7 Tips to Keeping Your Dog Happy While Away at Work

Is there such a thing as “pet parent guilt?” If not, there should be! Much like “mom guilt,” pet parents might feel a sense of sadness when having to leave their furry friends behind while away at work. So what can you do to help your “canine child” pass the time?

How can you keep your dog happy so they don’t sit around counting down the hours until you walk back in the door? In other words, how can you keep them happy while you’re away at work? Here are some of our top tips to keep your pup busy while you are away at work!

Give Them Plenty of Exercise Before Leaving

Essentially, wear them out! (in the best way) Remember, a tired dog is a much calmer dog. When you physically and mentally stimulate them, they are less likely to experience anxiety when left alone. As dogs burn off excess energy, they’re less likely to engage in destructive behaviors like barking, chewing on furniture, or scratching/digging.

In other words, they’ll be more inclined to rest and will behave better when you’re away. If this isn’t a feasible option for you, consider getting a dog walker to help. Allowing your pup to be around other people, while having human interaction, is a good way to keep them happy!

Doggie Daycare

Speaking of human interaction, something else to consider is “doggie daycare!” If you have a busy schedule, (or prefer not to leave your dog at home unattended) this may be the perfect option for you! Some dogs thrive on interaction, whether it be with other humans or other dogs, so this might be a great way to keep them happy, even if it’s just for a few days a week!

You can drop your fur-children off for a fun day of playing, and by the time you pick them up, they’re tired and ready to rest with you on the couch. Gotta love that! If you have a high-energy dog, this could be especially beneficial. Some dog owners may argue the price tag isn’t worth it, but for others, the rewards certainly outweigh the cost!

Chew Toys

This may seem like an obvious tip, but chew toys are crucial to keeping dogs entertained… and busy! If you don’t want your furniture or shoes chewed on, have a stockpile of chew toys ready to go – and rotate them, too! Much like kids, dogs can lose interest in having the same toys around all the time.

So, rotate them! This way, your dog thinks he’s gotten something new, or at least, it’ll be “new to him!” Remember, mental stimulation is key, and having different chew toys for your furry companion to choose from is bound to keep him busy and happy!

Turn on the Television (or Music)

When I was a kid, I remember my mom leaving the TV on for our Black Lab, Maggie, whenever we would be gone for an extended time. Maggie needed a gentle reminder that she wasn’t “totally alone,” and hearing voices in the background while seeing something visually, seemed to help her.

This could be an easy solution, especially for dogs that get bored easily. Some dogs enjoy watching television, and with today’s technology, you could even turn on a YouTube channel designed specifically for dogs – to help keep them relaxed! Think videos of other dogs, birds, cats, squirrels – you get the picture!

If your dog is prone to separation anxiety, consider classical music to help keep them calm. This form of entertainment could be an easy and effective solution to keep their minds busy and your mind at peace!

Install a Dog Camera

Say, what?! Yes, what about a dog camera? Stay with me here. There are cameras on the market that allow you to see, talk, and even toss treats to your dog from anywhere. (Yes, some pet cameras come with a treat dispenser, and you can get them a treat all with just a click from your phone.)

You get to monitor and interact with your dog while you’re away, putting you both at ease and providing peace of mind while you’re away. Another plus? If you notice something concerning via the camera, you can take action immediately, and contact a pet sitter or vet. Gotta love that!

Treat Dispensers

If you have a dog camera, as mentioned above, you may have a treat dispenser that you can dispense with the push of a button from your phone, but if you don’t, why not install a dispenser that takes some work for your dog to get a treat, himself?

Treat Dispensers can help reduce anxiety by giving your dog a job to focus on and providing extra physical activity, helping to tire him out. It’s healthier for dogs to eat food more slowly than to gulp it, so skip the traditional “boring bowl” and opt for a treat dispenser instead! Motivating and engaging, all at once!

Scavenger Hunt

Ready, set, go! Let your dog “hunt” for his food by creating an at-home scavenger hunt! All you need to do is hide bits of your dog’s meals around the house – in their doggy bed, under blankets, behind pillows, that sort of thing (safe places only)!

Triggering your dog’s instinct to search will engage him mentally and get him moving! As your dog starts to search for something to get into, he’ll be surprised to find a hidden treat, while keeping his boredom at bay. Fun for you, and fun for them, too! 

Bonus Tip: Bring Your Dog to Work

In a perfect world, every day at work would be “Bring Your Dog to Work Day,” but sadly, that’s not the case. Who wouldn’t want to stay home from work to play and cuddle with their dog all day?! But with expenses and bills to pay, that inevitably means your dog will need to spend some time at home while you’re away.

Remember, a busy dog is a good dog, and keeping your dog entertained will keep you, as its owner, feeling better, too. So go on, try these tips and see how they work for you! We’re confident the result will be a happy dog and an even happier home!