Was His Dog Bad or Just Bored? Signs of Dog Boredom and Easy Fixes
If your dog does something “wrong,” what’s your first reaction?
Do you throw your hands up and say,
“My dog is just wild.”
“She’s not a smart dog.”
“He’s such a challenging dog.”
“I’m at my wits’ end with this dog.”
Before you accept that your dog is just difficult, let’s explore a different possibility:
What if your dog is just bored?
The Truth About Bored Dogs
Many dog owners misinterpret boredom as bad behavior. Dogs chew shoes, dig holes, shred pillows, bark excessively, or even act aggressive—not because they’re “bad,” but because they’re under-stimulated.
Just like children, dogs need mental stimulation and daily enrichment to thrive. When they don’t get it, they make their own entertainment—and that can get messy (and expensive!).
Meet Mac the Lab and his parent, Mitch
Recently, my new neighbor Mitch introduced me to his sweet Labrador, Mac. Within moments, Mitch described Mac as a dog with “challenges.”
Mac had chewed through household items and—most concerning—eaten dangerous objects that resulted in two emergency stomach surgeries. That’s right, two surgeries in his short seven years of life.
I didn’t see a “bad dog.”
I saw a bored one.
During our chat, I asked, “Does Mac know how to swim?” It seemed natural—after all, Mitch had a pool, and Labs are famously water-loving dogs.
Mitch replied “No, Mac doesn’t know how to swim even though I thought all Labs just instinctively knew.”
I gently suggested he try teaching Mac. I also mentioned doggie playcare at a local place I highly recommend—Pet Paradise—where dogs can interact, run, and burn off that pent-up energy in a safe and structured environment.
A few weeks later, when I saw Mitch, he was smiling.. Mac had not only learned how to swim, but he was happier and calmer—and most importantly, no more destructive chewing or dangerous eating.
Mitch did mention one more little issue:
"We're going through so many towels trying to dry Mac off every time he swims!"
What a great problem to have! I knew just the solution and told him about shammy-style dog towels—super absorbent, quick-drying, and way more effective than regular bath towels. I recommended one of my favorites from Amazon, and he's been hooked ever since.
If you're dealing with the same issue, here's the shammy towel I use and love.
👉 Check it out here on Amazon.
A Little Goes a Long Way: The 15-Minute Magic Rule
Here’s the thing: you don’t need to dedicate hours every day to your dog (though they’d love it!).
Even just 15 minutes of focused, intentional time can work wonders.
What do I mean by "magic time"? It’s simply this:
15 minutes of undivided attention, where you and your dog are fully engaged together.
That could be:
Playing fetch in the yard
Practicing tricks
Doing a quick agility game
Sniff walks around the block
Tug-of-war
Puzzle toys or hide-and-seek with treats
This kind of interactive time deepens your bond and provides your dog with both mental and physical stimulation, which is key to a well-behaved, contented companion.
How to Help a Bored Dog: Practical Ideas
Here are some simple, effective ways to help your dog beat boredom—whether you have 5 minutes, 15 minutes, or a whole afternoon.
1. Floor Time
Roll a ball. Toss a toy. Practice “sit,” “down,” or “leave it.” You don’t need special equipment—just your time and your attention.
2. Create a Homemade Agility Course
Use broomsticks, cushions, cardboard boxes, a hula hoop—whatever you have on hand! Guide your dog over, under, and around obstacles. It’s a fun, creative way to build confidence and get their brain working.
Short on time or supplies? You can also check out a ready-made agility course on Amazon that is easy to set up in your backyard or living room.
3. Try a Food Puzzle or Treat-Dispensing Toy
Mental stimulation for dogs is just as important as physical exercise. Toys like food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys can keep a dog happily occupied while you sit with your pup.
4. Playcare or Dog Daycare
Social dogs thrive with occasional visits to play care, where they can burn off energy under supervision and make new dog friends.
5. Swimming (Even in a Kiddie Pool)
Not every dog takes to water immediately, but with patience and safety, swimming can be an excellent, joint-friendly form of exercise.
6. Go on a Sniffari
Instead of rushing a walk, let your dog explore with their nose. A 15-minute “sniff walk”can be more enriching than a quick mile at your pace.
7. Rotate Toys Weekly
Hide a few toys and reintroduce them later—it keeps things fresh and prevents boredom.
Boredom Can Be Dangerous—But It's Also Fixable
Dogs who don’t get enough interaction, exercise, or mental challenges may:
Chew furniture or shoes
Bark excessively
Dig holes in the yard
Escape the yard or house
Become depressed or anxious
Eat dangerous items (like Mac)
All of these behaviors are not signs of bad dogs—they’re signs of bored dogs craving stimulation.
The Takeaway: Be the Magic in Your Dog’s Day
Your dog doesn’t need a perfect parent—just a present one.
If you're short on time, don’t feel guilty. Instead, commit to a small dose of “magic time” each day. Start simple:
Five minutes of play.
Ten minutes of training.
Fifteen minutes of exploring the yard together.
It all adds up.
Boredom is one of the most common causes of behavior problems in dogs—but thankfully, it’s also one of the easiest to fix.
So the next time your dog chews a slipper or digs up the garden, pause before you scold.
Ask yourself two questions:
“Is my dog bad—or is my dog bored?”
“And where was I when this was happening?”
Want More Tips?
Get your Confidence Unleashed Guide packed with easy ideas to enrich your dog’s life and more—even if you’re busy or new to dog parenting. Because when dogs thrive, so do their parents.
Disclaimer: Dog Life Made Better (Fayes Labs LLC) does not provide or intend to provide veterinary advice. While we provide information, resources, and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Please consult your veterinarian accordingly.
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