How To Entertain A Dog Home Alone [12 Top Hints]

Let’s find out how to entertain a dog home alone…

We all know how guilty we feel when we have to leave our furry friends home alone.

But fear not, because today I’m going to share some pawsome tips on how to keep your dog entertained and happy while you’re away.

So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of doggy entertainment!

Table of Contents show

How to Entertain a Dog Home Alone

Entertaining a dog home alone can be fun and easy, you can start by leaving some interactive toys, like puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing balls, to keep them engaged.

Also, set up a safe play area with chew toys and bones to keep them occupied. You can also leave on some calming music or a TV show for background noise.

Lastly, consider hiring a dog walker or using a pet camera to check on them and give them some extra attention during the day.

Let’s break it down further…

Ways of Entertaining a Dog at Home Alone

Here are some of the most common ways of entertaining a dog at home alone:

1. Set Up a Glass Window View

Dogs are curious creatures, and they often enjoy watching the world outside.

If you have a backyard or a street view from a window, you can set up a comfortable spot for your dog to observe.

Position a bed or a cushion near a window where your dog can see outside. This will provide them with visual stimulation and keep them engaged throughout the day.

You can even place a bird feeder or squirrel feeder outside the window to attract wildlife, which can be entertaining for your dog to watch.

2. Tune in to Dog TV

Believe it or not, there’s a TV channel specifically designed for dogs called Dog TV. It features content tailored to keep dogs entertained and relaxed.

Dog TV programs are created with vibrant colors and sounds that appeal to dogs, such as squeaky toys and soothing music.

You can leave the TV on with Dog TV playing while you’re away, providing your dog with visual and auditory stimulation.

It can help alleviate their boredom and make them feel like they have company even when they’re home alone.

3. Hide Food Games Around the House

Food puzzles and hiding treats around the house can keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained.

There are various interactive toys and puzzles available in the market that require your dog to figure out how to get the treats out.

These toys often involve pushing, spinning, or lifting different parts to access the hidden food.

You can also create your own DIY food puzzles using everyday items like cardboard boxes or muffin tins.

Scatter these puzzles and treats around the house before you leave, and it will keep your dog engaged as they search for the hidden goodies.

4. Provide an Automatic Treat Dispenser

An automatic treat dispenser is a fantastic way to keep your dog entertained and reward them for good behavior.

These devices are designed to dispense treats at set intervals or when triggered remotely through a smartphone app.

You can load the dispenser with your dog’s favorite treats, and it will release them periodically, providing a fun and tasty surprise.

Some treat dispensers even come with built-in cameras, allowing you to keep an eye on your dog and interact with them remotely.

5. Provide Lots of Chew Toys

Dogs love to chew, and providing them with a variety of chew toys can help redirect their energy and keep them occupied.

Look for sturdy, durable toys specifically designed for chewing, such as rubber or nylon toys. Avoid toys that can be easily shredded or swallowed, as they can pose a choking hazard.

Consider rotating the toys regularly to keep them fresh and exciting for your dog. You can also stuff some toys with treats or peanut butter to make them more enticing and mentally stimulating.

6. Provide Engaging and Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are a great way to entertain your dog and stimulate their mind. Look for puzzle toys or treat-dispensing toys that require your dog to work for their rewards.

These toys typically have hidden compartments or mechanisms that your dog needs to figure out to access the treats.

They provide mental stimulation and can keep your dog entertained for hours.

Additionally, you can try toys that make sounds or have moving parts, as they can engage your dog’s senses and keep them entertained.

7. Talk to Your Dog Through a Pet Camera

One way to alleviate your dog’s loneliness is by using a pet camera that allows you to interact with them remotely.

Many pet cameras have two-way audio capabilities, enabling you to talk to your dog and even hear their responses.

Throughout the day, you can check in on your pup, offer words of encouragement or comfort, and provide reassurance that you’re thinking of them.

This interaction can help alleviate separation anxiety and make your dog feel more connected to you, even when you’re not physically present.

8. Make an Ice Cube Filled With Treats

Dogs love treats, and a fun way to keep them entertained is by making an ice cube filled with their favorite treats.

Simply fill an ice cube tray with a low-sodium broth or water, drop some dog-friendly treats or pieces of fruit into each compartment, and freeze it. Before leaving the house, give your dog one of these treat-filled ice cubes.

Not only will it provide a tasty surprise, but it will also keep them engaged and occupied as they try to retrieve the treats from the slowly melting ice cube.

9. Get a Companionship Pet

If your dog tends to get lonely when left alone for extended periods, consider getting them a companionship pet.

This could be another dog, a cat, or even a small caged animal like a rabbit or guinea pig.

Before introducing a new pet, it’s essential to ensure that your dog is comfortable with other animals and that they can coexist peacefully.

Having a companion can provide your dog with much-needed company, playtime, and social interaction, helping to alleviate boredom and loneliness.

10. Make Peepholes in the Back Fence

One way to keep your dog entertained while you’re away is by creating peepholes in your back fence.

Dogs are naturally curious and enjoy observing their surroundings. By making small holes in the fence at your dog’s eye level, you can give them a window into the outside world.

This allows them to see and hear what’s happening beyond the confines of your yard, which can help alleviate boredom.

Just make sure the holes are small enough that your dog can’t escape through them and that the fence remains secure.

11. Provide a Snuffle Mat

Another great way to keep your dog entertained is by providing a snuffle mat.

A snuffle mat is a mat or rug with various layers of fabric, hiding places, and pockets.

You can sprinkle your dog’s favorite treats or their regular kibble among the layers, and your dog will have to use their nose and paws to find them.

Snuffle mats engage a dog’s natural foraging instincts and provide mental stimulation.

They can keep your dog occupied for a significant amount of time, especially if you hide different treats each time. Remember to supervise your dog initially to ensure they don’t chew or ingest the mat.

12. Keep a Steady Set of Toys on Rotation

Dogs can quickly lose interest in their toys if they have access to them all the time. A helpful technique is to keep a steady set of toys on rotation.

Instead of leaving all the toys out at once, choose a few and rotate them every few days or every week.

This way, when your dog is reintroduced to a toy they haven’t seen in a while, it will feel fresh and exciting to them.

It’s also a good idea to include a variety of toys with different textures, shapes, and interactive features to cater to your dog’s preferences and keep them engaged.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! When it comes to keeping your furry friend entertained while you’re away, remember three key things: provide engaging toys and puzzles, set up interactive treat-dispensing devices, and create a safe and comfortable environment. With these simple strategies, your dog will be happily occupied until you return, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they’re having a ball at home!