Sometimes dogs get bored, so they bark. It’s more known in working dog breeds to have a yap or bark if they aren’t stimulated enough during the day.
The smarter the dog, the easier it will get bored!
So, if you think that maybe your dog is barking because it’s bored, here’s a few things you can try!
More exercise – take longer walks, walk more often, or play in the garden.
Provide mental stimulation – play games, try training, agility or hide and seek with food or toys are also popular with dogs!
There are loads of games you can try which will tire out your dog, mentally and physically.
You can put a treat under a plastic cup, then add two more cups and see if your dog can find it.
Try showing them a toy or treat and letting them smell it, then hide it somewhere in the room or garden and see if they can find it.
Just doing normal training is good exercise and a boredom buster.
Start with the basics like sit, stay/wait, bed, and come, then move on to roll over, give paw, play dead, speak etc.
All dogs love to play games, it keeps them busy, teaches them something new and lets them spend time bonding with you – their main objective in life!