Ever feel worried your pup isn’t getting enough physical exercise and mental stimulation while you are gone during the day? Balancing the demands of work or school with the needs of our beloved pets can be challenging but it is possible to do. Being faced with long hours away from home doesn’t mean your dog has to be left bored or anxious. In this post, I am going to explore several strategies and activities that can keep your dog stimulated and happy while you are away. Follow this guide and you shouldn’t ever have to worry about your pup being home alone again.
1. Interactive Toys and Puzzles
Interactive toys and puzzles are an excellent way to keep your dog’s mind engaged and provide them with mental stimulation while you are not home. These are designed to challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills and keep them entertained for hours while also providing treats and prizes for solving the puzzles. These types of toys include:
- Puzzle feeders
- Treat dispensers
- Hide and slide toys
These toys can help alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behaviors caused by pent-up energy or frustration. They can stimulate your dog’s natural foraging instincts by challenging them to figure out how to access hidden treats and food. I would recommend getting multiple interactive toys so that you can rotate them regularly to prevent boredom. Opting for toys that offer varying levels of difficulty can also help to prevent boredom and frustration.
2. Hide and Seek Games
Hide and seek games are not just for kids – they can be a great way to engage your dogs when they are home alone. My dog’s favorite activity is when I hide treats and toys around the house before I leave for class. One piece of advice for this is to start by doing it while you are home and encouraging your dog to find the treats, praising them when they do. Hide treats and toys in accessible spots that are easy to find in the beginning. You can gradually increase the difficulty of hiding spots as your dog becomes more proficient. These games engage your dog’s natural scavenging instincts and encourage them to use their sense of smell to locate hidden treasures. By incorporating this activity into your dog’s daily routine can provide them with valuable mental exercise and enrichment while you are away from home.
3. Interactive Webcam or Treat Dispenser
Using an interactive webcam or treat dispenser allows you to connect with your dog from anywhere you are and also provide enrichment for them. These can be a convenient way to check on your dog while also engaging with them remotely. This can grant you peace of mind and reassurance that your pup is okay while you’re busy with work or school.
- Interactive Webcams
Webcams allow you to monitor your dog’s activities via live video streaming. It is best to set up your webcam in a location within your home that is a common hangout spot for your dog. You can also get webcams that feature two-way audio communication to allow you to help alleviate separation anxiety in your dog.
- Treat Dispensers
These devices dispense treats or food at scheduled intervals or upon command. Some feature webcams so you can watch your pup and reward them for good behavior while you are gone. Others have buttons that you can place around your house so your dog can search for the button and then run back to retrieve a treat after they press it.
These items can have many options and different features so make sure to consider factors such as video and audio quality, treat dispensing options, and compatibility with electronic devices.
4. Enrichment Activities
Enrichment activities are the best way to engage your dog’s senses and instincts, keeping them entertained while you’re away. These can provide your pet with opportunities for exploration, problem-solving, and sensory stimulation. One way to provide enrichment is by stimulating the sense of smell. This can be done with hide and seek games or creating puzzles with hidden treats. A quick and easy puzzle I like to make for my dog is by bundling a towel with treats. This encourages my dog to figure out where the treats are and use problem-solving to unwrap the towel in order to get to the treats inside. This is a great mental workout for your dog. Another enrichment activity I find very effective is frozen treats and lick mats. If your dog enjoys licking themselves, this activity has two benefits: redirecting urges to lick, and providing entertainment and stimulation. This activity can be a very rewarding and enjoyable sensory experience for your dog. Now these are just activities I have found helpful, there are many, many other ways to keep your dog stimulated at home through enrichment activities. You can DIY these activities very easily but there are also lots of toys you can buy to use as well.
5. Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
If you are gone for the entire day, you may want to consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker who can provide interactive playtime and enrichment for your dog. When you hire a pet sitter or dog walker, you’re not just investing in someone to let your dog out for a bathroom break. You are providing your dog with socialization when you can’t be around and engagement that enriches their day. Play or walk sessions help burn off excess energy and provide physical exercise. This regular exercise promotes health for years to come. With a pet sitter, there is the opportunity for interactive activities that challenge your dog’s cognitive abilities, keeping their mind sharp. It isn’t necessary to hire someone to stay all day, every day. Having someone that just stops by for short periods of time can be just as effective.
Remember that keeping your dog mentally stimulated while you’re away at work or school is essential for their overall well-being and happiness. By incorporating one or many of the methods in this post, you can ensure that your beloved pet remains mentally engaged and entertained, even when you’re not around. Always keep in mind your dog’s individual needs and abilities.
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