For many dog owners, the pandemic was amazing for work-life balance and meant you got even more time with your furry friends! Unfortunately, as businesses start to re-open offices and travel requirements lift, this has created challenges for both the dog and their owners. Dogs got extremely comfortable with having their humans home all the time, and this adjustment back to office life may be tricky for your furry friend. In this blog post, we will explore the 8 best ways of keeping your dog entertained while you’re away!
1. Dog Camera
If you are anxious about your dog being home alone or just curious on what they get up to during the day, a dog camera is perfect for you! This dog camera has a 360-degree rotating view to show you what your dog is doing all day. Additionally, this camera features treat dispersion and voice activation which allows you to talk with your furry friend!
2. Crate Training
Crate training for any dog is extremely important and should be recognised as your dog’s personal space rather than a punishment. Leaving the crate open to let them explore whilst you’re not home is great, but also having a safe space to retreat back to and relax is so important! Our blog on how to crate train dives into much more detail.
3. Dog Toys
A great way to keep your dog entertained is having a wide selection of dog toys. However, some dog toys are not suitable to be left alone with such as toys with small parts! Leaving a chewable and edible dog bone is a safe and fun toy to leave for your dog!
In the morning before you go to work, supervising your dog with an interactive dog toy will exercise their brain which in turn will tire them out for the day. If you want to find out more on stimulating dog toys, click here!
4. Leaving the Television/ Radio on!
Leaving the TV on whilst you’re out can be great for dogs who have separation anxiety. Dogs with short attention spans also benefit from hearing voices and/ or listening to music. Did you know there is a TV channel made for dogs? It’s called DOGTV and provides relaxing, stimulating, and enjoyable content for dogs throughout the day. This channel is guaranteed to keep your dog entertained indoors whilst you’re at work! For more information on this TV channel click here!
Always test out the TV and Radio on dogs before leaving them alone as some dogs can get confused and anxious by the noises.
5. Hide and Seek!
Hiding some of your dog’s favourite things around the house is a fun game for them to try when you are not home. Some training needs completed before you can jump into this. Whilst you are at home, try scavenger hunt games with your dog, and build up to being able to leave them playing. Switch up hiding locations so it does not get too easy!
6. Ensuring your dog has access to a window
Just like humans, dogs are nosey too and love to know what’s going on outside. Making sure your dog has access to a window throughout the day will alleviate boredom and reduce anxiety. If you want to go above and beyond, make a comfy area for them to lie all day by a window!
PetFusion Pet Step Window Perch Bookshelf
A product like this is perfect height to put near a window for your dog whilst still being functional for you! It is recommended for small-medium size dogs and has non-slip stairs to ensure your dog’s safety whilst you are not home.
7. Hire a dog walker
Hiring a dog walker to come take your dog on a walk in the middle of the day will tire them out and gives them a chance to meet other dogs and socialise. Ensuring your dog gets a walk everyday is great for their physical health, mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, it benefits the owner as if you have a busy evening planned then a short evening walk will be enough for your dog as they were out earlier in the day.
8. Get your furry friend a friend of their own!
This may sound extreme but getting your dog a dog will keep them entertained all day long! Two dogs are better than one! Having a doggy companion significantly reduces separation anxiety as they still have a companion! Additionally, dogs love to play, and having two dogs in the house means there is always someone to play with. Getting a second dog also benefits the owner. Two dogs mean twice the fun! Adopting a rescue dog can be very rewarding and you get to save a dog’s life! If you want to find out more about dog adoption, read our blog 5 reasons why you should adopt a dog!
In this blog we have shown you the best ways to alleviate stress, anxiety, and boredom whilst your furry friend is home alone! Keeping your dog entertained whilst you are at work is essential to their physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. By doing some of these simple tips and tricks, you will make your dog so much happier!
If you want to find out more about all things dogs, explore our blog post page!
