How to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You’re Away
Let’s discuss how to keep your dog entertained while you’re away
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks to keep your dog happy and occupied while you’re out of the house.
Are you worried about leaving your furry friend alone at home while you’re away?
It’s important to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated to prevent boredom and anxiety.
Benefits of keeping your dog entertained
There are several advantages to keeping your dog engaged while you are away.
It can lessen separation anxiety, stop boredom and destructive behavior, and deepen the link between you and your pet.
How to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You’re Away
Here are some common tips to keep your dog entertained while you’re away:
1. Leave on the TV or Radio
Like some people, some dogs prefer to watch certain television cartoon characters or programs.
To keep your dog quiet and amused, you may select specific channels or dog-specific videos that contain relaxing sights and noises.
When leaving your dog alone with a television, make sure to see whether they are interested in viewing it.
2. Set up a clear window view
Dogs enjoy peeping out windows and observing the outside world and this can keep them entertained while you’re away.
If feasible, make a cozy perch next to a window so your dog may see birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.
Make sure the drapes or blinds are left open, so your dog can view the outside, and don’t set it too high.
3. Provide more interactive toys
Another fantastic alternative for entertaining your dog is interactive toys.
These toys demand interaction from your dog in order to provide a reward, like treats or a preferred toy.
Popular interactive toys like KONGs may be loaded with food or peanut butter to keep your dog interested for a long time.
Another sort of interactive toy that dispenses rewards while your dog plays with it is treat-dispensing balls.
4. Give your dog puzzle toys
The best approach to keep your dog’s mind active while you’re away is with puzzle toys.
These toys, which can be simple or sophisticated, are intended to test your dog’s problem-solving abilities.
Giving your dog a puzzle toy that needs them to slide a panel or raise a flap to uncover a treat or toy within, for instance, maybe a fun activity.
Another option is to fill an empty toilet paper roll with snacks and fold the ends over to create your own puzzle toys at home.
5. Provide homemade frozen treats
Keeping your dog occupied with a frozen treat may be enjoyable and yummy for your dog while you are away.
Dog-friendly foods like yogurt, bananas, and peanut butter may be blended to produce homemade frozen treats, which can then be frozen in ice cube trays.
Moreover, pet supply stores provide frozen, pre-made dog treats, be careful with treats as they can become a problem for your dog.
6. Provide Chew Toys
Chew toys exist in a wide variety of forms, dimensions, and materials.
The Nylabone DuraChew, the Benebone Wishbone, and the KONG Classic are a few well-known examples.
To make some of your dog’s favorite chew toys last longer, you may also try freezing them.
7. Provide Snuffle Mats
Snuffle mats are excellent for dogs who enjoy foraging and sniffing.
You may buy pre-made snuffle mats or create your own by utilizing fleece fabric strips and a rubber mat.
Use the fabric strips to conceal little treats or kibble, then let your dog use his nose to discover them.
8. Hide treats
For your dog to locate, hide treats throughout your home or yard. This game occupies your dog while rewarding its efforts.
You can use their preferred snacks or toys, but be sure to put them in places that are both secure and easy to get to.
This game stimulates the mind while encouraging your dog to use its sense of smell.
9. Use a treat-dispensing camera
The interaction with your dog while you’re gone can be facilitated with treat-dispensing cameras.
You can view and communicate with your dog with these webcams, and you can give out rewards to encourage good behavior from a distance.
Your dog may feel less anxious about being alone when you’re not home if you do this.
10. Hire a Dog Walker
If you’ll be gone for a long time, you might want to hire a dog walker to take your dog for walks and to keep him company throughout the day.
When you’re away, a professional dog walker can make sure that your dog receives the exercise and care they require.
You may discover a trustworthy dog walker by using a service like Rover or Wag, or by asking your friends and family for suggestions.
Precautions to Take Before Leaving Your Dog Alone
Here are some common precautions to take before leaving your dog alone at home while you are away:
- Ensure your dog has access to enough water and food for the duration of your absence.
- Provide your dog with a comfortable and safe space, such as a crate, playpen, or a designated area in the house.
- Keep potentially harmful items or foods out of reach, including cleaning supplies, medications, and toxic foods.
- Make sure your dog has access to toys and other forms of entertainment, such as puzzle feeders or chew toys.
- Gradually get your dog used to being alone by starting with short periods and gradually increasing them.
- Take your dog for a walk or engage in other forms of exercise before leaving to tire them out.
- Consider leaving a piece of clothing with your scent on it to comfort your dog.
- Install a security system or cameras to monitor your dog when you are not home.
- Consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to visit and check on your dog during the day or consider dog daycare.
Learn more about the causes and symptoms of dog anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I leave my dog alone?
It is generally recommended that adult dogs should not be left alone for more than 4–6 hours at a time, while puppies should not be left alone for more than 2 hours.
However, this can vary depending on the dog’s age, breed, and temperament.
It’s important to ensure that your dog has access to food, water, and a comfortable resting area while you’re away.
How can I keep my dog entertained while I’m at work?
There are several ways to keep your dog entertained while you’re at work, such as providing interactive toys, leaving out puzzle feeders or chew toys, and using treat-dispensing gadgets.
You can also hire a dog walker or pet sitter to come and spend time with your dog during the day.
What are some good interactive toys for dogs?
Interactive toys can help keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained while you’re away.
Some good options include toys that dispense treats, like Kongs, puzzle toys that require your dog to figure out how to access the treats or toys inside, and toys that make noise or move around, like squeaky toys or toys with battery-operated motors.
Can I leave the TV or radio on for my dog?
Yes, leaving the TV or radio on can provide some background noise and help keep your dog calm while you’re away.
Some people even leave on special dog-specific channels or music designed to soothe and relax dogs.
What if my dog gets bored or anxious while I’m away?
If your dog is prone to boredom or anxiety while you’re away, there are several things you can try to help them feel more comfortable.
This can include providing plenty of toys and activities, making sure their environment is comfortable and secure, and even considering natural remedies like calming pheromones or CBD oil.
If your dog’s anxiety is severe, it may be worth consulting with a veterinarian or dog behaviorist for further guidance.
Should I crate my dog while I’m away?
Crate training can be a helpful tool for keeping your dog safe and secure while you’re away, but it’s important to ensure that they are comfortable and not overly stressed while in the crate.
Some dogs may prefer to have free-range of the house while you’re away.
Learn more about ideas to keep a dog happy behind a fence.
Conclusion
Although it might be difficult to leave your furry buddy behind while you’re gone, there are several methods to keep them occupied and content.
There are countless things to pick from, including interactive toys and puzzles that stimulate the brain.
These exercises won’t just keep your dog busy; they may also help you and your pet’s relationship grow closer.
In order to keep your dog happy and busy all day, be sure to leave them with lots of enjoyable and engaging activities the next time you step out the door.
