10 Ways to Take Care of a Dog or a Puppy While You're Busy Working
Whether you are working from home or having to leave home to go to work, keeping your dog content during the day while you are away from the home, can sometimes feel challenging. Although it may not be the case for every dog, it is not uncommon for them to get bored and turn to destructive behaviours such as destroying their bed, toys, furniture, and shoes, or potentially even harming themselves. With that in mind, it is a good idea to find ways to keep your dog occupied when you otherwise cannot keep them occupied.
1. Let your dog watch TV
Keeping the television on during the day can be a great way for your pooch to have some companionship during the day, even if they do not understand what the contents are on screen. For dogs with separation anxiety, having the TV can provide some level of comfort hearing voices, music and even with visual satisfaction. However, it is important to remember to still provide ample exercise.
2. Play music
Like leaving the television on, playing music can also provide a relaxing atmosphere for your dog while you are away. Music can reduce destructive behaviours and reduce barking as well if your dog is prone to these types of instincts.
3. Toys
Having a few dog toys are a great way to keep your dog entertained. Of course, having a variety of toys for your dog to choose from will increase their playtime and decrease the likelihood of them getting bored with the same toy.
It is important to have different kinds of toys to offer them variety and choices. Chew toys, food-motivated toys where you can fit good smelling treats inside, and interactive toys are sure bets to keep your dog engaged throughout the day.
4. Give your dog a window seat
Dogs like looking out the window just as much as cats do (and us too!) — and for good reason! Looking out the window lets them see what is happening on the outside world (a lot like doggie news) and keeps them curious throughout the day, seeing the surroundings of their neighbourhood.
5. Keep them calm
If your dog has separation anxiety or is prone to excitement, it is key to try and eliminate as much stress and anxiety as possible if you are at work or busy. There are a few safe ways this can be done. Always leaving something that smells like you is a sure way to keep your dog relaxed, rest assured of your ‘presence’ when you cannot be with them. Other options, such as natural herb tonics that can be added to their meals or water that will help them calm and reduce barking. Dog pheromones can be added to their collars and beds that provide a familiar ‘motherly’ scent.
6. Give ice
Putting treats or food inside an ice-cream container or an ice tray, filling it with water and freezing it, will give your dog a frozen toy that they can play with and enjoy during warmer summer days especially. As the ice melts, the treat or food will slowly become available and makes as a great way to help keep your dog cool and entertained.
7. Pet cameras
When you are away, an interactive pet camera will help keep your dog busy — especially if they come with features such as a treat dispenser, night vision and motion detector. Pet cameras are also useful especially if they have two-way audio where you can hear your dog and your dog can hear you.
8. Playdates
If you can work from home, setting aside some time for your dog to have a playdate will keep them busy. Make sure your dog’s play date is with a dog they are comfortable with to reduce tension and to ensure all dogs are guaranteed to have a safe and fun playtime.
9. Getting a dog walker
If you’re unable to take a break during the day and your dog is hankering to get outside, hiring a dog walker will alleviate the stress from you having to take time out of your day and providing necessary daily exercise.
You can have a friend or hire professional services to take care of your dog’s walk but, no matter what, it should be with someone you trust and can rely on.
10. Doggy daycare
Finally, enrolling your dog in doggy daycare will get your dog active and social and will surely leave them tuckered out by the end of the day.
Harmony Farm Kennel And Lamb, located at Monte Lake just 35 minutes south-east of Kamloops, BC, provides peaceful non-dog-park style, customized dog boarding kennel and daycare services.
Our kennels range in size, including extra-large family-sized, all having big view windows and tall doggy doors. I am pleased to provide naturally tree-shaded safe and private play yards for each dog to enjoy. Additionally, Harmony Farm and Kennel Lamb is happy to offer conscientious customized care for your dog as well as individual attention and countrified exercise to meet every dog’s needs and desires.
Moreover, Harmony Farm Kennel is proud to care for all breeds and types of dogs — puppies to power breeds, social or non-social, extra-large, or very small dogs... you are welcome to leave your bundle of joy in our care knowing they’re in the very best of experienced hands.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and to see how we can help you and your dog.
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