Do you have a dog that stays home alone while you work? Many dog owners feel guilty when they close the front door in the morning leaving their dog behind to spend the day alone. It's true that a dog left without stimulation can become anxious, depressed, or even destructive. That's why it's important to provide sources of stimulation for your homebound dog while you're away. Here are some ways to entertain your dog while you're at work:
1. Tire him out before you leave
One strategy for ensuring your dog doesn't become bored while you're at the office is to give him some fast paced early morning exercise. Humans need exercise as badly as dogs. Get a good pair of walking shoes and take Fido on a brisk walk for at least thirty minutes before you go to work. Not only will your dog feel better, you'll notice some positive changes in your own sense of well being, not to mention your physique.
2. Give him a stimulating chew toy
Many dogs love to chew and can do it for hours. Buy a Kong dog toy and fill it with peanut butter to make it more appealing and challenging for your dog. Your dog will spend many stimulating hours trying to lick every last bit of peanut butter from the inside of that toy. Kongs tend to be safer and more durable than dog bones so you have to worry less about the potential for choking.
3. Enlist the help of a friend
Do you have a friend or neighbor who stays home during the day? Pay them to spend time with your dog on a daily basis. This brief social interaction can relieve the monotony a dog experiences when he stays home alone.
4. Turn on the television
Dogs are more comfortable when they are exposed to sound. Leave the television on when you leave for work to comfort your dog in your absence. Another alternative is to buy a video or DVD that has footage of dogs in action. These videos were designed to keep dogs entertained when their owners aren't around and many dog owners swear by their effectiveness.
5. Add a baby pool
If your dog stays in a fenced in backyard while you're at work, add a small baby pool with shallow water for your dog to stay cool during the summer months. Float a few Kongs in the pool for even more canine entertainment.
6. Doggy day care
Find a local doggy day care in your area and take your dog there on the way to work twice a week. It's a great way to provide socialization for your dog and relieve boredom. Pick your dog up in the evening on the way home from work. If this isn't possible with your schedule, consider having a pet sitter visit your dog during the day twice a week for some playtime.
By finding safe ways to entertain your dog during the day when you can't be at home, you'll have a much happier and better adjusted dog.
