We reveal the best ways to prevent your dog from destroying the house when left alone and top tips on how to entertain your pup while you’re at work.
How to Keep Your Dog Entertained While At Work
Imagine coming home from work to find your dog has destroyed a number of important documents or perhaps found its way into the kitchen cupboards. Whether you’re a new dog owner or not, knowing how to keep a dog entertained while at work is key to keeping your home in order. In this blog post, we are going to reveal the best things to keep dogs busy while left alone at home and some top tips for those with a more curious and chew-prone pup!
Should You Keep Your Dog at Home Alone?
Before thinking about how to entertain a dog home alone, it’s important to consider whether your dog should be left in the first place. Typically you should consider the following factors when leaving your dog home alone:
- Age
- Health condition and issues
- Separation anxiety
- Training and behavior
- Potty breaks
- Feeding times
- Exercise and activity
- Socialization
- Other animals in the house ¹
For instance, if you adopt a rescue dog that isn’t used to being left for more than a couple of hours, you should start by leaving them for a short while and build up the time they’re alone. You could also ask a friend or relative that the dog knows well to drop by and check on them while you’re away to help relieve any anxiety that they might be feeling.
If your dog is destroying the house when left alone, it could be due to a number of reasons;
1: Your pup is trying to communicate with you that they are bored
2: They are experiencing separation anxiety
3: If you have a puppy, they may be prone to biting and chewing due to teething
Five Suggestions to Keep Dogs Busy at Home
Whether you have a new pup or a senior dog, being kept at home for long hours during the day can lead to anxiety and stress. Not to mention feeling lonely and bored. That’s why as a dog owner, investing in toys for bored dogs at home is so important. But there are alternative ways to keep your pup occupied while indoors!
1: Always Walk Your Pup Before Going to Work
Depending on what time you have available, taking your dog for a walk in the early hours of the morning will give you a triple load benefit. Firstly, you will be able to create much-needed bonding time with your dog. Secondly, your dog can enjoy a great workout before they’ll be enjoying a day indoors, and thirdly, they can relieve themselves preventing any little accidents at home. After a good walk or even run, your pup will more than likely be tired and ready for a nap by the time you head out for work.
2: Invest in an Automated Dog Feeder
Since you will not be home, an automated feeder will be responsible for dispensing food and water so your canine companion doesn’t run out of their essential supply. A hungry dog will often give into the temptation of chewing furniture, shoes, and anything else they lay their paws on! We offer a WIFI automated dispenser to keep dogs at home well fed and watered. With this handy device, you can control how much food your dog has to munch on while you’re away at work.
Treat Them To New Dog Toys
Another top tip and how to keep a dog entertained while at work is to reward them with a selection of new toys. Choosing interactive dog toys will ensure your pup will have plenty to chew on and play with without your personal possessions becoming part of the fun!
4: Dog Proof Your Home
This may sound a little obvious, but dog-proofing your home is a proactive way to prevent your pup from getting up to no good while you’re away. Plus, dog-proofing will also remove any potentially hazardous items being left lying around, which could either harm or hurt your pet. Start by sweeping the area and identifying any possible dangers for your dog. Then, consider setting up a cozy corner where your dog can relax and take a nap. By assigning your pup their own ‘den’ that is safe, warm and comforting will help ease any anxiety they may have when you’re not there.
5: Use Technology To Keep An Eye on Them
Finally, you can use technology such as CCTV cameras and baby monitors to always be able to check on your pup in real-time. Not only will this put your mind at ease while your dog is home alone, but with some devices, you can also interact with your pet via video or voice call. Technology can really help to break down the ‘unknown’ when leaving your dog at home for long periods of time.
What To Avoid When Leaving A Dog At Home
- Don’t forget to prepare for your dog’s needs before dashing out, even if you are late for work! This means that no matter what happens your dog will always have access to fresh food and water.
- Don’t stay out late without checking in on your pup and giving them the opportunity to use the bathroom. Your dog knows your routine, and even small changes can cause a lot of stress, anxiety and fear for your pet.
- Don’t forget to provide the necessary training for your dog. If they are left alone, they must learn to behave. Start by leaving them for one hour, and then slowly increase the time to help them adjust.
For things to keep dogs busy at home, feel free to explore our online collection of plush dog bedding and cushions, interactive dog toys, automatic feeders and high-quality grooming essentials. Show your pup that you are always thinking of them while at work and that their needs are your top priority!