Why Dogs Get Bored: Understanding Canine Ennui
When puppies are in the midst of their dental development, they can become quite destructive, gnawing on anything they see. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they're bored. It's crucial to differentiate between "purposeful destruction" and "boredominduced destruction."
What is boredom?
When a dog has nothing to do, it can enter a state of boredom and will seek out activities to alleviate it.
Does this behavior improve as the dog ages? Not necessarily. Unless a dog is unable to find things to do due to aging teeth or joint issues, those naturally energetic dogs with a penchant for destruction will likely never change unless their owners take special notice.
That is to say, if your dog stops destroying things as an adult, it doesn't prove that it has reformed; it might just be that it was a wellbehaved puppy that was simply unaware of its actions.
Why do dogs get bored?
No matter where you are—Germany, the United States, or the United Kingdom—if you discuss this topic with dog behavior enthusiasts, they will all tell you:
The real culprit behind a dog's boredom is often its owner.
The American Veterinary Medical Association explains a dog's boredom in this way:
If boredom is defined as the brain and body's need for stimulation, then many pet dogs are not getting enough of it.
This suggests that dog owners worldwide are falling short in this area. Of course, we're not blaming them; everyone has their own responsibilities. How many people can both earn a living and spend time playing with their dogs every day?
Signs of boredom
Besides destruction, dogs may exhibit the following behaviors when they're bored:
Barking at you
