What does it mean if my dog wont settle? Expert Advice

3) Boredom and Lack of Stimulation

If a canine doesn’t know what to do with themselves, they’ll wander up and down, back and forth. A dog cannot read a book or watch TV, so they’ll look for other entertainment.

It’s vital that your dog receives adequate mental stimulation during the day. Walks and trips to the dog park are essential. Taking a dog for a stroll isn’t just exercising their body. They are completely mindful, taking in everything around them.

Don’t drag your dog along in a hurry. Let them stop and sniff whenever they please. This fires up your pet’s brain as they process the different smells. In turn, it tires them out.

Playtime is also a great way to give your dog’s brain a workout. Canines love problem-solving. Just working out how to carry a large stick home or chasing after a ball will be enough.

If your dog didn’t get outside enough, and hasn’t exercised their mind, they’ll grow restless. Don’t allow this to happen. A bored dog will rarely settle for pacing. Eventually, they’ll become destructive.

2) Stress, Worry, and Anxiety

Loud noises, such as storms and fireworks, are a common stress trigger for dogs.

Changes in routine, such as staying out late or changes to feeding schedules, can also unsettling.

Perhaps the greatest worry is separation anxiety. Pets do not like to be removed from human company, especially when they’re young. Maybe you’ve been coming home later than usual. Work to build your dog’s trust, and help them understand that you’ll always return home.

If your dog is pacing through stress, try to identify the trigger and eliminate it. Also, scented sprays can calm canine nerves. Calming supplements can also be added to your pet’s meal.

If the problem does not subside, your dog may have an anxiety disorder, seek support from an animal behavioral therapist. If that doesn’t work out, consider anti-anxiety medications.

What does it mean if my dog wont settle?

4) Hear or Smell Something

Dogs have a phenomenal hearing, and senses of smell. This is why they sometimes seem to be staring at the wall and growling at something that isn’t there.

This can also apply to pacing. Your dog may detect mice in your cellar or basement, bugs in your walls, or other smells dogs hate. They will pace around, trying to pinpoint exactly where these infiltrators are. It’s all part of a dog protecting you.

If your dog paces and pauses in a particular spot, pay attention. They have found something, and it will likely benefit you to know what. It may be time to call in a fumigation service.

Of course, it’s also possible that your dog just hears something outside. They may hear another canine barking, or a cat hissing. Just because your human ears can’t pick up on these sounds, it doesn’t mean they’re not there.

This may be making your dog nervous, and lead to pacing. Offer reassurance in such a case, and see if they calm down.

How to Teach your Dog to STOP BEGGING & SETTLE DOWN Right now!

If you are a dog owner, especially of an older dog, you may notice them pacing at some point. As a pet parent, seeing your dog restless and unsettled or being unable to distract them or get their attention can be distressing. But what can cause dogs to pace? Read on to find out about the potential causes and what you can do to help.