5 Signs Your Dog is Bored (And How to Fix It)

We love our dogs, but let’s be honest: life gets busy. Sometimes, after a long day of work, we just want to crash on the couch. But for your dog, who has been waiting all day for your return, the "quiet life" can quickly turn into a "bored life."

A bored dog isn't just a sleepy dog; a bored dog is often a destructive or anxious dog. Unlike humans, dogs can't just pick up a book or scroll through TikTok when they’re understimulated. Instead, they find their own "jobs" to do—and usually, those jobs involve your favorite pair of shoes.

Here are five tell-tale signs your pup is bored and how you can turn their day around.

1. Destructive Chewing or Digging

If you come home to "indoor snow" (aka pillow stuffing) or a freshly excavated hole in the middle of your rug, your dog is sending a loud message.

• The Fix: Provide interactive chew toys or durable rubber toys that can be stuffed with treats. Redirecting that oral fixation to a designated toy saves your furniture and gives them a rewarding "project."

2. Excessive Barking or Whining

Is your dog "talking" to you more than usual? Or perhaps they’re barking at every leaf that blows past the window? This is often a demand for attention or a way to release pent-up energy.

• The Fix: Introduce short training sessions. Even 5–10 minutes of practicing "sit," "stay," or a new trick like "spin" provides the mental exhaustion they crave.

3. Pacing or "The Zoomies"

If your dog is restlessly wandering from room to room or suddenly starts doing laps around the coffee table at 9 PM, they have physical energy with nowhere to go.

• The Fix: Change up your walk routine. Try a "Sniffari"—let your dog lead the way and sniff as much as they want. Mental stimulation through scent is just as tiring as a long run.

4. Pawing and Nudging

The "velcro dog" act can be cute, but constant nudging, pawing, or dropping a ball in your lap every 30 seconds is a clear sign they’re looking for engagement.

• The Fix: Use Puzzle Feeders. Instead of serving dinner in a bowl, put it in a snuffle mat or a wobbling dispenser. It turns mealtime into a 20-minute brain game.

5. Over-Grooming or Licking

In some cases, boredom can lead to repetitive behaviors like licking their paws or flanks excessively. This can start as a way to self-soothe but can lead to "lick granulomas" or skin irritation.

• The Fix: Rotate their toys. Don’t leave every toy out at once. Keep a "toy rotation" so that when a "new" old toy comes out, it feels exciting and fresh again.

Beat the Boredom

Keeping a dog happy isn't just about the length of their walk; it’s about the quality of their mental engagement. A mix of physical exercise, sensory play, and "brain work" will result in a much calmer, happier companion.

Give Your Dog a "Job" Today

The best way to fight boredom is to keep things interesting. Whether it's a new texture to chew or a puzzle to solve, a little effort goes a long way in preventing behavioral issues.

Explore the Boredom-Busters: Check out our latest arrivals of heavy-duty chew toys and interactive puzzles designed to keep even the smartest dogs busy for hours.