When dogs are bored
Some signs of boredom in your dog may include:

• Digging
• Excessive chewing
• Barking or otherwise trying to get your attention
• Licking or chewing on themselves excessively, etc

What to do about it
If you suspect your dog may be suffering from boredom, whether or not problem behaviors are present, you may want to try some of the following:

• Have your dog checked by your veterinarian to make sure his behavior is not caused by a physical condition.
  
• Make a list of simple “tricks” to teach your dog and work with him on a daily basis to master these tricks one at a time.
  
• Keep a well-stocked box of dog toys (out of view) to provide diversion when it is needed. Rotate toys every few days to keep your dog’s interest.
  
• Introduce food-dispensing toys to your dog; though remember to account for these extra calories in your dog's daily feedings. Animals often enjoy the challenge of working for some food rewards or a portion of their daily meal.
  
• Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Simply hanging around in the back yard may not be enough. Do things with your dog such as take long walks or play fetch.
  
• Interact with your dog and offer praise and a kibble of food for good behavior. See how many good behaviors you can elicit in a day. Don't forget that the extra caloric intake from kibbles of food should be accounted for in your dog's daily feeding amounts.
  
• When possible, take your dog along when visiting dog-loving friends or running errands.  Do not, however, leave your dog in the car unattended.  This can be dangerous especially during warm weather.

Remember…
Your dog's lifestyle influences his behavior. Regular walks or play periods with your dog, mental stimulation and praise for good behavior will make your dog’s life fun and stimulating. A happy dog is less likely to develop behavior problems.