As dog parents, we all want happy, balanced pups. But sometimes unwanted behaviors — chewing, barking, zoomies, whining — aren’t “bad behavior.” They’re communication. The key? Learning whether your dog is bored, anxious, or overstimulated — because each one requires a different solution. Below is a simple, practical guide (plus a quick action checklist you can use today).
💤 1. Signs Your Dog Is Bored
Common Signs:
- Excessive chewing (furniture, shoes, baseboards)
- Digging indoors or outdoors
- Restless pacing
- Staring out the window for long periods
- Attention-seeking mischief
Boredom usually comes from lack of mental stimulation, not lack of love.
✅ What To Do:
Add enrichment, not just exercise.
- 10–15 minutes of sniff work (hide treats around the house)
- Puzzle feeders or frozen lick mats
- Short training sessions (new tricks = brain workout)
- Rotate toys weekly to keep them “new”
👉 Quick Fix Checklist
- Did my dog use their nose today?
- Did they solve a small challenge?
- Did I rotate toys this week?
Mental exercise tires dogs more effectively than another long walk.
😟 2. Signs Your Dog Is Anxious
Common Signs:
- Excessive panting indoors
- Trembling or hiding
- Destructive behavior when left alone
- Excessive licking (especially paws)
- Whining or barking at specific triggers
Anxiety is often trigger-based — thunderstorms, separation, travel, loud noises.
✅ What To Do:
Create calm + predictability.
- Establish a consistent daily routine
- Provide a safe “den” space (crate or quiet corner)
- Use calming enrichment (lick mats, sniff mats)
- Try natural calming supplements (chamomile, L-theanine, lemon balm)
👉 Quick Fix Checklist
- Does my dog have a safe space?
- Is their routine consistent?
- Have I reduced loud/chaotic triggers?
If anxiety is severe, consult your veterinarian.
⚡ 3. Signs Your Dog Is Overstimulated
Common Signs:
- Zoomies that escalate into nipping
- Jumping, mouthing, excessive barking
- Inability to settle after play
- Wild behavior after the dog park or guests
Overstimulation happens when your dog’s nervous system is overloaded — too much excitement, noise, or activity.
✅ What To Do:
Teach recovery, not more excitement.
- Shorten play sessions
- Practice “place” or settle commands
- Use structured decompression walks (sniffing, slow pace)
- Reduce high-energy environments temporarily
👉 Quick Fix Checklist
- Did playtime end before chaos started?
- Did I allow a calm-down period after activity?
- Is my dog getting enough sleep (12–16 hours/day)?
Many “hyper dogs” are actually just overtired.
🌿 Supporting Your Dog’s Emotional Wellness (Naturally)
Mental enrichment and routine go a long way — but sometimes dogs need a little extra help staying calm, especially during travel, loud noises, or separation. That’s where Patty’s Pet Foods Chill Out Calming Chews fit beautifully into your daily routine. Made with gentle, functional ingredients like lemon balm, L-theanine, taurine, and thiamine, these soft beef-liver chews are designed to:
- Promote relaxation without drowsiness
- Support emotional balance during stressful moments
- Pair perfectly with enrichment activities like lick mats, puzzle toys, or sniff games
- Make calm time feel like treat time (dogs love the flavor)
💡 Pro Tip: Create a “Calm + Enrich” Routine
Try this simple formula:
🐾 Give a Chill Out Calming Chew 🧠 Follow with 10–15 minutes of enrichment (sniffing, puzzles, or training) 🛏 End with quiet rest time
This combo helps your dog reset emotionally while building healthy daily habits.
It’s not about tiring your dog out — it’s about helping their nervous system feel safe, supported, and balanced.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Your dog isn’t trying to misbehave — they’re communicating a need.
- Bored? Give them a job.
- Anxious? Give them safety.
- Overstimulated? Give them structure and rest.
The more you observe patterns, the easier it becomes to prevent issues before they escalate. And remember: a calm dog isn’t just a tired dog — it’s a dog whose emotional needs are met.