Working canine mothers and fathers hustle each day to accommodate their fur babies. Unfortunately, that implies leaving those cute bundles of fur home alone for the greater part of the day. The guilt is genuine, and few supervisors will acknowledge, "But my pup is depressed!" as a reason to take the three day weekend. Some puppies handle the solitude during the work week better than others, however that doesn't make leaving any simpler. What makes it somewhat better is realizing you're doing all that you can to improve your puppie's life. Here are a couple of imaginative ideas to engage your puppy amid those long work hours.
#1. Set Them Up For a Snooze
Canines require around 12-14 hours of rest every day, and young pups can rest a noteworthy 18 out of 24 hours. You can't anticipate that your puppy will rest throughout the day if he's worn out. You can help him to feel drowsy amid the day by awakening him to go for a walk. In the event that walks aren't your thing, play a round of sunrise fetch. Yes, you’ll dread your early alarm, but your dog is worth it. He’ll be much more content to sleep after he’s had a chance to tire himself out. You should also invest in a dog bed that’ so comfy, it’ll instantly lull your dog to dreamland.
#2. Turn on the TV
On the off chance that your little guy gets exhausted effortlessly, keeping the TV on might be a simple arrangement. It'll engage your pooch, and hearing a human voice may enable him to feel less alone. As indicated by National Geographic, dogs are fully capable of recognizing the images they see on TV. So if there's a show about animals, they'll see the on-screen little guys and possibly respond like they're in the room. A few canines love sitting in front of the TV and can be engaged by their most loved shows for a considerable length of time. There are even particular channels, as DogTV, that play programs adjusted to the canine cerebrum. They keep running in the dichromatic shading plan best for doggy vision, and they produce the pictures on what dogs like.
#3. Play Music or an Audiobook
On the off chance that you don't need your puppy dependent on daytime TV, try out his affection for music. The radio will work, but you need to be careful about what you let your dog listen to. A study done with a large group of rescue dogs showed classical music can keep dogs calm, but loud, grating music can have the opposite effect. You don’t want your dog rocking out to heavy metal while you’re away. Another study found reggae music is also pleasing to the canine brain. The science of sounds for dogs has even spread to audiobooks. Audible has an entire collection of audiobooks specifically chosen and narrated to entertain dogs and keep them calm.
#4. Give Live Entertainment
While a few furry pups can be enchanted by the TV, others aren't keen on those two-dimensional figures. They prefer the excitement of live entertainment. As long as your dog doesn’t become overly excited or agitated at the sight of a person walking down the street or a dog out for a walk, consider leaving the curtains open during the day. Arrange a comfy chair that gives him the height he needs to see out the window, and let him watch the world go round. If you’re nervous about your dog reacting to something he sees, start him off with a window facing a quiet side of the yard or neighborhood. Remember to keep the window closed! You don’t want your dog bursting through the screen when he sees a squirrel.
#5. Forget Interactive Toys
A squeaky duck can be heaps of fun, however it's not prone to keep your puppy's attention when he's not with someone else. Intuitive toys, on the other paw, are intended to engage your pooch and invigorate his psyche. Many of these toys are treat-related and spur dogs to play for a scrumptious reward. Kong toys are durable and safe (as long as you choose the right one for your dog), and there are plenty of other treat-dispensing toys that roll, bounce, wobble, and spin.Fill one up with food before you head out, and let your dog work for his breakfast. You can also try a snuffle mat for safe indoor entertainment.
#6. Stage a Scavenger Hunt
Regardless of whether you have any intuitive dog toys, you can still engage your dog with food while you’re gone. A scavenger hunt is a great way to do this. Every day before work, take a few minutes to hide bits of your dog’s breakfast around the house. Pick places that are protected and won't cause your puppy harm on the off chance that he gets excessively enthusiastic in his pursuit. Teach him the "discover it" sign, and let him loose to hunt for his dinner when you walk out the door. Not only will this distract him while you make your exit, it’ll also get him moving and thinking for an extended amount of time. After he’s found all the food, he’ll be happy to take a post-hunt rest.
#7. Show Him Games He Can Play By Himself
Playing with you will always be more fun than playing by himself, but it is possible to teach dogs to play while you’re away. In the event that your pup is fixated on playing tug and pull, you can make a pull toy area by attaching a pull toy to something tough and stationary. He probably won't understand what to do at first, however demonstrate to him how to pick up the toy and pull. It'll give him an outlet for for pent up energy when the work day appears to drag. Some dogs can even learn how to play fetch on their own. Teach him how to drop his ball down the stairs or down a ramp and then chase after it. You’ll need to be sure there’s plenty of room for your dog to run with no breakables in his path. There are also automatic ball launchers that could work inside if you have a big enough space.Sniff Diggy Nose Work mat is a super popular tool that dog owners use to exercise your dog’s mind and body. You simply hide treats or kibble insides the cloth strips.
#8. Invest into an Interactive Webcam
Technology is catching on to the dog lover’s plight, and pet webcams are now a popular home addition. There are plenty out there to choose from, and they allow working dog moms and dads to remotely check in on their little ones during the day. For the best experience, find a camera that allows you to talk to your dog through a speaker. You can chime in to tell him how wonderful he is or distract him when he’s about to do something naughty. Some of the cameras even dispense treats and come with remote-operated lasers.
#9. Go Home for Lunch or Hire a Dog Walker
You need to take a lunch break anyway, why spend it in a crummy cafeteria? A visit from you in the middle of the day, even if it’s 15 minutes, will give your dog a break from monotony. It’ll also give him a chance to empty his bladder. If a lunchtime visit from you won’t work, consider hiring a dog walker. You could even ask a friend or neighbor to drop in for a few minutes and entertain your dog. Your dog will love the company and the extra loving and exercise will do him good.
#10. Attempt a Doggie Daycare
Doggie daycares are great for people with busy work schedules and high-energy dogs. They’re literally in business to entertain your dog while you’re at work. Pooch proprietors drop off their fur puppies off toward the beginning of the day for an exciting day of playing and socializing with other dogs and individuals. When they're picked up at night, they’re pleasantly exhausted. Doggiecare can be expensive, but most people agree the money is worth the peace of mind. Instead of your dog dreading every day left alone, he’ll look forward to spending the day with his friends in a place he loves.
#11. Get Another Dog!
If your dog gets along well with others, a permanent playmate could be a good idea. But before you run off and adopt the first cute face you see, make sure adding another dog is the right decision for your family. Double the dogs means double the food and vet bills. It also means two dogs to exercise and the potential for two dogs’ worth of damage when things get rowdy. At the same time, another dog means double the doggy love. Your two fur buddies can keep each other company while you’re away and help each other stave off loneliness. Always remember, however, you shouldn’t leave two newly acquainted dogs alone together right away. They need time to get to know each other first.Stay at home pup parent may be your dream job, but you don’t need to be fraught with guilt when you’re forced to spend the day at work. Go down this list and try out the ideas you think will best entertain your dog. Remember to always prioritize your pup’s safety and don’t leave him free to roam the house if he’s bound to get into trouble. Many of these ideas can work in a crate as long as your dog is properly crate trained. If all goes well, he’ll stay happy during the day and be waiting with a wagging tail when you come home.