How to keep a dog occupied while at work
If you’ve ever felt the pain of guilt when leaving your dog alone while you head off to work, you’re not alone. The challenge of keeping your dog entertained while you’re away is one that many of us dog owners face daily. We want to ensure our dogs are not just physically safe, but also mentally stimulated and happy, even when we can’t be with them.
In this blog, we’re going to explore creative, practical, and proven ways to keep your dog entertained while you’re at work. We’ll dive into everything from puzzle toys to dog walkers, and even look at how you can transform everyday household objects into boredom-busting tools. Let’s turn that guilt into peace of mind, and maybe even a wagging tail or two.
The Workday Dilemma: Why It’s Important to Keep Your Dog Entertained
Before we jump into the solutions
Let’s talk about why this is so important. Dogs are social creatures; they thrive on interaction, play, and engagement.
When left alone for extended periods, many dogs can experience separation anxiety or become bored. Bored dogs often find their own “fun,” which might include chewing on your favorite shoes, digging up the garden, or barking non-stop at the mailman.
But beyond avoiding the destruction of your home, keeping your dog entertained while you’re at work is vital for their mental health. Just like us, dogs need mental stimulation to keep their brains active. A tired dog is a happy dog, and a dog that’s mentally engaged is less likely to develop behavioural issues like excessive barking or anxiety.
In today’s busy world, many of us have to work long hours, which often means spending time with our dogs for a quick game is difficult. This can lead to a variety of problems if not managed properly.
Dogs left alone for long periods without adequate stimulation can become anxious, depressed, or even develop destructive behaviours as a way of coping with their loneliness. It’s a situation no pet owner wants to face, but it’s one that’s entirely preventable with the right strategies.
Creative Ways to Keep Your Dog Busy While You’re at Work
Puzzle Toys: Engage Your Dog’s Brain
Let’s start with one of the most effective tools: puzzle toys. These aren’t just regular toys; they’re designed to challenge your dog’s brain and keep them occupied for hours. Puzzle toys come in various forms, from treat-dispensing balls to intricate toys that require problem-solving skills to release a reward.
Treat dispensing toys like the classic Kong or more complex puzzle feeders can keep your dog busy as they work to get to the food inside. You can stuff a Kong with canned pumpkin, peanut butter, or even their regular food, and freeze it for a longer-lasting treat. The process of licking, chewing, and figuring out how to get to the tasty treat inside is great for keeping your dog’s brain engaged.
For dogs that are new to puzzle toys, start with something simple and gradually increase the difficulty level as they get the hang of it. This way, they’ll stay challenged and interested over time.
Puzzle toys are especially effective because they tap into your dog’s natural instincts to hunt and forage. In the wild, dogs would spend a significant portion of their day searching for food. By using toys, you’re replicating this experience, giving your dog a task that satisfies their innate need to work for their food. This not only keeps them entertained but also provides a sense of accomplishment, making your dog feel useful and engaged.
For a more ideas, consider a puzzle feeder that requires your dog to slide pieces or press levers to access their food. This not only slows down their eating, which is healthier for them, but also keeps them mentally stimulated for longer periods. You can even rotate different toys throughout the week to keep things fresh and exciting for your pup.
Interactive Toys: Fun and Engagement All Day Long
Interactive toys are another fantastic option for keeping your dog entertained. These toys often involve movement or sound that can captivate your dog’s attention. Some interactive toys mimic the movements of small animals, triggering your dog’s prey drive and encouraging them to chase, pounce, and play.
You can also consider snuffle mats, which allow dogs to use their natural foraging instincts to find hidden treats. A snuffle mat is like a puzzle toy for your dog’s nose; it’s a great way to provide mental stimulation and keep them occupied.
Interactive toys are particularly useful because they provide a form of engagement that’s similar to human interaction, which many dogs crave. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness and dog boredom while you’re away.
One popular type of interactive toy is the automatic ball launcher, which allows your dog likes to play fetch even when you’re not home. These devices can be set to launch a ball at intervals, encouraging your dog to run and fetch, providing both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Some models even allow you to adjust the distance and angle of the launch, so your pup gets a varied experience each time.
Another option for a new toy is an interactive treat-dispensing toy that can be controlled via an app on your phone. You can set the toy to dispense treats at specific times or when your dog completes certain tasks. This not only keeps your dog entertained but also allows you to interact with them remotely, providing a sense of connection even when you’re not physically present.
The Power of Scent Work: Engage Their Nose
Dogs experience the world primarily through their noses, so why not tap into that natural ability with some scent work games? You can create a scent trail using treats or toys, encouraging your dog to follow their nose around the house. Hide treats in different rooms or under furniture, turning their day into a fun treasure hunt.
Scent work is incredibly engaging for dogs and can keep them occupied for hours as they search for their hidden treasures. Plus, it’s a great way to tire them out mentally, leaving you with a happy dog at the end of the day.
New to scent work?
If you’re new to scent work, start with simple games like hiding treats in plain sight, and gradually make it more challenging as your dog’s skills improve. You’ll be amazed at how this simple activity can transform your dog’s day.
To create a scent trail, start by placing a treat at the beginning of the trail, then place additional treats at intervals along the path. You can lead the trail through different rooms, under furniture, or even outside if you have a safe, enclosed space. As your dog follows the scent, they’ll be rewarded with a treat at each stop, encouraging them to keep searching.
Use Technology to Stay Connected
We live in a digital age, so why not use technology to keep your dog entertained while you’re at work? Pet cameras are a great way to check in on your dog throughout the day. Some even come with treat dispensers, so you can give your dog a little snack and some praise even when you’re not home.
Interactive pet cameras allow you to talk to your dog, and some models even have games or laser pointers that you can control remotely. This way, you can interact with your dog and keep them engaged even from the office. It’s a simple way to provide some human interaction and ensure your dog knows they’re not alone.
One of the biggest challenges of leaving your dog alone while you’re at work is the sense of separation. Pet cameras help bridge that gap, allowing you to stay connected with your dog even when you’re miles away. The ability to see and talk to your dog can provide reassurance for both of you, reducing feelings of loneliness and separation anxiety.
For tech-savvy pet owners, consider setting up a smart home system that allows you to control your dog’s environment remotely. You can use smart plugs to turn on a fan, play music, or even activate a toy, all from your phone. This way, you can adjust your dog’s environment based on their needs throughout the day, ensuring they stay comfortable and entertained.
Create a Doggy Playlist or Use White Noise
Music isn’t just for humans—many dogs find comfort in soothing sounds. You can create a doggy playlist with calming music or nature sounds to play while you’re away. Classical music or specially designed pet relaxation tracks can help reduce separation anxiety and create a peaceful environment for your dog.
Alternatively, white noise machines can drown out outside noises that might cause your dog to bark or become anxious. The constant background noise can be very comforting, particularly for dogs that are sensitive to loud sounds or who live in busy areas.
The idea of using music or white noise to keep your dog calm and entertained while you’re at work is rooted in the concept of auditory enrichment.
Just as certain types of music can have a calming effect on humans, the same is true for dogs. Studies have shown that classical music, in particular, can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs, making it an excellent choice for your doggy playlist.
Playlists
You can find playlists specifically designed for dogs on streaming platforms like Spotify or YouTube. These playlists typically feature classical music, nature sounds, and other calming tracks that help create a relaxing atmosphere for your dog. The repetitive, slow tempo of classical music is thought to mimic the rhythm of a resting heart, which can have a soothing effect on dogs.
For dogs that are more anxious or reactive to sounds, white noise can be a great option. White noise machines produce a consistent background sound that can help drown out sudden noises, like traffic or neighbors, that might cause your dog to bark or become anxious. This steady sound can create a sense of calm and help your dog feel more secure while you’re away.
For dogs with separation anxiety, playing music or white noise can be a helpful part of a larger strategy to ease their anxiety. Pair it with other calming techniques, like using a Thundershirt or providing a safe, cozy space, to create a comforting environment for your dog while you’re away.
Rotate Your Dog’s Toys to Keep Them Interested
Just like kids.. and me, dogs can get bored of playing with the same toys every day. A simple way to keep your dog’s interest is to rotate their toys regularly. Keep a few of their favorite toys out, and then swap them out with different ones every few days. This keeps the toys feeling fresh and exciting, giving your dog something new to play with regularly.
You can also hide toys around the house or yard, encouraging your dog to play fetch or engage in a little scavenger hunt. Hiding toys not only provides mental stimulation but also taps into their natural hunting instincts.
Toy rotation is a simple yet effective way to keep your dog entertained and engaged while you’re at work. By periodically introducing “new” toys, you can maintain your dog’s interest and prevent boredom. This strategy works particularly well for dogs that are easily bored or have a large collection of toys.
To implement a toy rotation system, start by gathering all of your dog’s toys and sorting them into groups. Each group should contain a mix of different types of toys, such as chew toys, plush toys. Every few days, swap out the toys your dog has been playing with for a new set from one of the other groups. This way, your dog always has access to a variety of toys, but the selection feels fresh
Rotating toys
Rotating toys is also a great way to extend the life of your dog’s toys, as they’ll be less likely to get bored and start chewing or destroying them. Plus, it keeps your dog’s playtime exciting and ensures they always have something fun to do, even when you’re not home.
Engage Their Chewing Instincts with Chew Toys
Chew toys are a must-have for any dog, especially if they’re going to be home alone for long periods. Chewing is a natural behavior that helps relieve stress and keeps your dog’s teeth healthy. Durable chew toys, like those made from rubber or nylon, can keep your dog occupied and prevent them from chewing on furniture or shoes.
Chewing is an instinctual behavior for dogs, and providing appropriate chew toys is crucial for their mental and physical well-being. Chewing helps keep your dog’s teeth clean and their jaws strong, and it can also be a great way to relieve stress and anxiety. When dogs chew, they release endorphins, which have a calming effect and help reduce feelings of stress.
Extra challenge
For an extra challenge, you can stuff chew toys with treats or smear peanut butter inside. Freeze the toy to make the treat last even longer, providing hours of entertainment. This simple trick not only keeps your dog busy but also provides a satisfying outlet for their chewing instincts.
Set Up a Play Area with Household Objects
You don’t need to spend a fortune on toys to keep your dog entertained. Sometimes, everyday household objects can be just as fun! Set up a play area with items like cardboard boxes, old blankets, or even a plastic kiddie pool filled with balls. Your dog can explore, dig, and play in this space, keeping them busy and happy.
You can also create a busy bucket by filling a sturdy bucket with toys, treats, and other items for your dog to discover. The process of digging through the bucket to find the goodies inside can keep them occupied for quite some time.
Another fun option is to create a digging box using a large container or kiddie pool filled with sand or dirt. Bury toys or treats in the box and let your dog dig them out. This taps into their natural digging instincts and provides a satisfying and mentally stimulating activity. Just be sure to supervise your dog while they’re digging to ensure they don’t ingest any sand or dirt.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on activity, consider setting up a DIY agility course using household items. You can use broomsticks as jumps, hula hoops as tunnels, and pillows or cushions as obstacles. Guide your dog through the course using treats or toys as incentives, and reward them for completing each section. This provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation, and it’s a great way to bond with your dog while keeping them entertained.
Setting up a play area with household objects is a great way to provide variety and enrichment for your dog without spending a lot of money. It encourages exploration, problem-solving, and physical activity, all of which are essential for keeping your dog happy and healthy while you’re at work.
FAQ: Answering Your Common Concerns
Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours?
Yes, a dog can be left alone for 8 hours, but it depends on the dog’s age, breed, and temperament. Adult dogs with proper training and mental stimulation can manage, but it’s essential to ensure they have access to water, a comfortable space, and something to keep them entertained.
How do I keep my dog when working full time? – A Dog walker
Is it possible to balance a full-time job with a dog? Absolutely. It requires planning and resources, like dog walkers, doggy daycare, and interactive toys. Ensuring your dog has plenty of exercise, both mental and physical, is key to keeping them happy and healthy.
Can I leave my dog for 12 hours?
Leaving a dog alone for 12 hours is not ideal. Most dogs need a break after 6-8 hours. If you must be away for this long, hiring a dog walker or arranging for a neighbor to check in can help. Doggy daycare is also a good option for long workdays.
Is it possible to have a dog if you work all day?
Yes, but it requires commitment and planning. Dogs need interaction, exercise, and mental stimulation throughout the day. Using a combination of puzzle toys, hiring help, and ensuring they get plenty of exercise before and after work can make it possible.
Is it cruel to leave a dog alone while at work?
Is it cruel to leave a dog alone all day? Not necessarily, but it can be if they’re left without mental or physical stimulation. Ensuring your dog has toys, a comfortable environment, and breaks during the day can prevent feelings of isolation and dog boredom.
Does my dog get bored when I’m at work?
Yes, dogs can get bored when left alone for long periods. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior, so it’s crucial to provide mental stimulation and interactive activities to keep them engaged.
What can I give my dog while I’m at work?
You can give your dog puzzle toys, chew toys, or treat dispensing toys like stuffed Kongs. These can keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated for hours. Additionally, providing access to their favorite toy and rotating toys can keep them interested.
How do you balance a full-time job with a dog?
Balancing a full-time job with a dog is all about routine and preparation. Ensure your dog gets plenty of exercise before and after work, use pet cameras to check in, and consider hiring help during the day. Interactive toys and puzzles can also keep your dog engaged while you’re away.
What can entertain a dog for hours?
Puzzle toys, chew toys stuffed with treats, and scent work games can entertain a dog for hours. Frozen Kongs or treat dispensers are also great for keeping your dog busy. Additionally, interactive toys and a well-placed snuffle mat can provide extended entertainment.
The end bit
Keeping your dog entertained while you’re at work doesn’t have to be a challenge. By tapping into their natural instincts and providing a mix of physical and mental stimulation, you can ensure they stay happy and engaged throughout the day. From puzzle toys and scent work to hiring a dog walker or using doggy daycare, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog’s mind and body active.
So, as you sip that morning coffee and prepare for your day, take comfort in knowing that your dog is also set for a day of enjoyment and mental stimulation!
