It is a challenge that many of us encounter. What to do with our pets when we are not at home.
While many pets will behave well when left alone at home, taking some precautionary measures isnât bad, after all. This will ensure that your dog is not bored or restless when youâve left the house and also give you peace of mind.
Below youâll find 7 ways to keep your dog entertained while you are away.
Table of Contents
1. Leave the TV On
Leaving your TV on is a great way to keep your dog entertained while you are not at home. If you go through the channels on your TV, youâll find a DogTV specifically designed for dogs or even carton channels that will keep your dog entertained.
When your dog sees or hears other animals on the TV, he will be entertained. But you should not do this every day, as your pet may get bored. This tactic may not work on all dogs as some are oblivious to TVs and they ignore them no matter what is on.
2. Let Your Dog Sit Near the Window
Just like us, dogs enjoy a good view. Leave your dog on a spot where they can enjoy the outside view so they can see what is going on the outside. This will not only keep them entertained but also enable them to be familiar with the happenings in the neighborhood.
Before you leave your house, open the curtains in your home so that your dog can see what is going on in your backspace. If your dog is small, set a cushion by the window to allow him to see through the window comfortably. Make sure the windows are securely closed and there is no risk of your pet falling.
3. Use Some Toys
The use of chew toys is an excellent way to keep your dogâs mind occupied when you are not around. There are many fun toys for dogs to choose from, and so be sure to introduce new toys to your dog from time to time so that he is not bored. This does not, however, mean that you should buy new toys every day but rather find ways to make the toys fun and engaging.
You can achieve this by rotating the existing toys. You can put some toys away for a certain period while leaving others. This makes your dog forget the old toys for a while and remain entertained.
4. Take Your Dog to Daycare
Sometimes youâll want to leave your dog in a place where they will receive proper care. In that case, you might want to consider taking your dog to a pet daycare. If your dog is social, then he will enjoy this place.
However, do your homework to understand what services and activities are offered for dogs by various daycares. Visit the daycare so you can get a feel of the facility and the staff before deciding whether it is the right place for your dog. You can also go with your dog to see how they react.
5. Hire A Dog Walker
Another excellent way to prevent your dog from being bored is to hire a dog walker. Dog walkers are popular among many people in the US. It is a cost-effective way to make your dog feel that he is not alone when youâre away.
Your dog walker will come to your house every day, or as youâve agreed to take your dog for a walk in the neighborhood. Your dog walker will help your dog do exercises during the day so they can remain entertained.
If your dog struggles with loneliness, a walk outside will help take their minds off things and decrease their chances of engaging in bad behavior. But, be sure to ask questions so you can hire a dog walker who is a good fit for your dog.
6. Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Dogs love sniffing down food and treats. Therefore, before leaving your house, scatter some treats in hidden places around the house. This will help your dog embark on a scavenger hunting game. Your dog will use his senses to find the rewards in the hidden spots.
Be sure to hide small amounts of treats, not too much. Also avoid hiding these treats in places where your dog likes to hang out, or in areas where your dog canât see them or where they can cause damage to things during their search.
It is also important to clean them more often to avoid rotting or infestation from pests.
7. Use Pet Monitors
You can use gadgets such as Petcube and Nest Cam to watch and even communicate with your pets when youâre away. Whether you want to just check in with your dog or want to monitor any signs of bad behavior, you can use the camera linked to your phone to achieve that.
Some gadgets used to monitor pets also come with treat dispensers and laser toys that allow you to engage with your dog anytime, no matter where you are.
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