Many dog owners lead busy lifestyles nowadays and therefore, cannot guarantee their canine friends the level of physical activity and mental stimulation they require.
Most dogs lie around for several hours each day, waiting for their owners to come back home, which can result in destructive behaviors and a very bored dog.
By giving your dogs something to do when they are at home all alone, you will be preventing them from coming up with their own ways of keeping themselves busy like barking continuously at people, chewing on your clothes or eating anything they find in the rubbish bin.
Here are some simple ways to entertain your dog when you’re not at home, all of which can give you peace of mind and allow your canine companion to enjoy a more enriching time when you are at work.
Table of Contents
1. Interactive Toys
Interactive dog toys don’t have to be expensive. Instead, look for toys that create excitement and a challenge for your pet.
Some dogs are cleverer than others, but interactive dog toys will make it more challenging for smarter or experienced dogs.
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Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Stuff Kong Toy with Peanut Butter
Kong toys are a very popular choice. All you need to do is fill the toy with peanut butter and various dog treats.
To make it more challenging for experienced or clever dogs, put the toy in the freezer. The dog will take more time to get the treats that way, which is highly recommended if your dog requires stimulation for a long period of time.
3. Food Dispensing Toys
In addition to the Kong, you can also find food dispensing toys for your dog. One such example is the Bob-A-Lot, which is a favorite among larger dogs.
4. Dog Water Dispenser
All dogs need plenty of water in order to stay healthy and hydrated through the day.
For some owners, it is more than enough to put out a bowl of water beside the food dish and leave it at that. As far as they are concerned, as long as the water is topped up and accessible, there is no issue with the dog getting enough to drink.
However, there are those that are not keen on the idea of too much standing water left in the home because of the risk of contamination, dust and other irritants. This is where a dog water dispenser is preferable, as they can provide a clean supply of filtered water as the dog requires it.
Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5. Chew Toys
All dogs enjoy chewing. Whether you own an adult dog or a puppy, it is highly recommended to provide your pets with a wide range of attractive and safe chew toys such as Kong, Rawhide, Fresheeze and Next Gen chew toys.
By offering these choices, it will help to keep your favorite possessions untouched.
4. Puzzle toys
Smart dogs may love a simple puzzle. Challenging puzzle toys like the shuffle bone puzzle may require a bit of training for certain dogs, but it is very exciting once it becomes familiar with it.
Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts may also want to make their own puzzle toys for their pets.
Toys to entertain your dogs normally involve some sort of hide-and-seek effect, so get your creative juices flowing.
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- Helps reduce dog anxiety and redirect unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, and digging in a fun and exciting way
Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6. Turn on the Radio or TV
Turning on the TV or radio can provide your pet with some background sounds to get them listening and entertained. It can also help to calm and soothe your dog if they are a bit tense or anxious.
Choose some classical or easy listening music to soothe your dog and offer a calming environment for him.
7. The Petcube
The Petcube is an exciting splurge that offers great entertainment for you and your pet. It allows you to monitor and communicate with your pet from far away through two-way audio and pet camera.
However, be warned that it can get addictive! Other commonly used pet cams include The Furbo and the Nest.
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Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8. Calming Aids
If your dog is particularly anxious whenever you are not at home, you can use calming aids like NaturVet Quiet Moments Plus. Such calming aids have a soothing effect on your pet and allow them to relax while you are at work.
Conclusion
Many people are worried about their canine companions when they are at work, but with a little bit of attention and effort, you can effectively entertain your dogs and keep them happy while you are away from home.
A bored dog is an unhappy dog. They are most likely to become sad, naughty and destructive. For that reason, it is highly recommended to keep your dog entertained while you are away at work or when you intend to be away from home for a long period of time.
