How to Stop a Dog Getting Bored

Does your dog get bored? It's no small matter. Dogs are sociable animals who need your company for their wellbeing, alongside exercise, care and mental stimulation.

That's why it matters to make sure you keep your dog physically and psychologically active. Boredom causes them frustration and can lead to various behavioural problems, such as destructiveness or excessive barking.

The Importance of Dog Walks

Going out for a walk is essential for dogs. Even if they have room to enjoy the outdoors, they need the stimulation that going outside provides, a constant source of new scents, stimuli and the chance to interact with their own kind.

However big their garden is, they'll have plenty of time to explore it fully several times a day. And they'll get bored in the hours left over. Walks should be matched to the dog's characteristics. A puppy doesn't need the same activity as an elderly dog, nor does a greyhound need the same as a bulldog. The amount and duration should be adjusted to their energy levels.

The average is 3 walks a day, with at least one being long. A dog who's been able to release their energy is more likely to stay calm at home and will be more receptive to learning. Walks should be done on a lead around 1-1.2 metres long. We can let them off in designated areas. This is advisable so they can run and play.

Basic Training for Dogs

Training is a good way to keep a dog entertained and provide mental stimulation. Teaching them to come when called, to sit, to stay still, or to walk beside us off the lead are basics every dog should know for successful life in society.

We can add more commands depending on their ability. Not only do we give them entertainment, but we also give them tools for reducing stress. Dogs need predictability, and in moments of confusion, hearing us say a word they understand helps them grasp what's expected of them.

Playing With Your Dog

Play is surely the first activity that comes to mind when you think about ending boredom. Dogs love playing, and it's good to devote a while each day to it, especially with younger dogs. Chasing games, balls, running about and any other game they enjoy work for entertaining them.

Depending on their characteristics and the space available, we can build our own agility-style course with cones, walkways, seesaws or heights to jump. Another interesting idea that scent-tracking dogs love a lot is finding hidden objects. Watch what your dog enjoys most, and steer games towards their favourite activities.

Offer them different types of toys to choose from: balls, cuddly toys, chew toys, ones that make noise, intelligence toys and so on. There's a huge variety. It's a good idea to have a stock to rotate through. That is, we'll give them out and put them away so they always enjoy the novelty. Check them now and then, and throw away any that are worn out.

Entertaining Your Dog When They're Alone

If we've set up a routine for our dog, taken them for walks, played with them and given them mental stimulation, they'll cope better with being left alone at home during the hours we inevitably need to go out.

Normally they'll spend that time resting, and become active again as soon as we get back. Even so, for younger or more active dogs, it may be necessary to leave them something to do so they don't get bored while waiting. So Kong-type toys are a good idea, since they need to keep moving them to get the reward food out.

For dogs lucky enough to have a garden or yard, we can also set up some outdoor activities for them, if the weather allows. For example, a tub with water, or simply soil they can dig holes in, can be good entertainment even when we're not there.

Take Your Dog Everywhere

Dogs are accepted in more and more places. And that's great, because above all, a dog wants to be with you. You're their reference point. A well-trained, calm dog will be welcomed in various establishments, such as cafés, public transport, and there are even more and more companies that allow dogs to come along to work.

They can also join you when you go on holiday. In that case, find out about the requirements both for travel and at your destination, and note down a local vet for any emergencies. Another option is forming a dog group, so you can meet up with other owners for the dogs to play and interact.

These groups can also be organised by professionals to give canine training classes or, more generally, to establish contact between dogs and support their socialisation. Lastly, especially if we spend many hours away from home, we can consider hiring a dog walker or a doggy daycare service.