The thought of leaving your dog at home is a tough one. You want to spend as much quality time with them as possible, but the adults have to work, and the kids have to go to school. It isn’t easy leaving your pup at home. But we have a few tips and helpful info about what to consider when leaving your dog home alone.
How do I entertain my dog when alone?
The key to leaving your dog home alone while you’re at work is to keep them busy. We love food dispenser toys because they are entertaining but also mentally stimulating for your pooch. One of our top recommendations to entertain your dog while home alone is the Aussie Home Alone Toy. Dry food is placed in the ball and is randomly dispensed. The dog is entertained by the ball and is also getting the reward of food to keep stimulated. They come in different sizes to suit all dogs. Interactive dog toys are a winner for keeping your dog distracted and busy while you’re away from home. You don’t want your dog going mindless while you are away because this can lead to destruction or obedience issues.
Homemade dog toys to keep them busy
It takes a while to start trusting your dog home alone. Interactive dog toys are great, but they can be expensive. So we have a few DIY options we use for our pups to keep your dog entertained in the yard. Creating a swinging tyre is great for bigger dogs. Placing treats in the tyre will pique their interest and keep them engaged. Make sure the rope is sturdy enough and that there is no way your dog can be injured.
One that will distract them for a big chunk of the day is the ice block method. Freeze some snacks or leftovers in a container of water to create a frozen treat. They will have to lick to get to the treat or wait patiently for it to melt.
Dispersing a container of treats and snacks throughout the garden will mean they have to spend their time hunting for it. This will stimulate their mental activity and keep them excited. Keeping your dog home alone has never been so easy!
Tips to help reduce stress levels when leaving your pet home alone
How you say goodbye to your dog in the morning while you go to work is one of the most vital parts of the process. It is essential to not make a big deal about leaving them. Say goodbye and then make your way out. Giving them too much affection before you leave can increase their anxiety when you’re gone and be detrimental to any attachment issues.
Trying to tire them out in the morning can help them relax while you’re gone. Going for a morning walk or swim at the beach to use up all of that energy they built up overnight. If your pup is full of beans while you’re away for the day they are likely to cause some havoc while home alone.
Dogs can thrive off routine. If you have a regular walking and feeding schedule morning and night, they will know what to expect. If you usually walk and eat in the morning and then do the same at night, when you leave them, they will be confident you are coming back later to finish off their daily routine.
Sometimes it can sound harsh the things we need to do to make the process easier. If it sounds too overwhelming, why not bring your dog to our PawPals girls to keep them entertained a few days a week? Here they can learn to socialise and play with other dogs while building other important skills.
We know the thought of leaving your dog home alone while you’re at work is stressful. If you have any questions or need some guidance, drop us a line and have a chat with one of our team members today. Malaga – 0433839729 Bassendean – 0450358915
