Boredom Barking: Signs Your Dog Needs More Mental Stimulation (And How to Fix It)
If your dog barks when you’re home, doing nothing, or ignoring them, boredom may be the culprit.
This is one of the EASIEST types of barking to fix.
Signs of Boredom Barking
- Barks when you’re on the phone
- Barks when ignored
- Brings toys then barks
- Paces or whines
- Steals objects to get attention
- Follows you around and vocalizes
Fix #1: Add Daily Mental Stimulation
- Sniff walks
- Puzzle toys
- Kongs
- Food “scatter” games
- Hide and seek
Two 5-minute enrichment sessions can outperform a 30-minute walk.
Fix #2: Rotate Toys
Dogs get bored with the same toys.
Rotate 3–5 daily.
Fix #3: Teach Independent Settling
Reward quiet behavior on a mat or in a bed.
Fix #4: Provide a “Boredom Box”
Fill with safe chewable, shreddable, or foraging activities.
Fix #5: Increase Physical Activity
Especially for young or high-energy breeds.
Conclusion
Boredom barking is a communication issue — not misbehavior.
A few simple adjustments can solve it entirely.
Find out more about boredom barking and what to do about it here. ->
