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Snuggle Puppy Blog
Snuggle Puppy Blog
Is My Puppy Bored? How to Spot It and What to Do About It
by Jacquelyn Zaffos
on Aug 06 2025
We often think a quick game of fetch or a daily walk is enough to keep our puppies happy. While exercise is important, mental stimulation and emotional comfort are just as essential, especially during those long stretches between walks or when you're away from home. Puppies are incredibly curious and eager to learn, which means they can become under-stimulated and bored more easily than we realize.
Let’s explore how to tell if your puppy is bored and what you can do to break the cycle.
Signs Your Puppy Might Be Bored
Puppy boredom doesn’t always show up the way you’d expect. Here are a few common signals to watch for:
Destructive Chewing: Tearing into shoes, furniture, or anything they can find? That may be boredom, not bad behavior.
Excessive Barking or Whining: A vocal pup might be trying to tell you they need more attention or stimulation.
Restlessness or Pacing: Especially in the evening or after a nap, a bored puppy may seem unable to settle down.
Digging (even indoors): This instinctive behavior can ramp up when a pup is looking for something to do.
Attention-Seeking Behavior: Jumping, pawing, or stealing items just to get your reaction.
5 Ways to Break Up Puppy Boredom
1. Offer Comfort for Quiet Moments
While play is essential, so is rest—especially for young pups. When your puppy is feeling lonely or unsettled, comfort is the first need to meet.
The Snuggle Puppy provides physical and emotional comfort with a real-feel heartbeat and optional heat pack. It’s a proven boredom-buster for crate time, travel, and everyday calming.
Best for: Nap time, crate training, and solo downtime.
2. Switch Up Toys Regularly
Just like kids, puppies get bored of the same toys day after day. Rotating toys every few days can make old toys feel new again.
The Tender-Tuffs collection includes soft yet durable toys in various textures, squeakers, and shapes – perfect for mental engagement and gentle play.
Try this: Introduce one new Tender-Tuffs toy each week and rotate between play styles (tug, fetch, chew, cuddle).
3. Build in Brain Games
Mental stimulation is often the missing piece. Try puzzles, treat-dispensing toys, or even a simple game of “find the toy.”
Easy enrichment ideas:
Hide treats in a snuffle mat or around the house
Freeze kibble in an ice cube tray for a cool challenge
Teach a new trick each week (start simple: sit, paw, spin)
4. Create a Daily Routine
Puppies thrive on predictable structure. Having a general flow to the day—meals, naps, training, play, potty—can reduce anxious or bored behavior.
Even a short 10-minute training or toy rotation can go a long way. Consistency provides comfort and prevents your pup from getting into mischief while “waiting for something to happen.”
Boredom is Natural and Solutions are Simple
Every puppy experiences boredom from time to time. It’s part of growing up! But with a few simple adjustments, you can offer your puppy the comfort, enrichment, and attention they need to stay balanced and happy.
When in doubt, start with comfort. The Snuggle Puppy plush paired with a rotating variety of Tender-Tuffs toys makes for a well-rounded, boredom-busting toolkit.
Snuggle Puppy Blog
The Science Behind Our Day Calm Supplement
by Anjilla Skotak
on Aug 23 2023
Whether it's a vet visit, a car ride, or just an unexpected visitor, your new puppy can easily become overwhelmed by new situations. See how Day Calm Supplements by Snuggle Puppy can help!
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- #crate training
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- #Dog Anxiety Awareness Week
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- #Dog treats
- #dogs
- #food
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- #How to Help Your Dog Deal with Grief
- #organic dog treats
- #Pet Appreciation Week
- #pet safe
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- #puppies
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- #puppy training
- #return to work
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Snuggle Puppy Blog
Introducing Puppy Bites: The Premium Supplement Line for Your Furry Friend's Health and Wellness!
by Anjilla Skotak
on Aug 03 2023
Introducing Puppy Bites, a line of premium supplements designed to give your furry friend the best start in life! With four specialized formulas to choose from, you can give your puppy the targeted support they need for optimal health and wellness.
The Day Calm Supplement is perfect for energetic puppies who need a little help staying calm and focused throughout the day. It's made with all-natural ingredients and helps promote relaxation without drowsiness.
For puppies who have trouble settling down at night, the Night Calm Supplement is the perfect solution. It helps promote restful sleep and relaxation so your pup can wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
The Grow Strong Supplement is specially formulated to support healthy growth and development in puppies. It contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential for strong bones, healthy muscles, and overall wellness.
Finally, the Gut Health Supplement is designed to promote a healthy digestive system in puppies. It contains probiotics and other beneficial ingredients that help support a balanced gut microbiome, reducing the risk of digestive issues and promoting better overall health.
Puppy Bites supplements are made in the USA with high-quality domestic and globally sourced natural and premium ingredients. They are free from common allergens, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. We use premium ingredients like chickpeas and sweet potato to bind our products, not gums or artificial fillers. They're also easy to give, with delicious flavors your puppy will love.
Give your puppy the gift of good health with Puppy Bites supplements, from the makers of Snuggle Puppy, the puppy experts with 25 years of relieving puppy anxiety and trusted by millions of new puppy parents globally!
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- #crate training
- #diet
- #dog
- #dog anxiety
- #Dog Anxiety Awareness Week
- #dog breeds
- #dog food
- #dog mom
- #dog training
- #Dog treats
- #dogs
- #food
- #health and fitness
- #healthy
- #healthy dog treats
- #How to Help Your Dog Deal with Grief
- #National Love Your Pet Month
- #organic dog treats
- #Pet Appreciation Week
- #pet safe
- #pets
- #puppies
- #puppy
- #puppy training
- #return to work
- #safety
- #tips
- #training
- #traveling
- #vacation
- #work
- #work from home
Snuggle Puppy Blog
How to Help Your Dog Deal with Grief
by Ashley Handy
on Jun 27 2022
Ever wonder if dogs grieve? The answer is, yes. Grieving the loss of a family member or furry-friend can impact your family greatly. Dogs feel the loss and sadness with you, and grieve in their own way.
Here are some signs your dog may be grieving with you and how you can comfort them during their time of sadness.
Snuggle Puppy Blog
Staying Safe in The Sun With Your Dog
by Ashley Handy
on Jun 21 2022
Life is better with flip flops, and paws! Summer is almost here. Although summer weather is already here, it is never too late to read up on ways to stay safe in the sun.
Sunscreen and sunglasses are safe for you, but do you know what you should be doing to keep your dog safe in hot summer temperatures? Dog's skin is just as sensitive as human skin. In fact, dogs can get sunburn too!
Snuggle Puppy Blog
Why We Appreciate Our Pets: Snuggle Puppy Staff Edition
by Ashley Handy
on Jun 09 2022
For pet owners, every week feels like Pet Appreciation Week! The first week of June is reserved for our furry family members who bring a smile to our day.
Whether you have a cat, dog, parrot, or even a chinchilla, pets can improve our mental health and physical health in so many ways. Who doesn’t love coming home and being greeted by a grateful and excited pup! Owning a pet is proven to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety including loneliness.
Snuggle Puppy Blog
How Snuggle Puppy Soothes Weaning Puppies
by Ashley Handy
on Jun 01 2022
Weaning a new puppy from their mother is quite an adjustment. Did you know that marking mother’s scent on a soothing item can calm a weaning pup? Like human babies, puppies miss their mothers too! In fact, puppies can recognize their mother’s scent even when they’re full-grown.
If you plan on adopting a new puppy, start the conversation ahead of time with your rescue or breeder about marking the mother’s scent on a special item.
Snuggle Puppy Blog
Tips to Keep Your Dog Calm this Memorial Day
by Ashley Handy
on May 27 2022
Did someone say barbeque? Memorial Day is just around the corner. The holiday is full of fun, sun, and fireworks. Even though the bright lights may be beautiful in the sky, the loud noise may scare your pup and make them feel not so ‘pawtriotic’.
While you’re preparing for the perfect Memorial Day with your family and friends, here are some things you can do to celebrate with your dog’s firework anxiety in mind!
Snuggle Puppy Blog
Dog Mom Guide: Traveling with your Dog
by Ashley Handy
on May 13 2022
We made it through the winter months! Spring has sprung and the weather is getting warmer day-by-day. With summer quickly approaching, I'm sure you’ll have some fun vacations planned.
Memorial Day will be here before you know it. As one of my personal favorite holidays, I am planning a trip to Northern Michigan with my dog, Riser. Traveling with a dog can be tough, but with enough preparation, your vacation with your dog will be great!
Snuggle Puppy Blog
How to Prep Your Dog For a New Baby
by Ashley Handy
on Apr 19 2022
First your family gained paws, now it is gaining tiny feet. Having a baby comes with a lot of preparation. While prepping your home, it is important to remember to prep your dog for your new family member as well!
According to the AKC, dogs can sense the changes your body goes through during pregnancy including physical, emotional, and even smell. With new changes may come some anxiety for your dog. Here are a few things you can do before your due date that will ease your pup’s anxiety.
Snuggle Puppy Blog
Ways to Celebrate Earth Day With Your Dog
by Ashley Handy
on Apr 18 2022
Earth Day is almost here! On April 22, we take the time to appreciate our planet and spend some time outdoors. While you’re celebrating Earth Day, your dog can celebrate with you.
Spending time with your dog outside is proven to lower your stress levels and blood pressure levels. There are many ways you can enjoy the great outdoors with your dog on Earth Day. Looking for some ideas? Here are just a few!
Snuggle Puppy Blog
Ways to Stay Fit With Your Dog: Canine Fitness Month
by Ashley Handy
on Apr 01 2022
Did someone say fetch? That’s right, April is the perfect time to celebrate bonding with your dog all month long! April marks Canine Fitness Month, and there are many reasons as to why this is an important month to celebrate.
Keeping your pup fit and healthy is important not only for their physical health, but for their mental health as well. A fit and active dog has a longer lifespan and is less likely to develop canine obesity.
Snuggle Puppy Blog
Getting Your Dog Comfortable with Nail Trims at Home
by Ashley Handy
on Apr 01 2022
Does your dog get anxious when you take them to the groomer for a nail trim? Your dog should have their nails trimmed every 6-8 weeks, or when their nails are touching the ground. If their nails are not trimmed, they can split all the way down to their quick.
Your dog’s quick is the part of the nail that contains blood vessels that can easily be cut if trimmed wrong. If your dog has clear nails, you’ll likely be able to see the quick! If your dog has dark nails, it could be tougher.