You love your dog. The only problem is that you don’t have a lot of time for them. You feel bad leaving them alone for 8 hours a day while you’re at work.
We’re here to tell you that there are ways to keep your pet entertained while you’re gone. There are plenty of toys out there designed to keep a dog’s mind occupied.
You can also turn on the TV for them and leave little treats for them to find. These are only a couple of dog care ideas that you can get started with. Keep reading for a few more fun activities that will keep your active pooch happy.
- Keep the Walks Coming
Your dog needs a certain amount of exercise every day. While you might not be able to be there for them until the late afternoon, you can still take them out for a walk before you head out.
If you tend to stay at work for longer than 8 hours, you can hire a dog walker to come in and give them a second walk at some point.
- Turn on the TV
Not many people know this, but turning on your TV while you’re gone is a great way to care for a dog. The sounds keep their brains stimulated, and in some cases, the soothing voices of the actors on the screen will calm your pet.
- Hide the Treats
Another great way to keep a dog busy is to create a scavenger hunt of sorts. Hide treats under blankets and cushions. Your pet will spend the entire time searching for them while you’re at work.
After a while, they’ll begin to associate you leaving as a positive rather than a negative. Sure they can’t get snuggles from their human, but they’ll have plenty of treatos.
- Time-Consuming Toys
Time-consuming toys are made to keep a dog entertained while you’re away. They’re toys that you fill with peanut butter and other treats. Your pet will spend hours trying to get its treat out of the contraption.
You can also make your pet work for their lunch by buying a wobbler. When your dog hits the toy with its paw, its kibble will fall out of a small hole. Dogs love it.
- Buy Your Dog a Friend
If you can afford to buy a second dog, get your pet a friend. Doing so will give them someone they can spend time with during the day when they can’t get any attention from you.
See if the shelter will allow you to foster the other dog for a while so you can make sure that it will be a good fit before you commit. If your dog continues to get up to no good while you’re gone, consider dog training.
Dog Care Tips That Will Keep Your Pooch Entertained
No dog likes being left alone all day. It can make them feel so bored and anxious that they tear up your furniture. That’s the last thing that you want.
We hope that you’re able to use these dog care tips to keep your pet entertained while you’re at work. For more pointers that will help you keep your furry friend happy and healthy, visit the Dog section of our blog.