Entertain Your Dog in the House While Away
Much as we enjoy the company of our dogs, there comes a time when we must leave them to their own devices. Whether it's work, running errands, or just attending some social function, it's really important to make sure your dog remains entertained and occupied while you are away. If not, eventually, boredom sets in and leads to destructive behavior, anxiety, or excessive barking. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative ways to keep your dog happy and entertained even when you're not at home.
1. Interactive Toys and Puzzles
Interactive toys and puzzles are a great method of stimulating your dog's mind and keeping them occupied for quite a few hours. Such toys often have hidden treats inside, challenging your dog to solve the puzzle to get the reward.
Why They Work
They challenge your dog mentally and build in a sense of accomplishment.
They wear your dog out, decreasing the likeliness of destructive behavior because of boredom.
They can help reduce anxiety by keeping your dog occupied with something positive.
Ideas:
Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing balls, or Kong toys filled with peanut butter or treats.
Hide small portions of kibble or special treats inside a puzzle toy to encourage problem-solving.
2. Hire a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
If you are going to be away for a pretty long period of time, you may consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter. Not only will they be able to provide your dog with much-needed physical exercise, but a walker or sitter can also offer some companionship and mental stimulation.
Why It Works
Your dog will get a much-needed break from being alone and receive exercise.
It relieves the monotony of a long day, hence minimizing the chances of destructive behavior.
It socializes your dog, something most dogs require for normal living.
How to Do It
You can plan for regular walks at intervals throughout the day while you are away to keep your dog active and engaged.
3. Create a Cozy, Safe Space
Make sure your dog has a comfortable and safe space where they can relax while you’re gone. Some dogs feel anxious when left alone, so having a designated space with their favorite toys, blankets, and even your worn clothing can help them feel secure.
Why It Works
A calm, familiar space helps reduce anxiety and stress.
Having something comforting, such as a favorite blanket or a stuffed toy with your scent on it, can also be soothing. Designate a safe space for the dog, such as a crate or a room in which he can retreat from overstimulation. Here's a tip:
Insure not to make the space too shut off or too cramped; your dog should feel it's a retreat, not a confinement.
4. Leave a TV or Music On
Leaving the TV or music on might be an incredibly easy way to provide background noise for your dog and not make him feel lonely. Many dogs find sounds comforting, and the constant noise makes them feel they are never totally alone.
Why It Works
The sounds of the TV or soothing music can mask other outside noises that might cause anxiety to your dog, like traffic or other animals.
Soft classical music or nature sounds may help to calm your dog and reduce anxiety. Some dogs actually like to watch television, especially programs that feature animals, and this can be a source of entertainment. Tip: Keep the volume at a reasonable level-too loud, and it adds to your dog's stress.
5. Rotate Toys and Chews
If your dog has a variety of different toys and chews available to them, you can rotate these to keep things fresh. Sometimes, giving your dog new toys to investigate or rediscovering older ones can help them not get bored and participate in various types of play.
Why It Works
You are keeping the novelty level high by rotating toys. Even older toys seem new and exciting when they are brought back into the mix.
Chew toys are excellent for dogs that love to gnaw and can help with stress, too.
Tip
Choose indestructible, safe chew toys to avoid destruction and choking hazards. Kong-style toys that can be filled with treats or peanut butter are always a hit.
6. Treat-Dispensing Cameras
As technology improves, so does the possibility of interacting with your dog when you're away from him. The treat-dispensing cameras will enable you to give your dog a treat remotely and even have a chat with him.
Why It Works
You are able to set it up to provide treats throughout the day at intervals, to maintain your dog's interest.
Some of these cameras have two-way audio, which enables you to talk to your dog and hear his reaction to reduce loneliness.
They can be very helpful for dogs with separation anxiety, though. Tip: Consider getting a camera with a treat dispenser, and schedule times throughout the day to check in on your dog.
7. Doggy Daycare or Playdates
If your dog is highly social and enjoys the company of other dogs, consider signing them up for doggy daycare or asking a neighbor if their dog can come over for a playdate. Socialization can be a great mental and physical stimulation to prevent your dog from feeling lonely.
Why It Works
Your dog will get to interact with other dogs, which helps avoid loneliness.
Dog daycare offers playtime, exercise, and socialization in a controlled manner, which is healthy for your dog.
Playdates with other dogs can give your dog an outlet for energy and playfulness.
Tip
Ensure your dog is comfortable with other dogs and that the daycare is reputable and properly supervised.
8. Scent Work and Treat Hunts
Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and employing these instincts in certain dog games can be quite amusing and intellectually engaging. Scent work and treat hunts are some such activities that let your dog engage in fun and mentally stimulating action and will keep them occupied in your absence.
Why It Works
Hiding treats around the house or yard taps into your dog's natural sniffing instincts and provides him with mental stimulation.
Scent work will also tire your dog out and leave them satisfied after a session.
Tip
Start by hiding treats in easy-to-find places and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog gets better at the hunt.
Conclusion
Leaving your dog alone does not have to be a stressful experience for either you or him. With some preparation and creative ideas, you can keep your dog occupied, mentally stimulated, and cool while you are away from them. Interactive toys, a visit from a dog walker, or even music to soothe them-there are many ways to keep your dog happy and content in your absence.