How To Keep Dogs Entertained
Back to Work? How To Keep Dogs Entertained When They’re Home Alone.
Do you ever worry about your pup when you are away at work? Not being able to play with him or keep him company can be a drag. While leaving your fur baby isn't always ideal, you can take extra steps to ensure he stays entertained and safe while you are away.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can provide your pup with fun activities while you're away. From interactive toys to pet cameras and even designing your obstacle courses, you'll find our top tips on keeping your pup entertained and stimulated while you're away. Dive into this blog post to explore how you can ensure your dog is having fun and feeling safe while you're away from home.
Recognizing Boredom In Dogs
We all know how much our furry friends love to play and explore. However, when left to their own devices, dogs can become bored. This can lead to destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture, excessive barking, and digging. Also, when dogs are not mentally and physically stimulated, it seriously impacts their overall well-being.
Here are some tell-tale signs of boredom in your pooch!
- Restlessness or pacing - When a dog is bored, they may wander around the house or yard looking for something to do. They may also pace in circles or back and forth.
- Excessive barking and whining - A bored dog will often bark or whine out of frustration or to try to get your attention.
- Change in energy - When a dog is bored, their overall energy level will decrease, and they may become sluggish and uninterested in activities they used to enjoy.
- Lack of interest in food - A bored or unengaged pup may stop eating or have a diminished appetite.
- Destructive behaviour - Bored dogs, especially young puppies and breed’s with high energy levels, may start to show destructive behavior such as chewing on furniture, tugging on carpets, or digging in the yard.
Tips and Tricks For Keeping Your Dog Entertained
Being a pet parent, leaving your pup alone while returning to work can be difficult, knowing they're stuck at home with nothing to do. But it doesn't have to feel that way! Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your pup entertained while you're away. The key is finding activities that stimulate your four legged baby mentally and physically and engage them in something they love.
Developing a Routine
Developing a routine for your dog is an important way to ensure they stay both entertained and mentally stimulated when you’re not around. One of the best ways to get started is by carving out a regular schedule that you can stick to. A routine allows your pup to know when and how long to expect a certain activity.
Acts like eating, playing, and walking at the same time every day make a huge difference in your pup’s overall happiness. Not only will they be well-fed and taken out on walks to relieve themselves, but they’ll also have an idea of what to expect each day — and they’ll be more comfortable in the end. This can be particularly useful for those who take a longer trip away from home, giving your dog some structure for when you’re not around.
Engaging Toys and Treat-Dispensing Puzzles
Since your furry friend is an important part of your family, providing stimulation and entertainment is an important way to keep them from getting bored and lonely when you are away. Not only can it help keep their minds active, it can also help prevent destructive behavior.
The key is to provide toys and puzzles that encourage problem-solving and stimulate their senses. Many treat-dispensing puzzles are designed to engage your pup and make them think in order to get their reward – making it a fun and challenging experience. Interactive toys such as tug-of-war ropes and food-stuffed wobblers can help to keep them busy and provide an outlet for their energy.
For interactive toys, consider using food-stuffed interactive toys, such as the popular Kong toys, to keep your pup busy for hours. As an added bonus, these puzzles require your pup to work for their meal and use their intelligence to figure out the puzzle’s solution. This type of puzzle is ideal for those who are gone for multiple hours and can help your pup develop mentally during their alone time. By the time you come home, pup is likely to be pooped, meaning more cuddle time for you and your best bud.
Leave out a few toys that your dog likes to play with, like a Kong filled with treats or a chew toy. Some really great options are Nylabone® Power Puppy Chew Teething Ring Dog Toy - Bacon Flavor, Playology® Channel Chew Ring Scented Dog Toy - Chicken and Starmark Everlasting Treat Ball. This will provide your pup with hours of fun, and help them to stay mentally engaged and entertained.
Give your pup a puzzle toy that they can figure out and reward themselves with treats. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, and Sniffiz SmellyMatty Snuffle Mat are all great options for this. This will help to keep their minds active and give them a sense of accomplishment when they complete the puzzle.
Music or TV for Comfort
It may sound strange, but giving your furry friend access to music or TV when you’re not around can help keep them mentally stimulated and entertained. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between when you’re at home and when you’re away. Televisions create a comforting background noise that can help drown out other scary noises of the world. It provides them with a sort-of “companionship” of sorts.
Plus, there are plenty of options available these days – whether you’re looking for a specific TV show that was created just for dogs or something more entertaining (like the DogTV channel). Who knows, maybe your pup will get some tips on how to be a better dog!
Besides that, soothing music can also work wonders when it comes to calming and entertaining our canine friends. From classical music to acoustic tunes, the right type of music can make all the difference. Gentle, slow-paced songs can help make them feel safe, while more upbeat music can keep them in an upbeat mood.
Whatever type of music or show you choose, it’s important to play it at a reasonable volume (nothing too loud or too soft) and make sure the time limit is reasonable. The goal should be to provide your pup with mental stimulation and relaxation.
By incorporating TV or music into your pup’s daily routine, you’ll be doing your furry friend a solid – plus, it’s just one more way to let them know you care. So feel free to explore this option and see what brings the most comfort!
Using Pet Cameras
Pet parents, endless worry is part of the package when caring for our furry friends while we’re at work. We’re constantly fretting about what they’re up to, if they’re behaving themselves, and if that strange noise means something bad. Fortunately, a straightforward solution can help every pet owner worry a little less: pet cameras! By setting up a pet camera in your home, you can check in on your furry family member and relax a little more, knowing that you’re still connected to your pet.
Not only do pet cameras allow you to put your mind at ease, but they also provide entertainment and exercise opportunities while you’re away. By placing the camera near their favorite toys and areas of your home that they like to explore, you can challenge them to keep playing and keep their minds active.
Pet cams come in all shapes, sizes, and functions. Some can even dispense treats and record audio and video. You can have fun creating your own pet cam configuration and make sure it works for you and your pet’s needs.
The possibilities are endless. You can explore the pet cam market to find one specifically tailored to you and your pet’s lifestyle. With the right pet cam, you can feel confident that your pet is safe and happily entertained when you’re away from home.
Investing in a pet cam can help you rest easier when you’re away from your pet. As pet owners, we can all finally let go of the nagging worry and focus on the things we love. With a pet cam, you can still catch up with your pup and keep an eye on them while you’re away, so you can both make the most of your working day.
Exercise Before You Leave and When You Come Home
Exercise is an essential part of an active and healthy lifestyle, and it's especially true for our canine companions. It's important to ensure your pup gets exercise before you leave in the morning and again when you get home. It will benefit them physically and also be a great bonding experience for the two of you. It's also a treat that your pup will look forward to every day.
You don't have to go on a long walk each day—it can be a quick walk around the block a few times or a game of fetch in the park. Set aside sometime each day to take your dog on a walk or to the park to help them get out any excess energy and explore new smells. This will give them a chance to get fresh air and exercise, which is essential for a healthy pup.
If you have an enclosed backyard, you can consider getting a pet door, so your pup can go in and out as they please. This can give your dog the freedom to explore and move around while you're away while still providing them with the safety they need.
What if You Don’t Want To Leave Your Dog Alone?
Are you dreading the idea of leaving your pup at home alone? It’s a common worry for many pet owners, but luckily several alternatives can provide your dog with companionship and exercise when you have to leave them alone for long periods.
One option is to hire a pet sitter or dog walker to come to your home and provide companionship and exercise for your pup. Pet sitters and dog walkers are typically experienced in pet care, and having someone come to your home to take your pup for walks, feed them, and provide them with an occasional toy or treat can provide them with the comfort and mental stimulation they need while you’re away.
Another option you can consider is doggie daycare, where your pup can spend the day playing and socializing with other dogs in a safe, supervised environment. Doggie daycares typically offer a variety of activities and can provide your pup with the opportunity to play, learn, and socialize while you’re away.
No matter what solution you decide to go with, it’s important to remember to do your research and plan ahead. By taking the time to research your options, you can find the perfect solution to leaving your pup at home alone. With the right combination of pet care, mental stimulation, and outdoor freedom, you can ensure your puppy is happy and healthy even when you’re away.
Home Alone Safety Tips for Dogs
Keeping your pet safe is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. When it comes to toys and treats, make sure you are buying quality products free of toxic materials. Avoid giving your pet rawhide bones or pork chop bones, as these can easily splinter and cause choking.
In addition to avoiding giving your pet items that could be hazardous, it’s also essential to make sure your pet has a safe space to rest and play. Establish a comfortable room for your pet, and keep any potentially hazardous items like cleaning supplies, medications, and other dangerous materials out of reach.
Regularly inspecting your pet’s environment can help you to identify and act upon any potential hazard before it becomes an issue. This means being aware of sharp objects, chemicals, or other hazardous materials in your pet’s space.
Here are some tips and safety considerations to keep in mind when leaving your dog home alone:
- Ensure your pup has a safe and secure place to rest if they aren’t given free rein in the home while you’re away. A crate or pet bed in a quiet area away from hazardous items or chemicals is best.
- Provide plenty of food, water, and fun toys or chews to keep your pup entertained and stimulated. Don’t forget to provide adequate potty breaks with a grass patch or potty pad.
- Make sure all hazardous objects are out of reach from prying paws. A puppy-proofed home is critical to keeping your home and pup safe.
- Consider getting a pet monitor to continuously keep an eye on your pup even when you’re away.
- If you can, have a trusted family member, neighbour, or pet sitter come to check in on your pup while you’re away. They can ensure your dog is safe and content, and you’ll be able to enjoy your time away easily.
Avoiding Boredom and Keeping Your Furry Friend Happy
Creating a safe and comfortable environment for your pup when you're away is essential for them to stay happy and healthy. By following these tips, you can create the perfect setting for your dog when it's time to go back to work. Finding the right balance when it's time to go back to work can be challenging, but it is possible with the right plan and preparation.
Keep these tips in mind to help you create the perfect space for your pup when you're away:
- Provide plenty of toys and activities for your pup to stay entertained. Make sure that the toys are suitable for their size and age.
- Ensure that the space is well-ventilated and not too warm or cold.
- Keep the space free of clutter and distractions that may cause anxiety or stress.
- Make sure that your pup has easy access to fresh food and water.
- Make sure that your pup has a comfortable bed to rest in.
- If possible, set up a camera in the space so you can check in on your pup throughout the day.
Going back to work can be difficult for you and your pup, and finding a balance that works for you. By following these tips and creating the perfect environment, you can ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable while you're away.
