Spending time with our favorite pooches is something we wish we could do all day, every day. But alas, we pet parents have a lot of real responsibilities in the world, like paying bills and going to work.
And while we’re at work, we usually leave our pups all alone at home waiting for us to return. But what do they do while we’re at work? Are they whining because they’re lonely, or are they chewing things in the house they’re not supposed to because they’re bored?
A good way to make sure they don’t do either is to keep your dog occupied while you’re at work. Here are six ways to do that.
1. Leave The Television On For Your Dog
Leaving the television on can sometimes help keep your dog occupied while you’re gone.
Not only will it drown out the silence of an empty home, which can make your pup feel even more lonely, but it can also stimulate your dog if you leave your television on a channel like Animal Planet.
Being able to see other animals–and maybe other dogs–on television might entertain your pup a bit until you come home.
2. Provide A View For Your Pup To Look Outside
Dogs love to look at their surroundings. It helps them familiarize themselves with what’s going on around them. It’s also a welcome distraction for them while you’re away at work.
If you can, find a window in your house where you can leave the blinds or curtains open–but don’t leave the window open or else they might jump out!
Allowing them to look outside will keep them occupied while they are alone.
3. Toys, Toys, Toys!
Keeping a bin full of toys for your dog can be a great way to keep them busy while you’re not there. Making sure you have a variety of toys will also prevent them from getting bored easily.
But don’t stop at buying just any toy. Toys where you can stuff peanut butter or treats can keep them busy for quite a while. There are also dog toys that help improve their cognitive and problem-solving skills, as well.
Whatever you choose, make sure you have enough so that they’ll be busy all day!
4. Bring Home A Dog Sibling
Dogs are naturally social creatures, which means they tend to not like being left alone for long periods of time.
Having another dog sibling at home would guarantee they would never feel alone. However, the decision to adopt another dog is a big one.
Make sure you’re capable of taking on more responsibility your life before adopting another pooch. And if you are, also see to it both dogs get along before making a lifelong commitment.
5. Hiring A Dog Sitter Or Going To A Doggy Daycare
If your dog easily gets bored, it might be a good idea to take them to a trusted pet care facility where they’ll have other dogs to play with. Make sure you find a reputable doggy daycare in your area with hours that can fit your schedule while you’re at work.
If this isn’t option, or if it might be too expensive, you can also hire a dog sitter or dog walker. Either one can come to your home and spend some time with your pup for a few hours, making sure they get some exercise and much-needed attention while you’re not there.
For this option, just like with doggy daycare, make sure you find someone who is experienced and from a reputable service or company.
6. Set-Up A Play Date
You might not be the only pet parent who deals with leaving their pooch at home during your work week.
If you have a familiar neighbor or friend with a dog at home who lives nearby and is dealing with the same issue, it could be a match made in heaven for your pups.
The only obstacle is making sure both dogs get along before leaving them unsupervised together. But if it works, they can expend energy playing and hanging out with each other while you are away working hard.
What do you think of these ways to keep your dog occupied while you’re at work? Do you have other ways of keeping your pooch busy when they’re left at home? Let us know in the comments below!
