they are bored and want a new source of attention. This is also intimidating (and sometimes it’s meant to be) but often it’s just a dog trying to say hello and express his frustration about not being able to go over and interact.

Every dog has a slightly different way of getting attention. Some are more aggressive and really throw themselves at their owners. Others just stare with the biggest, saddest, eyes possible. Modern dogs have significantly more facial muscles than wolves and scientists suspect it’s to convey emotions to humans. Dogs beg for attention to play, to go for a walk, or to just get some scratches from their human.

Many dogs spend a lot of their day sleeping and lounging. But when it comes time to do something suddenly, they can’t sit still. Restless behavior can take many forms including a combination of other things on this list. Sometimes it’s just acting a bit more animated and excited about small things. They see you step towards them and try to make it into a game or try to bring you a toy to play with.

Excessive licking can mean a lot of things for a dog. They clean themselves with their tongues so it may just mean they’re trying to get the dirt off. Dogs will also lick wounds so it’s good to check them out if you notice they’re really focusing on a single spot. They may lick you as a form of getting attention and showing their affection (or maybe they think you’re dirty). It can also be another sign of boredom setting in.

Dogs often run away to try and get you to chase them and play. When they reach a certain level of boredom they’ll try all kinds of tricks to get you to entertain them. Dogs may also run away when they see their owner trying to get them back into the house or on the leash because they’re already having fun.

Dogs may get restless and get out some energy by walking around the home or yard. They are also natural protectors and often feel it is their duty to keep the house safe. Walking around is a good way to make sure there aren’t any intruders lurking around while using a bit of their energy. Dogs may also pace when they feel anxious or scared.

A great way to get your dog to stop chewing on shoes, socks, and everything else is to get them some exercise. Exercise for dogs can take all sorts of forms. They are very athletic animals that love to run, play, and romp with other dogs and humans. Taking dogs to a dog park can be a great way to let them get all their energy out with other animals.

Dogs are naturally extremely playful. Play is how they learn all sorts of skills and develop their bodies and muscles. It is important to figure out what kind of play is best for your dog. For some dogs you can sling a tennis ball or frisbee and they’ll bring it straight back. Others don’t exactly seem to understand or agree with the bringing the toy back part. Some dogs would prefer you chase them with the toy as they play keep away. It’s important to find a way to play that suits you and them.

This one might take a bit of discipline on your dog’s part or a bit of stealth on yours. If you can pull it off, hide and seek can be a great way to give your dog some exercise and get their brain working. They are often great at finding hidden people as their heightened senses of smell and hearing give them an edge over their human counterparts.

Puzzle toys are a great way to captivate a dog’s attention and get them to use some energy. Many of these toys use interesting mechanics to reward dogs with treats for successfully manipulating a button or switch. You may have to show your dog a few times how it works and demonstrate that success is rewarded with treats. There are a wide range of puzzle toys available at affordable prices.

Some behavior like jumping up, destroying things and excessive barking can be remedied with training. Dogs are pack animals, and it is important that they understand who is in charge in a household. They respond well to positive reinforcement and treats as well as special tricks that professional trainers can help with. Training is important because sometimes dogs just don’t understand what we want them to do and other times they get it but like to play dumb if it doesn’t align with their interests.

Dogs are naturally very social animals. Their first memories are being surrounded by all their little siblings. A loving household of humans is very important, but we can’t give them everything. They can benefit tremendously from spending some time around other dogs and learning to behave harmoniously with them. Dog parks and other popular dog spots can be great places to let dogs socialize.

Dogs love food and getting them to work for it can be a great way to train them. Having them perform simple commands like sitting, staying and laying down is a quick and easy way to get a bit of training in and show them that they have to earn their keep. Dogs also love to please and giving them tons of positive reinforcement when they do what you ask is just as important as material things like food.

New walking routes expose dogs to all sorts of new smells, things to look at and more. Walks are always nice regardless but can be a lot more fun and interesting when you change up scenery. Plus, dogs aren’t the only ones that like to see something new.

Sometimes the best way to entertain your dog is to get another creature that also wants to spend all day doing dog things. Dogs can be great companions for each other. They’ll play with each other in all sorts of ways like compete over toys, chase each other around, and playfully rough house.

Exposing dogs to new places and things can be a great way to keep them entertained. Bring home new toys and other things for them to try to understand. Show them themselves in the mirror if you want to really confuse them. Some dogs even get excited to watch shows and movies that involve animals. Stimulating their senses can happen in the house or out in the world exploring new places. They take in new places and learn from them just like we do.