While we’d all love to be at home to keep our pets company all day, for most pet parents that is just not realistic. Luckily, there are a lot of options to keep your dog busy while you’re away. This keeps your dog from getting bored and lonely. This also means that they’re less likely to chew your shoes, dig through the trash, or chew on the furniture!
Here are a few ways your dog can stay occupied while you’re out:
Turn on the television (Animal Planet or DogTV)
One of the easiest things you can do to keep your dog entertained is turn on the TV. Animal Planet can be good because of the sights and sounds of nature and other animals.
If you will be doing this regularly, consider investing in DogTV. DogTV is a TV channel designed specifically for dogs. Top pet experts designed this programming to provide appropriate TV for dogs that are being left alone. The channel supports a dog’s vision and hearing as well as positive behavior.
Enable a view of the outdoors
Make sure you have a glass door or a window that your pup can look out of while you’re away. If you don’t have a window low enough, try setting up a bench or stairs that your dog can sit on. The changing sights outside the window can help keep your dog occupied. Plus, they’ll love getting to watch for you to come home!
Fill a toy with treats
Dogs love treats and toys. Mix the two by providing a treat-stuffed toy, such as the KONG. These chewable, bouncy toys can keep your dog stimulated for hours as they try to get all of the treats out.
Buy puzzles and games
There are other puzzles that can keep your dog occupied as well. Outward Hound has a ton of popular games and puzzles for your dog. These brain games can keep your dog mentally engaged while you’re away.
Hire a dog walker!
Of course, none of these toys and puzzles can substitute for human interaction. Consider using our dog walking services to give your pet some love in the middle of the day. We can feed, walk, play, and pet your dog to make sure he’s getting the stimulation and exercise he needs.
Adopt another pet
Dogs are social creatures - consider adopting another dog or cat to give them a playmate. If you adopt the pets at different times, be careful leaving them alone at first to make sure they get along. But once they do, your dogs will always have each other to play with. Plus, our dog walking and cat care services are the same price, no matter how many pets you have!
Introduce new toys/toy rotation
Just like with humans, familiarity can lead to boredom. Try giving your dog new toys for him to get excited about. Another option (that’s also friendlier on your wallet) is to rotate the available toys every few days.
Use a water fountain
Consider including a water fountain for your dog to drink out of instead of just a bowl. Not only does this keep the water fresher, the sight and sound of the flowing water can also benefit your dog.
Invest in a pet camera
Another fun option is investing in a pet camera so you can interact with your dog even when you’re away. There are a lot of options on the market, from simple one-way cameras, to ones that dispense treats, to ones that allow for two-way video calls between you and your pet.
All of these options can help keep your furry friend from being bored and lonely during the day, so you don’t have to worry when you’re gone!