These are 5 signs that indicate your dog is bored

Love, devotion, care – the easily understood ones are left out. In addition to all these important things, however, dogs need to be occupied and relaxed through plenty of mental and physical stimulation, to avoid boredom.

A bored dog can become restless, exhibit problem behaviors, and even become destructive. If you have a dog that barks constantly, or attacks your furniture and other items, he may not be getting the stimulation he needs and not having the opportunities to relax, resulting in boredom.

Let's look at some common signs of boredom in dogs, as well as how you can cope with it.

1. The big bark

When a dog is upset, he may bark for any number of reasons, both as a way to get your attention and to express his confusion. If your dog is barking more than usual, he may be upset.

2. Destructive behaviors

If your dog is chewing on shoes, furniture, or other objects, it's not necessarily because he's teething or exploring the world — he could simply be bored and trying to release his excess energy. Dogs need an activity, something they can focus on, so they don't get bored and explode on your things.

3. He is hyperactive and paces up and down.

A dog that can't calm down and is constantly moving may be bored and looking for something to do.

4. Lick intensely and repeatedly

A bored dog may start licking itself intensely, sometimes to the point of opening sores on its skin. If your dog exhibits this behavior, it is important to consult your veterinarian to rule out the possibility of a skin disease.

5. Excavation

Whether your dog is outside digging holes in the garden or “digging” your carpet, a dog exhibiting this behavior is probably bored – especially if it belongs to a breed characterized by high energy levels.

If you notice any of the above behaviors, it is important to give your pet more physical and mental stimulation, such as exercise, walks, games, and interaction. Interactive toys, such as puzzle feeders, are great solutions to keep your dog busy when you can't interact with him.