Leaving your furry friend alone at home while you’re at work can be ruff for both of you. Dogs can get bored, restless, and even destructive when left with nothing to do.
However, with a little preparation, you can keep your pup happily entertained until you return. Here are seven ways to keep your dog occupied while you’re away:
Doggy Puzzles and Toys
Puzzle toys that make your dog work for treats are perfect for mental stimulation. Fill a Kong toy with peanut butter and kibble, or try a snuffle mat where your pup has to sniff out the hidden treats. Rotate through different puzzle toys to keep things interesting.
A View to the Outside World
Set up a comfy bed by a window where your dog can watch the outside world go by. The changing sights and sounds can provide great entertainment. You can even open the curtains before leaving to maximize the view.
Games and Obstacle Courses
Create an indoor obstacle course with household items for your dog to maneuver around. You can also play short games of hide-and-seek by hiding treats for your pup to find when you’re gone.
The FullBucket
Automatically dispense portions of your dog’s food throughout the day by using a timed feeder like the FullBucket. This extends a meal into multiple courses to help dogs eat slower and stay entertained longer.
Doggy Videos and Music
Leave a dog TV channel playing quietly to stimulate your pup’s senses with scenes of squirrels, puppies, and other canine-captivating footage. Or try leaving an audiobook or dog music playlist on to provide company through ambient noise.
A Lickable Treat
Frozen lickable treats are a long-lasting distraction. Simply pour dog-safe liquids like peanut butter, meat broth, or puree into a treat-dispensing toy, freeze, and provide when you leave. As it defrosts, your dog can lick away for hours of fun.
A Dogwalker or Pet Sitter
For times when you’ll be away for an extended period, it’s best to have someone stop by midday to let your dog out, get some exercise and playtime in, and spend a little quality time with them. A dogwalker or pet sitter provides peace of mind that your pup won’t be lonely or need to hold it for too long.
With toys for physical and mental exercise, stimulation for the senses, food puzzles, and a bit of human interaction, your dog can stay happy and engaged until you’re back home. Just be sure to rotate through different activities to keep things exciting and new. A tired, entertained dog makes for a calmer, better-behaved pup overall.
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