How To Keep Your Dog Happy While You’re At Work

Neighbors complaining that your dog is barking too much while you’re gone? Dogs can bark for all kinds of reasons but a common one is boredom. Most dogs need lots of activity – both physical and mental. Otherwise, they can get bored and get into all kinds of trouble like barking too much. Here are some easy ways to help keep your dog (and your neighbors!) happy.

Surprisingly, mental activity can be tiring to your dog, just like physical exercise can, so be sure to use a mix of physical exercise and mental exercise.

Make eating fun! Feed your dog using food puzzles and/or use treat dispensing toys like food cubes. In the warm weather, try freezing popsicles for your dog made of chicken broth and treats (Make sure the broth is free of onions and other harmful ingredients.) You can also use interactive treat dispensing items like the Petcube, which includes a live video feed and laser toy, or the Turbo, which allows you to dispense treats remotely.

Let your dog sniff. People often want to move their dog along on their walk, but so much of a dog's senses involves sniffing. It's one primary way they take in information and is another form of mental stimulation.

Explore new places. Do you take your dog out for a walk before you go to work? Why not explore new neighborhoods or trails?

Give your dog something to watch. Some dogs will get overly excited and bark when people or dogs go by the window or the fence. Using a privacy fence or putting the blinds down can help. Give your dog something else to focus on while you’re out. There is even TV programming for dogs.

Keep teaching your dog new tricks. Spend 10-15 minutes a day teaching your dog new things. Even short sessions teaching your dog basics like learning sit, stay, and down can engage your dog’s mind and helps tire them out. Check out positively.com for videos - and be sure to reward your dog with good treats (think cheese, chicken, or hot dog pieces) when they do what you want!

Hire a dog walker. For most dogs, running around the yard isn't enough for exercise. Remember, a tired dog is a happy dog! Getting a little extra exercise during the day or having extra playtime can help your dog get out excess energy.

Get a playmate! Is your dog alone during the day? You might consider getting him another dog to play with, or if that’s not a good option for you, doggy daycare could be an option (if your dog likes the company of other dogs). There are even day care services that will pick up/drop off your dog for you and take them to play dates!

Switch out toys. Like us, dogs get bored doing the same thing every day. Try swapping out different toys for your dog to play with.

Offer dog chews. You may have noticed that if you don’t give your dog something to chew, he’ll chew on something you don’t want him to - like your new pair of shoes! Talk with your local pet shop about safe chew toys for your dog.

[photo courtesy of Scott Feldstein]