"Is my dog still at home?" "Did he poop on the exotic cushions I left out?" "Are my makeup products still there where I left them?"
The laptop
is right in front of you, but you can't work on the report. Instead, your mind
is wandering about your precious poodle's activities.
With
busier lives and a more globalized world, dog owners can't stay at home all the
time. It gets more challenging to keep the dog occupied from a distance. Being
a parent is never easy, especially if you're to the puppy-eyed one!
You should
know that it's possible for you not to feel guilty for leaving your dog at
home. In fact, there are ways to keep dogs entertained while at work.
From dog
daycare to dispensing chew toys, there are various resorts to keep your furry
friend busy and pet parents at ease.
Before
your mind goes back to the anxiety/guilt zone, take a stroll down the solution
lane!
Why Do You Need to Keep Your Dog Busy?
Your dog
always has you, but what can they do once you leave for work? The lack of
mental stimulation and your absence can make your dogs resort to different to
keep themselves entertained. While you might be swamped with work, your dog has
nothing to do, and that takes a toll on them.
As much as
you love to pamper them with toys, excessive downtime can do more bad than good
to your dogs. Without enough mental stimulation, your dog's head goes straight
to nuisance.
That's not
it. A busy dog is a happy dog. Here's why!
The Tango of Destruction
Most dogs
don't know how to get their dose of dog pheromones without their pet parents
around. A bored dog can create a nuisance in your house that you must clean up
after returning.
Moreover,
many dogs deal with separation anxiety, and to curb it, they'll find a way with
the objects in the home.
The
pent-up energy and boredom can lead to excessive barking, chewing, digging, and
other destructive activities. It would help keep your dog's mind occupied to
stop the harmful habit formation.
The Entertainment with Fun Activity
Whether
it's a new pup you have or an old canine, the entertainment needs to go on for
your dog's physical and mental fitness. You need to keep up with your pets'
brain activity, from interactive dog toys to a scavenger hunt.
The fun activity
keeps your dog's behavior in check while letting you carry on with busy lives.
The Better Behavior Awaits
From
bullying other dogs to barking without a stop, the dogs' behavior can be
anything once they lose interest. A mentally challenging fun hunting keeps your
dog happy and active and much farther from the separation anxiety.
Call it a
play date with the other dog or a training session with toys. Everything boils
down to using the energy for dog pheromone. A tired dog is always a better
option than an anxious dog.
What Can the Dog Owners Do to Keep Them Entertained?
If you
ever had to leave work to rush home with the neighbor's complaint, you know how
destructive a lonely dog can get. Not only do dogs love attention, but they
also find it difficult to be by themselves.
Imagine
how much of a wreck your house will be without a way to keep your dog entertained. Or worse, with two dogs in the house.
Keeping
your dogs in a lease is not an option. Else, you run the risk of turning them
excessively irritated and aggressive.
Here's how
a dog owner can be a paw-rfect pet parent!
Bring in the TV!
At the
risk of running low on great ideas, your television can be your savior for when
you're at work. The TV's sound and the constant movement of the pictures keep
your dog's brain occupied.
In fact,
watching Animal Planet or listening to classical music can help your anxious
dog soothe quickly. The chitter-chatter on the screen will keep your dog
occupied for long!
Track the Shenanigans!
Whether
it's your dog bouncing on the sofa or playing tug with your carpet, everything
can be on record. Literally!
Once you
have installed a Furbo dog camera, every footprint is under your supervision.
Your dog can get into an accident or have a choking hazard. Of course, you
can't stop your dog in a remote setting, but you can take help from a family
member living nearby if any emergency arises.
Dispense the Joy!
Once
you're out of your home, your dog can't even inform you about what it needs.
Imagine hot summer days and your dog's bowl running out of water. The thought
in itself sends chills down the spine.
Having treat
dispensers or water distributors can help your dog satisfy the hunger pangs
even when you're away. In fact, you can use the dispensers for ice melts on hot
days for your dog.
The
dispenser will come in handy to care for the pups if you have a lactating
mother of dogs in the house.
On With The Kong!
Whether
it's a puppy looking for something to chew or a restless dog at home, a kong is
the best way to keep your dog busy. From keeping a frozen kong or playing hide
and seek with dog treats, there are s many great ideas you can use for your
pup.
You can
turn a kong into a puzzle toy for your new furry friend and hide it on your way
to work. Sniffing and searching for the chew toy will keep your dog plenty
busy.
Get a Play Date for Your Dog!
The only
interaction your dog gets to have shouldn't be with you. Your dogs need socialization, and that's why a pup date with your friends or a family member
can help ease the anxiety.
A soothing
view or a chew toy can keep your dogs entertained until they lose interest. An
outing with a dog walker or your friend can keep your pup busy.
On a side
note, you can bring your pup to doggy daycare to keep your dog busy.
Hire a Dog Walker!
Your pup
needs to be around people after spending some alone time. If you know that your
dog likes company, it's best to hire dog walkers to care for your furry
companion.
Dog
walkers ensure that your pup gets the most comfortable environment and
entertainment to keep the dog busy. You can even leave the pup in doggy daycare
with some of the favorite toys that your dog will love.
Dog
walking helps the pup get the desired external stimulation to keep your dog
entertained. Who doesn't like a walk in nature's lap?
Make Your Dog Work for Own Toys!
Your pup
spends a lot of time lying around in the dog home with nothing to do. Some
training to bring obedience and value to the toys it gets can keep the dog
entertained and disciplined.
You can
train the dog with a random new toy if he follows your direction to sit in the
dog home. A simple session of impulse check or the routine to play fetch keeps
many dogs under control and active.
Play Puzzle Games with Your Dog!
The wiser
you want your dog to get, the harder you'll have to train him. You can make
your buddy's brain exercise with some puzzle toys. It might take your dogs some
time to figure out, but it'll keep them entertained and proactive.
Treat
dispensing toys to your dogs will incentivize them to work the brain harder.
Get Creative with New Toys!
Whether
it's ice treats or hiding dog's toys, it'll become tough to keep your dog
entertained after a while. You'll need exciting ideas to keep the dogs
stimulated enough.
You can
get various treats from your local pet store and create a puzzle basket. You
can leave toys at the bottom of it and fill it up with layers of treats as per
your dogs' taste. You can customize the basket with layered openings if you
have a small dog.
Teach Your Dog to Relax!
You can't
know when you have to rush out of the house, and your dog will have separation anxiety. That's why proper training teaches your pup how to stay by themselves
in your absence. The older dogs without parents find it challenging to stay in
an empty house, even for a brief while.
It would
be best to keep your dogs' nervousness and overactivity in check. You can use
some essential oils on your pup's bedding the night before to soothe the
anxiety.
You can
even give them the chew toys specially designed to lower the restlessness.
Factors to Consider Before Leaving Your Dog at Home
Some dogs
don't create any troubles even when alone, while others can get distressed,
anxious, or aggressive.
It's
really easy to figure out a change in your puppy's behavior. When stressed out,
your dog will:
• Whine,
howl and bark more frequently.
• Scratch
and chew on furniture, surfaces, and clothes.
• Binge
eat and urinate more often.
• Try
running away.
It's not
an easy sight to see your favorite buddy getting troubled like this.
You can
avoid such events from becoming a part of a dog's behavior with a little bit of
caution.
Other than
the need to ensure that the health of the dog is not at stake when you're at
work, here're a few tips before leaving your dog alone.
Physiological Aspects
Your dog's
health issues and age play a massive role in deciding whether they can live all
alone. Any sudden ailment can spring up while you're away that can cost your
pup life. It's best to analyze the situation while still in the house.
With old
age, many dogs find it difficult even to walk properly. Taking help from a dog
walker is your best bet to keep your dog entertained in these situations.
Feeding Time and Potty Breaks
If you
haven't already created a schedule for regular bowel movements for your dog,
you might find it difficult to leave him alone. You need a supervisory presence
to provide dog treats to your pup. Moreover, your house will be a stink-fest in
a situation like this.
Training and Socialization
From
yelping to tearing the curtains apart, your dog learns how to behave the way
you train them. Whether you decide to go strict or applaud with the treats that
your dogs love, their behavior depends on the early training they received.
Moreover,
you can't keep your dog locked indoors. Even the fiercest of the pups learn from socialization. From fighting for the toys to growling at each other, your
dog develops its instincts by huddling with others.
In a Nutshell
Whether
it's a new toy or going in circles after their tails, a dog is a creature of
constant stimulation. You'll never find a puppy at rest wherever you'll see.
Even if they aren't moving, you can always trace mischief in their cute little
eyes.
It's a
challenge to keep your dog busy when they're with you 24*7. The task becomes
tedious once you're out of the house. Not only can you see your pup scratching
at the door but also howling for you to hug them. It can melt even the most
hard-hearted ones.
As bright
as your fur buddy is, the slightest of separation can make its behavior worse.
Granted, you can leave them with toys, but it takes more than just an object to
keep your dog entertained. With regular practice sessions and innovative ideas,
you can let your dog’s stay home alone, guilt-free.
What are
you waiting for? Your dog deserves the entertainment!
