Is Leaving Your Dog at Home While at Work Stressful?
Leaving your dog at home while at work can be tricky for you and your furry companion. You may feel guilty for leaving them alone, while your dog may experience anxiety and stress. However, there are ways to make the transition easier for both of you. In this article, we’ll explore seven ways to keep your canine buddies entertained and happy while you’re away.
1. Hire a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Did you know separation anxiety affects 76% of dogs when left alone, causing many to bark, howl, chew, dig, or escape?
That’s why one of the most beneficial ways to provide your dog with company while you’re away is to hire a pet sitter or professional walker. These individuals can offer the physical exercise your dog needs and give them the companionship and socialization they crave.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional
- Regular physical exercise and mental stimulation can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels.
- They can offer meaningful companionship and socialization, two factors that help animals feel more secure and relaxed.
- They can care for additional needs like feeding, administering medication, and providing potty breaks.
- Doing this will also give you peace of mind, knowing your dog is cared for while you’re away.
Tips for Finding a Reliable and Trustworthy Helper
- Check out online reviews and testimonials. Rover.com is a fantastic website that connects pet owners with local dog walkers and sitters, verified and reviewed by other dog owners.
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your vet. The people you know may have personal experience with some professionals (or know someone who does.)
- Always schedule a meet and greet to ensure you and your dog are comfortable with the professional first; this is an excellent opportunity to ask them questions about their services, availability, and rates.
- Ask to see their certification, insurance, and references. Being away from your dog while you’re at the office can be difficult, so doing this will reassure you they have the necessary skills, qualifications, and protection to look after your pet.
2. Leave Interactive Toys and Puzzles
Having your dog stay home while you’re at your job may leave you wondering if they have enough to occupy their minds. You can keep your dog entertained by leaving interactive toys and puzzles for them to play with.
Benefits of Interactive Toys and Puzzles
- Fun toys and challenging puzzles can give your pup mental and physical stimulation.
- They can help prevent destructive behavior and boredom.
- They can also help improve your dog’s cognitive function, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Recommendations for Types of Interactive Toys and Puzzles
- Treat-dispensing toys can be filled with treats and require your dog to learn how to get to the goodies. You can’t go wrong with a Kong Classic Dog Toy; they are cheap, cheerful, durable, and easy to stuff with bits of kibble, peanut butter, or other tidbits. I sometimes freeze my dog’s Kong Toy for a few hours before giving it to him (an added challenge!)
- Puzzle toys require the solving of a puzzle before getting the treat. You must check out the Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle; it’s an easy way to entertain your dogs for hours (they won’t even notice that you’ve gone to work). All you have to do is place three stuffed squeaky squirrels inside the tree trunk, throw it, and let your dog’s innate hunting abilities take over! If squirrels aren’t your pup’s thing, hedgehogs, bees, and squirrels are in this range, too!
- Scavenger hunt: Hiding toys or treats around the house is an inexpensive and clever way to stimulate your pet’s nose and brain (and burn some energy). Why not make the game more challenging by hiding items in different rooms, under furniture, or inside boxes? You could also use various scents to make it more interesting; for example, spray lavender oil on a toy or rub some cheese on a treat.
- Snuffle mat: These super fun dog training mats allow your pup to find snacks or small toys hidden inside. Bury a few surprises into the fabric before you head out the door. What a great way to keep your dog occupied and avoid boredom while you’re at work!
3. Set up a Dog Camera
Setting up a dog camera is the ultimate way to keep a watchful eye on your pet while you are at work. But did you know these devices can also be pretty entertaining for your dog?
Benefits of a Dog Camera
- The camera lets you remotely check in on your pup and see how they’re doing, providing comfort and reassurance that they are safe and well.
- The device can help you identify any problem behaviors that may be occurring, such as separation anxiety. Some products come with two-way audio, allowing you to talk to and comfort your dog.
- Some later models include treat dispensers, laser pointers, or interactive toys, which allow you to reward, play with, or entertain them, even in your absence!
4. Leave Music or the TV On
Leaving music or the TV on while you’re away can provide background noise and companionship, although it’s important to choose sounds or shows that are calming and soothing. Daytime TV can be risky because loud, harsh, or stimulating sounds may come on suddenly. You want to entertain your pup and keep them happy, not startle or worry them.
Benefits of Certain Music or Television Shows
- Reduce anxiety and stress. Dogs are social animals and may feel lonely or isolated when left alone. Music or TV can create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
- Prevent boredom and destructive tendencies. Suitable music or TV can offer entertainment and variety, especially if they have exciting toys to play with.
- Help mask outside noises that may otherwise cause distress. For example, dogs can feel afraid of thunder, sirens, fireworks, or other dogs barking.
Recommendations for Types of Music or Shows to Play
- Reggae and classical are the best music for dogs with separation anxiety. According to research, reggae may decrease barking and other vocalizations compared to dogs unexposed to music. Classical calms some animals, lowering their heart rate and encouraging them to rest.
- Nature sounds, mainly those of birds, squirrels, etc., can be pleasing and interactive, stimulating natural curiosity and hunting instincts and providing a soothing ambiance.
- Dog-specific videos on YouTube are a fantastic way to engage your pup’s senses and interact with other animals they see on the screen.
5. Make the Space Comfortable and Safe
You want to think ahead about how your pup might feel when you’re away and do a few things to make them feel OK with your leaving. Here’s a quick checklist:
- Provide a cozy bed in a quiet, comfortable space.
- Leave your dog’s favorite toys and chews in his favorite spot.
- Make sure the area is secure and free of hazards.
- Provide plenty of fresh water.
A familiar and comfortable environment can help your dog better cope with separation anxiety and boredom and feel less tempted to destroy your house.
6. Use Adaptil Pheromone Product
Nervousness and worry can significantly affect dog behavior and well-being. To help dogs cope with stress, I use Adaptil, a synthetic pheromone diffuser that mimics mother dogs’ calming signals to their puppies.
Adaptil is fantastic because it can help promote calm and relaxation and reduce signs of distress, such as barking or whining. Please don’t rely solely on this product; use it alongside other methods to keep your pup happy and content while you’re away.
7. Provide Routine and Structure
As pack animals, dogs need clear rules and boundaries to follow. So, providing routine and structure in your pet’s life will deliver a greater sense of predictability and security. As a result, they are more likely to feel relaxed because they know what to expect and when. And they should feel happier about you going to work.
To incorporate this important step into your daily work routine:
- Use a calendar, an app, or a timer to help you stick to a consistent schedule for feeding, potty breaks, and exercise.
- Reward them for exemplary behavior and follow through with consistent training and discipline. Use positive reinforcement techniques, including verbal praise, treats, or toys, as prizes for being calm and obedient all day.
Final Thoughts on Leaving Your Dog at Home While at Work
Many dogs can adjust to spending 8 to 9 hours alone as long as they have enough comfortable space and plenty to occupy their minds. Leaving your dog at home while at work can be made easier by employing a professional dog walker or pet sitter, providing interactive toys and puzzles, setting up an interactive camera, and streaming appropriate music or TV shows. How will you keep your dog entertained and happy while you work?
Sources and Further Reading
- Leaving a Dog Home Alone? Here are 3 Steps to Follow | CCSPCA Let’s take a look at the best ways to leave your friend home alone without having to worry about chewed-up shoes, stains on your carpet, or howling that will likely annoy your neighbors.
- How to Recognize and Solve Doggy Boredom | American Kennel Club Do dogs get bored? Absolutely! Read on to learn the signs of boredom and tons of tips for making sure your dog is getting all the stimulation they need.
- Separation Anxiety | ASPCA One of the most common behavior issues pet parents encounter with their dogs is separation anxiety. If your dog is distressed when you’re not home, learn more about how to train your dog to enjoy, or at least tolerate, being left alone.
- Adaptil for Dogs and Puppies ADAPTIL sends “comforting messages” to help puppies and dogs feel calm and relaxed at all times. Get advice on situations and the best way to use ADAPTIL.
