If you have a special pooch in your life, you know just how much love a dog can bring to you. Their companionship and unparalleled loyalty can be infectious, constantly bringing you joy, happiness, and even laughter along the way. They can lift spirits and be a shoulder to cry on, getting you through thick and thin together. Due to this, it can be tempting to constantly be around your dog and stay home in your little bubble together all day, every day. However, unfortunately, life just doesn’t allow this dream to be a reality all the time. At some point, you need to pop out of the house and leave your four-legged friend behind. Plus, with the rise in heading back to the workplace, many dog owners have to leave for work.

Being left behind at home can be boring for your furry friend, as they aren’t stimulated, especially for long periods of time. Your pooch can also get lonely and sometimes become destructive. It is important to keep your dog entertained while at work to be able to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Put the TV on in the background

A very easy way to help your dog feel comfortable and safe while you’re away is to keep the TV on for background noise. This can avoid feelings of loneliness for your furry friend and allow them to settle down. Put your dog’s favorite programs on, such as a nature show or a dog program. This can keep them occupied and provide them with some fun. Even if your pooch never shows interest in watching TV, having the sound of human voices can calm your dog down and keep them company! Make sure to keep the volume on low to avoid disturbing any neighbors. This won’t affect your pooch’s experience as they can hear much better than humans.

Keep windows clear so they can see outside

If you have a nosy dog who loves nothing more than to watch the world go by, then you can keep your windows clear while you’re at work. Doing this will give them a front-row seat to the outside world, letting them watch the world for entertainment. They can grab their popcorn and get ready to wag their tail at the postman to have hours of fun in their day. You should tie your curtains back or make sure that the blinds are raised to give your pooch an unobstructed view of your neighborhood. If your dog is small and can’t see out of the window, leave furniture or create a doggy ladder for them to look at the world. It’s important to note that if your dog is quite reactive to passersby or other animals and barks or growls a lot, then this option probably won’t be the best for them.

Invest in interactive toys to keep them busy

Interactive toys are a fantastic way to keep your furry friend busy when you’re at work. There is a wide range of puzzle toys you can purchase for your dog that stimulate them in various ways. The best thing about these puzzle toys is that your pooch will never get bored with them either, as they work by stuffing treats for pets into them, hidden from view. Your dog has to use their sensitive senses to sniff the treats out to gain the reward. This motivates them to work the puzzle out as they want the treat. As they try to work it out, it boosts their brain and mental stimulation while using energy to wear them out afterward!

Exercise your pooch regularly

It goes without saying for most dogs that exercising regularly can help burn off that excess energy, wear them out, and keep them happy and healthy. If your pooch tends to grow bored and get destructive when you’re out, it could be because they’re trying to burn off their energy. To prevent this destructive behavior, you should exercise your dog right before you leave. This allows them to burn their energy off, so when you go out, they won’t trash your home and will more likely fall asleep!

Include white noise

If you prefer not to keep the TV on for background noise, then opting for white noise can help your pooch settle when you’re at work. Invest in a white noise machine to put on as you leave. These machines play calming sounds for your furry friend throughout the home, putting them at ease while they’re on their own. This noise blocks out any outdoor sounds, which helps to reduce agitation. If you don’t have a white noise machine or are waiting to get one, you can make your own white noise by leaving a fan on, pet fountains or AC units.

Make a play zone

Create a play zone for your dog to enjoy while you’re at work. Have a large open space filled with all of your dog’s favorite toys for them to play with and burn energy. If you prefer your pooch to stay in one place while you’re not at home, you can fence off the area using a play pen or pet gate. This restricts your furry friend’s access to the rest of the home while letting them stretch their legs and play. Have some comfort items in this area as well to make them feel like they have company and to help them de-stress. This can keep them entertained for hours and allow them to remain calm, preventing any bad behavior.

Have a cozy bed

As you head to work in the morning, you probably hope that your furry friend will relax and sleep for a few hours. Now, if they have things to keep them occupied and have had a walk before you leave, this will usually be the case. However, you need to encourage naps as your pooch may not want to sleep if they don’t have anywhere cozy place to lie down. Get them a spacious, plush dog bed to entice them to lie down and snooze. Try to get a comfortable, high-quality bed that will get your dog begging to curl up in. Choose plush materials that cuddle your dog as they sleep and make sure that comfort comes first. You could add cushions and throws to enhance the comfort, or purchase one with pillows or bolsters to make your dog zoom into their resting spot. Fill their bed with comfort items and some toys too, so your dog can feel cozy.

Hire a dog walker

If you need to work for the majority of the day and are worried about your furry friend not having much human contact while you’re gone, you should think about hiring a dog walker. Dog walkers are very common in many locations and their prices vary, depending on their experience, popularity, and services. However, you can feel happy knowing that your pooch gets human contact for an hour or so and gets to exercise with other doggies, too! Ask other dog owners for recommendations or your vet to ensure that you choose someone who can be trusted with your best buddy for the day. This way, you know they’re in good hands and having fun while you work!

Use these ways to keep your dog entertained while at work to ensure that they’re happy and occupied when you’re not at home. Implement as many of these methods as you can to keep that tail wagging and prevent destructive behavior. Transform the stress of you leaving your beloved canine companion into an exciting and pleasant experience for both you and your dog!