Dogs may not be able to use words to get their point across, but they’re always communicating. If you know a little about their body language and behaviors, you’ll realize that your pup’s message is loud and clear!

When our companions are bored, they tend to drop some not-so-subtle hints, although it can manifest itself in many ways. Remember that no matter what behavior your dog is exhibiting, some extra physical and mental stimulation should help cure the spell. But certain tendencies may be better remedied with one plan of action versus another (for instance, offering your pup a puzzle toy versus a 15-minute walk).

If your dog starts acting unusual in any way, you should always consult with your vet first. But if he gets a clean bill of health, consider whether he’s displaying one of these signs of boredom – then help him beat it!

Sign #1: Destructive behavior

Does your pooch chew, shred, dig, and get into things, even if you’re home? This could be a sign that he has too much pent-up energy that needs to be released! If he decides to gnaw on everything while you’re gone, boredom could still be the culprit – or maybe it’s a case of separation anxiety.

How to beat it:

You need to help your dog stay occupied, otherwise, he’ll keep himself busy (and not in a good way). Spend time every day playing with your pup or taking walks together. (If you can do this at least twice a day, even better!)

If he’s digging in the yard or “stealing” your stuff and running around the house, a long, brisk walk or jog will help expel some extra energy. If he seems to have an affinity for chewing and destroying, consider investing in beneficial chew toys, digestible chew sticks, or all-natural bully sticks that’ll keep his jaws occupied when you’re too busy to play. He may also enjoy a fun pull-apart toy that can be dismembered and then put back together.

Sign #2: Tail chasing

If your dog has been chasing his behind in endless circles, chances are, he needs something else to keep him occupied. Once medical issues have been ruled out (especially if the behavior borders on obsessive), it’s safe to assume that your pup is just bored.

How to beat it:

Play stimulating games with your pup or work on training techniques in order to prompt mental stimulation. When you’re not able to give Fido your full attention, toss him a puzzle toy, like a treat dispensing ball. He’ll be happily challenged, enjoy a few treats, and stay busy while playing his one-dog game. (Just remember that it’s never a replacement for one-on-one time with you!)

Sign #3: Demanding your attention

Whether your pup sticks her nose in your face or starts barking incessantly at virtually nothing, she certainly knows how to get her way… she’s got your attention, right? Again, once medical issues are ruled out, this behavior is indicative that your pooch is desperate for something to do.

How to beat it:

Since giving in to this behavior rewards it, try preventing it, instead. If you can, take your dog for a long walk in the morning to stave off cabin fever during the day. Hopefully, she’ll be fatigued enough to want to lie down rather than annoy you with her persistence! And be sure to give her some extra attention when you can, because that’s probably what she wants the most.

Sign #4: Listlessness

First and foremost, dramatic changes in energy level should always prompt a vet visit. But if everything checks out, your dog’s depressed, lazy behavior may mean that he’s bored and has given up on the hope of having fun.

How to beat it:

No dog should feel this way! If yours has begun to mope around more than usual, it’s time to switch things up and go on an adventure! A trip to a dog-friendly beach, park, or hiking trail should shake her out of her rut. Even a simple car ride can provide the change of scenery she needs. Stave off future boredom spells with one or two daily walks or play sessions, even if they’re only 10-15 minutes each. A little extra love will go a long way, too!

Sign #5: Excessive licking or chewing

Has your dog begun gnawing, chewing, or licking herself (or you) more often then usual? Again, consult your vet first and foremost. But given a clean bill of health, she may be over-grooming as a way to keep herself busy.

How to beat it:

Think of alternative ways to keep your dog’s mouth, paws, and brain busy. Perhaps a rousing game of fetch or a treat-filled training session will do the trick. She may also love an exciting hike on challenging terrain. Of course, most dogs can’t resist the promise of a walk with their favorite human, no matter where they’re going!

1 – Labrador Retriever

The lab is a retrieving dog, so naturally he likes to put things in his mouth. Add in a big dose of boredom when left alone and it adds up to some major chewing damage.

2 – Golden Retriever

Like the lab, the golden will gladly find things to put in his mouth and chew on if left to occupy himself. Even into adulthood, these dogs are known for eating anything they can get their teeth on, and if it’s not a toy, it’s even better.

3 – Shetland Sheepdog

High energy, intelligent, and food-oriented is a bad combination if you can’t watch your dog every second. Shetland sheepdogs will eat anything that smells or looks remotely like food, which can get them into trouble. My 10 year old end up with aspirated pneumonia after getting into my mom’s overnight bag and eating her vitamins 3 years ago.

4 – Australian Shepherd

Like the sheltie, the Aussie is intelligent, high in energy, and loves food. They can easily figure out how to get to anything you don’t want chewed on, and destroy it in minutes.

5 – American Staffordshire Terrier

The pit bull has massive strong jaws that can destroy things in minutes. Another breed that gets bored easily, a lot of them suffer from separation anxiety, making them very destructive.

6 – Jack Russell Terrier

This hyper little dog uses his smarts to do naughty things. As a terrier, his only desire is to “kill” whatever he chooses to chew on. So you can be sure only pieces will remain when or if you get it back.

7 – Beagle

The Beagle is dog that will follow his nose to something interesting, and then proceed to destroy it, especially if it has food inside, like a garbage can.

8 – Siberian Husky

Bred to run miles upon miles a day, a bored husky in the city is going to do some major chewing. From flooring to furniture, he needs to burn those calories somehow.

9 – German Shepherd

Like the other herding breeds on this list, the German Shepherd will definitely do some damage with his mouth if he is left without any mental stimulation and energy burning activities.

10 – Shiba Inus

A crafty trouble maker, the Shiba will chew on anything just because he can. Two Shibas? Double the chewing power in half the time.

Canine Friendly Pet First Aid Kit

Designed in partnership with Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid, this kit contains the supplies that you will need for most first response situations.

Pet First Aid Kit Includes:

3 Gauze Rolls, 4 Square Gauze Pads and 4 Rectangle Gauze Pads

1 Elastic Bandage, 2 Patch Adhesives and 1 Triangle Bandage

1 Paid of Exam Gloves

1 First Aid Tape and 2 Wooden Tongue Depressors

1 Tweezers and 1 Scissor

1 Cold Pack and 1 Emergency Blanket

1 Saline Solution and 8 Antiseptic Wipes

Why Have a Pet First Aid Kit?

Pets are active and can easily encounter situations where they may obtain an injury or other trauma. Whether you are at home, on the road, hiking or out for a walk be prepared with the Canine Friendly Pet First Aid Kit. Designed to help you assist your pet when injured by properly caring for their injury and reducing their suffering until you can consult your veterinarian.

Having a Pet First Aid Kit is highly recommended for all pet parents to ensure your pets safety and prevent injuries and side effects from getting worse wherever you may be. Kit clearly organizes supplies and instructions into clear vinyl pockets for easy access. The zipper extenders allow you to open the kit while wearing gloves.

Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid Manual

The Walks 'N' Wags Manual offers easy to follow instructions on how to properly care for your pet when it is injured. Manual covers checking vital signs, choking, bleeding and wound care, broken bones, poisoning, burns and more.

Keep safe and have fun with your pet!

A lot of us canine fanatics have an affectation for large dogs. With big dogs come big problems, though and finding things which are suitable for those truly massive animals we love can be an arduous task. If you’re looking for large dog beds, though, you’ve come to the right place. For the consumer and the enormous dog in question, you can both be happy with an informed purchase of a large breed dog bed that’s sure to both last and make sure your furred companion has somewhere great to sleep.

There’s a huge amount of dog beds available, and it can take a long time to get through them and sort the wheat from the chaff. We’ve undertaken the task for you, and below you’ll find some information on five of the best options. There’s a wide range available here, and one of them is sure to fit exactly what you need.

PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed & Lounge

This large dog bed comes in as simply one of the best available, and it’ll give you an amazing amount of value for the price. The only drawback is that it only comes in two colors, slate, and brown. They’re fairly neutral though and sure to look fine in just about any room.

These big dog beds come in three different sizes, ranging from 24” to 44”, so be sure that your canine will be able to fit comfortably before committing to the investment. They’re rated to hold more than a hundred pounds, so it’s really only the length of your dog that will be a limiting factor here.

The pad itself is four-inch thick memory foam, and the entire thing is lined with a bolster containing polyfill which makes for a great pillow for your dog. The covers of this great dog bed can not only be removed but you can also easily purchase another one from the manufacturer if something massively damaging happens to it.

The bed is easy to set up, the couch-like cushion surrounding the sleeping pad are already in the cover, and all you’ll need to do is zip up the memory foam base. Your dog will soon be loving this bed, and you’ll love the convenience that comes with it.

If you find that this bed isn’t satisfactory, it comes with a thirty-day guarantee so you’ll be able to recover the money spent on it and purchase something more suited to your needs. As long as you picked the right size, though, it’s virtually guaranteed your pet will love it.

Majestic Pet Rectangle Bed

If your dog prefers to sleep sprawled out, you’ll want to go with a more simple option in most cases. The Majestic Pet Rectangle Bed will meet that need quite easily, and allow your canine his room to roll around and stretch his legs without having to worry about running into any extraneous pillows or cushions. The bed itself measures 42”x60” so pretty much any large breed will find this bed to be a cozy and spacious home.

Unlike most of the options on this list, the entire bed is stuffed with a poly fill blend instead of memory foam, so it’s not suitable for older dogs who might need the extra support. That said, it’s absolutely stuffed to the brim with a fantastic material and your younger but massive dog will still love it dearly. The top is also covered in a soft faux sheepskin material which your pet will love.

It has a machine washable cover that easily unzips, so you’ll be able to keep things clean in the event of an accident. Since it unzips easily around such a simple form it’ll be simple and fast to keep one of these cheap large dog beds clean.

Hidden Valley Corner Bolster Dog Bed

This option is the best for a large dog owner on a budget. This large dog is cheap and still provides most of what you’ll need to keep your dog happy even at its budget price. Coming in at a bit under $70 it should fit easily into even the tightest budget, so you’ll be able to provide comfort for your dog’s rest without having to share the couch.

The niftiest thing about this bed is the ease with which you can slide it into a corner. The design makes it perfect for that although you’ll be able to place it anywhere you choose.

It comes with a removable, machine washable cover for your convenience as well. You won’t have to deal with smells and stains despite the cheap cost.

The bed itself is filled with poly-fill, so it might not hold up quite as well as the more expensive options but will still provide your dog with a fantastic place to sleep. The bed top is lined with that faux-fleece that dogs love, and the bolsters add a place for them to lay their head for exploring their doggy dreams.

Conclusion

We’ve hopefully taken some of the confusion out of the whole process for you, as you can see there’s a wide range of options available to suit nearly everyone’s situation and preferred large breed. If you use the information wisely and make a perfect choice the first time, you’re sure to find something that makes life easier for both you and your dog and will last for a long time in the future. Go ahead and purchase the large dog bed of your pet’s dreams, it’ll make both of you happy.