5 Signs your great dane is bored & what to do about it





Great Danes are a wonderful mix of nobility and goofiness. They’re open books and it’s fairly easy to see their basic emotions. Most Dane owners are pretty attuned to their dog’s needs – when they are hungry, tired, need out, etc. Sometimes, however, we forget that our Danes can get bored, just like us! In order to stop the boredom, first you need to be able to recognize it. Here are 5 signs your Great Dane is bored and how to bust that boredom!

Image Source: Erin Campbell Smith via Flickr
Image Source: Erin Campbell Smith via Flickr

#1 – Destructive Behavior

Great Danes can easily destroy anything they choose to – all Dane owners know this. If your Dane is being destructive (and is not teething or suffering from separation anxiety), it means he’s bored. Too much energy and not enough outlets equals a nice chew fest. You didn’t give him something to do, so he is occupying himself. It’s as simple as that.

#2 – Demand Barking

Does your Great Dane bark at you incessantly? Guess what? He IS trying to tell you something. Mainly, “I am bored, play with me!” Don’t give in to it, however, that will just reinforce the barking. Instead, wait for him to be quiet and then find him something better to do.

#3 – Whining

Whining can be a tricky behavior to figure out. Danes can be vocal and whining is definitely something they use to get what they want. She may need to go outside, she may be stressed, or even in pain. But a bored Dane will whine as well. If you’ve ruled out the other reasons, it could be she is bored. Especially in young dogs, you may find them whining at the door when they just went to the bathroom or while following you around.

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#4 – Listlessness

While some Great Danes get destructive when they are bored, others get listless. These Danes have pretty much given up on getting to do something and can actually be depressed. If your Great Dane is just lying on the floor staring into nothing – she may be bored. At this point, it’s time to get up and do something!

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#5 – Getting in Your Face

Dogs use body language to communicate with us, whether we understand them or not. Does your Great Dane force himself into your space and get right into your face – staring at you? He may also push you with his nose or paw. Your Dane is begging you for attention or something to do.

How To Bust Your Great Dane’s Boredom

Image Source: Jean via Flickr
Image Source: Jean via Flickr

Luckily, there are many ways to keep your Great Dane from getting bored and displaying these unpleasant behaviors. Exercise is a great choice, but you will still need to give his brain something to do. Training not only wears them out mentally, but also physically, effectively curbing that boredom. Puzzle toys are another way to keep your Dane occupied. If they crave doggy play time, try a doggy day care. In short, anything that provides mental and physical stimulation will help your Dane not be bored. Even snuggle time, which we know all Danes love, could be the cure. And don’t forget, no matter their age, dogs get bored. Even older dogs need attention and things to do, even if the activity has to be lower-key now that they have entered their golden years.

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