Signs Your Dog Might Be Bored—and How to Fix It

Ever feel guilty leaving your dog home alone, wondering what they do all day? (Spoiler: probably a lot of sleeping, staring at the door, and maybe a little mischief.) Like us, dogs can get bored—especially if they don’t have enough to do.

A bored dog isn’t just a little restless. They can become destructive, needy, or even a bit extra when it comes to getting your attention. The good news? A few simple changes can keep your pup entertained, happy, and out of trouble.

Let’s dive into the signs of doggy boredom—and, more importantly, how to fix it!

Your pup won’t come up and say, “Hey, I’m bored!” (Though, how cool would that be?) Instead, they show it through their behavior. Here are a few telltale signs:

Shoes, furniture, remote controls—if your dog is suddenly turning everything into a chew toy, boredom might be to blame. Dogs chew when they’re anxious or when they have energy to burn.

Scratched doors, shredded pillows, and knocked-over trash cans? Your dog isn’t being “bad”—they’re just looking for something to do.

If your dog seems extra vocal when you leave the house (or even when you’re home), they might just be trying to tell you, “I need something to do!”

Some dogs dig out of instinct, but if your pup is tearing up your backyard—or your couch cushions—it could be a boredom issue.

Do you have a little shadow that won’t leave your side? While some dogs are naturally clingy, boredom can make them even more attached.

If your dog suddenly gets the zoomies at night, racing around the house like a wild animal, they probably didn’t get enough activity during the day.

Sure, dogs love their naps, but if your pup is snoozing all day, they might not have enough mental or physical stimulation.

Now that you know the signs, let’s talk about solutions! Boredom is easy to fix with the right mix of activities, toys, and engagement.

Walks aren’t just about bathroom breaks—they’re a chance for your dog to explore! Try letting them sniff more, changing up your route, or even adding a little jog to keep things interesting.

Toys that make your dog think can work wonders. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing balls, and long-lasting chews (like deer antlers ) give your pup something to focus on.

A few minutes of fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek can make a huge difference. Plus, it strengthens your bond!

If your pup enjoys other dogs, playdates or doggy daycare can help burn off energy and provide much-needed social interaction.

Bored dogs love a challenge! Teaching new tricks or practicing commands can keep their minds engaged and give them a sense of accomplishment.

For dogs who love to chew, giving them a natural option can be a game-changer.  Nature Gnaws Deer Antlers are a great way to keep your pup happily occupied.

Even a quick car ride or a new park can be enough to break up the routine and give your dog fresh sights and smells to enjoy.

Boredom is a real thing for dogs, but with the right mix of physical activity, mental stimulation, and engaging toys, you can keep your pup happy, entertained, and out of trouble.

Try a few of these ideas and see what works best for your dog—you might even find that keeping them entertained makes your life a little easier, too!

It depends on their age and breed! Most dogs need at least 30-60 minutes of daily activity, but high-energy breeds may need even more.

Interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and long-lasting chews (like deer antlers ) are great for keeping dogs engaged. Remember to always supervise your dog while it is chewing.

Yes! Some dogs need variety. Try rotating toys or introducing new challenges to keep things fresh.