What to do when your dog is overstimulated: Decoding overstimulation vs boredom

In these situations, it's important to understand whether your dog is experiencing overstimulation or boredom, and to know what to do when your dog is overstimulated.

This article will explore the differences between overstimulation and boredom, offer tips for managing an overstimulated dog, and provide suggestions for engaging activities to prevent boredom in the future.

Introduction to dog overstimulation and boredom

• Overstimulation: This occurs when a dog is exposed to too many stimuli at once, causing them to become overwhelmed and unable to cope. This can lead to a range of unwanted behaviours, such as excessive barking, jumping, and even aggression. A dog experiencing overstimulation may be exposed to too much noise, activity, or unfamiliar surroundings, causing them to feel overwhelmed.
• Boredom: This is a lack of mental stimulation and this may result in negative behaviours like destructive chewing or digging.  A dog that is bored may not have enough mental or physical stimulation in their daily routine, leading to feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction.

Both overstimulation and boredom can be detrimental to your dog's well-being, so it's crucial to recognise the signs and address the issue appropriately.

So, by understanding the difference between overstimulation and boredom, it may help in determining the proper course of action for your dog. 

Signs of an overstimulated dog

• Inability to settle down or relax, even when in a familiar environment
• Excessive barking or whining
• Jumping or nipping at people or other animals
• Pacing or panting
• Over-grooming or licking themselves
• Destructive behaviours, such as chewing on furniture or digging

As you can see, many of these signs can also be indicative of boredom, so it's crucial to determine the underlying cause of these behaviours to effectively address the issue.

As dog owners and canine enthusiasts, understanding the intricacies of the stimuli and sensory receptors in canines may help to fully appreciate the way our furry friends perceive the world around them.

With a complex and highly-developed sensory system, dogs are able to effortlessly process various stimuli, making these fascinating creatures all the more remarkable.

Stimuli and sensory receptors in canines play a pivotal role in how dogs perceive and respond to their environment. Their sensory receptors are specialised cells that detect specific stimuli like:

Light

Light plays a vital role in a canine's sensory perception, as it directly impacts their vision and overall awareness. Dogs have a unique visual system, which includes specialised cells called rods and cones. These cells are responsible for detecting light and translating it into images, allowing dogs to see and process the world around them. 

Interestingly, canines have a higher number of rods in their eyes compared to humans, which enables them to see better in low light conditions. This adaptation provides them with a distinct advantage when hunting or navigating in dimly lit environments. Find out what dogs can actually see elsewhere on our site.

Sound

Dogs have an exceptional ability to hear a wide range of frequencies. This heightened auditory perception enables them to detect even the faintest sounds, which can be crucial in situations like search and rescue missions or simply recognising the familiar sound of their owner's footsteps.

Touch

Taste

Taste in canines is facilitated through taste receptors located on their tongue, which are designed to detect and respond to various taste stimuli. These receptors enable dogs to distinguish between different flavours, such as sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, ultimately aiding them in determining the palatability of the food they consume. 

The presence of these taste receptors not only helps canines maintain a balanced diet, but also serves as a mechanism to avoid ingesting something that they shouldn’t.

Smell

Canines have a powerful sense of smell. Dogs possess an extraordinary number of olfactory receptors, approximately 50 times more than humans, which allows them to detect scents with incredible accuracy. 

This heightened sense of smell is particularly useful in various ways, such as tracking scents, detecting explosives, or even finding missing people.

These receptors are responsible for converting the detected information into electrical signals that can be processed by the brain, ultimately enabling dogs to make sense of their surroundings.

• Excessive noise, such as loud music, construction, or fireworks
• Crowded or chaotic environments, like busy parks or family gatherings
• Abrupt changes in routine or environment, such as moving to a new home or the arrival of a new pet or family member
• Prolonged exposure to unfamiliar people or animals
• Lack of proper training or socialisation

By identifying the specific cause of your dog's overstimulation, you can take steps to address the issue and help your dog feel more comfortable and secure.

Tips for managing an overstimulated dog

If you've determined that your dog is overstimulated, here are some tips for managing their behaviour:

• Offer a calming aid, such as a chew toy or puzzle toy, to help your dog focus their energy on a productive activity.
• Use calming products, like a Thundershirt or calming pheromone spray, to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Read our blog on how to help your dog if they suffer from anxiety for some additional tips.
• Implement a "time-out" by placing your dog in a designated area with minimal distractions until they have calmed down.
• Engage your dog in a calming activity, such as a gentle massage or brushing, to help them relax and refocus their energy.

Preventing overstimulation in the future

To prevent future instances of overstimulation, consider implementing the following strategies:

When you socialise your dog from an early age, you are laying the foundation for a well-adjusted, confident, and friendly pet who can navigate various social situations with ease. This not only leads to a happier and more relaxed dog but also reduces the chances of behavioural issues that can cause stress for both you and your furry companion.

There are several ways to socialise your dog from an early age including:

Here are some suggestions for activities to help prevent boredom and keep your dog mentally stimulated: