How Do I Know if My Dog is Bored?

Okay, let’s be honest for a second: dogs can be so confusing sometimes. One minute they’re bouncing around like little balls of joy, and the next... they’re staring at the wall with that "what now?" look. So, how do you actually know if your dog is bored? Trust me, figuring this out can feel like deciphering a riddle.

Let me tell you a little story first. I have this golden retriever, Max. One afternoon, I thought everything was fine. We’d just been on a nice long walk, and I gave him his favorite treat. But then, he just sat there, staring into space, pawing at the floor, like he was waiting for something to happen. I was like, "Buddy, what do you want?!" It hit me—he was bored. But how did I know? Well, let’s dive into it.

The Classic "Zoomies" (Or Lack Thereof)

You know when your dog gets that burst of energy and zooms around the house like a tiny, fur-covered tornado? If your dog is suddenly refusing to move much, it could be a sign of boredom. Dogs, especially high-energy ones like border collies or jack russells, need stimulation to burn off all that pent-up energy. If they’re not getting enough physical or mental exercise, they’ll resort to being sluggish or overly laid-back... in the most awkward way.

Now, don't get me wrong, not every dog runs in circles for fun, but a bored dog usually looks... well, a bit lifeless. If your dog is just lying around, especially after a decent walk or playtime, chances are they’re missing something to really engage their mind or body.

Destructive Behavior: It's Not Personal, It's Just Boredom

Okay, I’ll admit, this one hit me hard with Max. You know the drill: shoes, furniture legs, socks, or the occasional entire couch cushion destroyed. It’s tough, right? But here's the thing: dogs often chew, dig, or destroy things when they're bored. It’s like they need a "project" to focus on, and your favorite shoes happen to be available.

If your dog starts chewing things they normally wouldn't touch, or digging up your garden like a mini archaeologist, it’s usually because they're searching for something to do. It's frustrating, I know, but try not to take it personally. They’re just looking for an outlet. So, what’s the fix? More engagement! Things like puzzle toys, interactive feeders, or even a good old-fashioned game of fetch can redirect their energy and curiosity.

Attention-Seeking Behavior

I don’t know about you, but Max is like a clingy toddler when he’s bored. If I’m sitting on the couch, and suddenly he’s pawing at my arm, nudging my face with his nose, or (let's be real) giving me the sad puppy eyes... he’s definitely bored. Dogs thrive on attention and interaction, and if they’re feeling neglected or under-stimulated, they will do whatever they can to get your attention. And honestly, it can get a bit much at times, right?

Some dogs will whine, bark, or follow you around incessantly if they’re not mentally or physically challenged. If you start noticing that your dog’s behavior is getting more “in-your-face” or demanding, take a step back and think about whether they’re just craving some more fun in their day.

The “Staring at You” Game

Ever caught your dog just staring at you? Like... really staring. Not in a sweet "I love you" way, but more of a "Hey, I’m here. Do something!" kind of way. It's almost like they’re trying to communicate, "I’m so bored, please entertain me!" It’s funny at first, but if you notice your dog just hanging around, giving you the silent treatment (or the silent, intense staring), it’s a good sign they’re not feeling stimulated.

Dogs are social animals, and if they’re giving you that "I’m not impressed" look, they might need more social interaction or enrichment in their day. This is where a bit of creativity can come in—introducing new games, tricks, or even changing up your routine can work wonders.

Excessive Sleeping (Yeah, Not Just Laziness)

If your dog is snoozing more than usual—especially during the day when they would typically be active—it could be a boredom symptom. Of course, older dogs or certain breeds may naturally sleep a bit more, but if you’ve got a younger, energetic pup who suddenly becomes a professional napper, they might just be checked out from lack of stimulation.

When a dog is bored, they often "shut down" mentally, which leads to excessive sleeping. It’s kind of like when you’re stuck at work with nothing to do—you zone out, and the hours crawl by. Dogs do the same thing. If you notice your dog sleeping more than usual despite a regular routine, it’s time to switch things up!

Barking for No Reason

Okay, this one is a little tricky. Dogs bark for all sorts of reasons—being protective, trying to alert you to something, or just out of excitement. But if you notice your dog is barking without a real cause (like an intruder or a passing squirrel), it could be because they’re bored and trying to get your attention. Or worse, they may be barking because they’re frustrated with having nothing to do.

Max, for example, is a notorious barker when he gets bored. He’ll bark at random things—sometimes even nothing at all—just to get me to engage with him. If your dog is suddenly barking for no reason, try giving them something to do. A game, a new toy, or even a change of scenery could help.

The Final Verdict: How to Fix It?

So, now you know the signs of a bored dog. But what do you do about it? Well, here’s the deal: dogs need mental and physical stimulation to be happy. This means more walks, more playtime, more training sessions, and more new experiences. It’s not just about wearing them out physically—dogs are smart, and they need to engage their minds too.

Simple things like puzzle toys, interactive games (like hide-and-seek), or teaching them a new trick can provide that mental workout they crave. And if you can manage to take them to new places or meet new dogs, it’s even better! It’s all about finding the right balance of fun, exercise, and variety.

So, next time your dog is looking at you with those bored eyes or chewing your favorite slippers, just remember—it’s not their fault. They’re probably just asking for a little more attention, and maybe a bit more creativity in their daily routine.

And hey, I get it. Sometimes you just want a lazy day too. But maybe, just maybe, your dog might need a little more than a nap to keep that tail wagging.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.