Entertainment

Ways To Keep Your Pooch Entertained When You Are Out Of The House

Dogs have been man’s best friend for millennia, and if you own one, then you know leaving him or her home all by themselves, even if it is for an hour or two can be hard for both you and them. As a loving dog owner, chances are you don’t like your dog getting bored when left alone at home. To ensure that doesn’t happen, here are ten tips on how to ensure your pup stays entertained, happy, and healthy while you are out of the house.

Get your dog a window seat

Dogs love great views; there isn’t a dog breed that doesn’t love seeing what’s going on around them – and that includes pooches that just aren’t meant to be guard dogs. And for most dogs, the best view is one that’s elevated.

Pick a window in your home that offers the best view of your backyard or street and leave the curtains wide open so your pup has a great, unobscured view of the outdoors throughout the day. If your pooch has a favorite bed or blanket, set it by the window sill to encourage them to spend most of their time there. You just might be surprised by the amount of time your dog spends watching the world around them go by as they wait for you to get home.

Hide food around the house

Most dogs love sniffing down treats and food, so before heading out for work, consider scattering/hiding treats around the house for them to find. Try to mix things up a bit so it does not become a routine and your dog will spend a better part of their day scavenging delightful treats.

To make the hide and seek food game even more fun for your dog, consider hiding some of their favorite treats in puzzles for your pup to solve. That way, he or she not only has to use their sense of smell to unearth hidden treats but also their brain as they try to figure out how they’ll release those tasty treats from the puzzle.

Fill a cube of ice with treats

A fun activity for dogs during hot summer days is to fill a bowl with dog treats and water and leave it in a freezer overnight. When heading out for work, leave the treats-laden ice cube out for your pup to enjoy. As it gets hotter and the ice melts revealing the treats. Not only does this allow your dog to enjoy a fun game of patience, but it also allows them to speed things up by licking the ice, helping keep them hydrated and cool on hot days.

Tune in to Dog TV

If you cannot find a good lookout, perch, or window spot for your dog, then TV is another good way to keep him distracted. YouTube for Dogs is a great place to start. However, keep in mind that some dogs are not interested in television.

Keep your dog engaged with puzzles

Dog puzzles usually involve contraptions with hidden treats that dogs have to manipulate to enjoy whatever is inside. A good example is the KONG chew toy, which has a range of difficulties depending on the strength and tenacity of your pup. There are plenty of other options available online and at local pet stores. Take a look at our discount dog toys.

Find them a new family member

Most dogs don’t mind having company to pass time with at home while you are away. And while adopting a second dog means more responsibilities, the right brother or sister for your furball can mean lifelong friendship. However, when looking to adopt a second dog, make sure:

– You go for a dog with similar energy levels or of a similar age as the one you already own

– The dog you pick is well suited to your current dog and your family

– You take the time to train and introduce them to the family before you leave them along with your other pooch.

A majority of pet adoption agencies suggest that you come along with your pooch to the kennel to see how he bonds with the pup you are considering before you commit to adopting him or her. If you’ve been thinking of adopting a new pup, now’s the best time to start your search for the next member of your family.

Take turns pet-sitting with neighbours

If you split shifts or work part-time, then sharing playdates with other dogs in the neighborhood is a good way to keep your pooch exercised and socialized. That allows every dog owner to mind a few neighbourhood dogs during the day. Some of the activities dogs and their owners can participate in include:

– Going for walks

– Playing a variety of games

– Making sure all dogs are hydrated and fed

– Supervising interactions

Taking turns to look after your neighbour’s dogs is one of the best ways to ensure your dog stays entertained and active. Your pup gets an opportunity to socialize with other dogs, and everyone gets to have a chance of spending time with a pack of fun-loving pooches in their home one day a week.

Hire the services of a dog walker

Hiring the services of a dog walker is fast becoming a popular trend, especially amongst urban dwellers. If you have a busy schedule that keeps you at work often, a dog walker can help ensure your dog gets the exercise he needs during the day, so you have plenty of time to bond and play with your dog once you are home. For more on how to hire a reliable and professional dog walker for your pup, click here to read our post on how to hire the right dog walker.

Make peepholes in your back fence

If you have a backyard that borders something interesting like a street or a bush, then you have got the best day’s entertainment for your pup. All that you have to do is drill several muzzle holes and peepholes into the fence so your dog can see out.

Back to top button
Close