Here’s What to Do with Your Dogs While at Work

Figuring out what to do with your dog while you go to work is one of the logistical challenges a dog owner will face immediately. Dogs need mental stimulation, whether in the form of dog toys or doggy daycare. It’s a unique challenge if your furry friend is a puppy, has anxiety, separation anxiety, or even cognitive disabilities, but a challenge in all cases of dog ownership.

But fret no more! While it may take some organizing, there are many options to occupy your dog while you’re away. Anybody wondering what to do with dogs while you’re at work can read this guide and get a laundry list of ideas.

To be clear, at AcmeCanine, we can’t tell you what’s best for your specific furry pal. All dogs are different. They have different behaviors and need unique, essential care, and of course, adult dogs are different from younger dogs. This is more of a general guide. In any case, time to *cough* walk you through it.

Doggy Daycare and Boarding Options

The first option that springs to mind is daycare. The pros are that your dog will definitely not be left at home alone, will get plenty of exercise, routine, and socializing (some daycare places even do dog training!), and will remove any risk of suffering destructive behavior like furniture chewing. Great!

On the other hand, daycare centers can be overwhelming for some dogs – it’s an unfamiliar environment, and sometimes over ten other dogs are present. There is also a risk of your dog picking up bad behaviors from other dogs, illnesses (kennel fleas, etc.), and of course, there is a price to consider. You could be looking at a monthly rate of $500 or more!

The Verdict

The question is whether your dog gets on with other dogs, copes with the radical change of scenery with all its noise and excitement, needs special care, and if the daycare center provides specialized attention to each pup.

To prepare your dog for the experience, learn all you can about the doggy daycare center beforehand. Arrive early to ease your dog into it, and practice in the days leading up to it by bringing your dog to the dog park and getting them used to a similar environment.

In short, if your dog is sociable and comfortable in groups and new environments, they will do fine in a daycare situation. Otherwise, it’s best to look at other options as this might not be the best thing for them.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home Environment

If your dog isn’t happy in daycare, don’t worry; there are numerous alternatives. The important thing is that your dog has a consistent routine. Dogs need this just like we do; otherwise, you could have an overactive or tired dog on your hands.

The first step is to create a dog-friendly living space. Firstly, your dog will need a safe space to stay away from scary items like vacuum cleaners that are also hazard-free. Your dog will want to rest throughout the day, especially if they have had a busy morning! They will also need a bathroom area if they are a puppy.

To occupy them, ensure they have an exercise area (plenty of options here!) and accessible toys. Also water on demand. All of this combined will create a great living space for your dog to be as comfortable as possible while you’re at work.

Technology and Other Solutions for Busy Dog Owners

Nowadays, there are numerous tech solutions for busy dog owners that you can use to keep track of your dog’s location. Some owners even strap (comfortably, of course) go pros to their pooches when they go out and then watch them later to make sure their pet is happy and healthy at that time. But check out this brief list to get an idea:

1. Interactive Ball Thrower
2. Dog Camera (Two-way audio and video!)
3. Digital Food Dispensing Toy (pet monitor too!)
4. Dog Harness (GoPro)
5. Dog GPS Tracker

It’s a good idea to hire a dog walker if you can’t do it in the early morning or simply want your furry friend to get more walk-related treats while you’re out of the house and that additional exercise. Also, don’t forget the chew toys. For additional creative ways to keep your dog stimulated throughout the working day, try these:

• Window Watching: If you have the kind of dog happy to watch the world go by, leave the curtains open and let them watch through the seemingly impenetrable glass.
• Crate Training: While dogs love exercise, they also need a place to chill out and self-soothe, just like humans do. A safe space like a crate or their own special area will do the trick.
• Early Walks: Try getting up early and stimulating your pooch with an early walk. This adds to the routine that they need.

Conclusion

Providing your dog with stimulation and routine is great for their health, happiness, and overall well-being. Set up their home, offer them cookies, interactive games, and possibly a family member or dog walker to walk them, and you will have a happy dog on your hands.

If you want more tips on being an excellent pet parent, you should consult our related posts about our canine buddies, if only to see some pictures to die for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can dogs be left alone during the day?

Every dog is different, but generally, they shouldn’t be left alone longer than four hours at a time.

Can puppies be left alone while at work?

If they are over ten weeks old and trained, a puppy can be left alone, but not with free roaming abilities. They must be crate trained and kept in a safe space until they are ready.

How can I prevent separation anxiety in my dog?

Take a few steps to resolve it. Leave a special toy like a Kong toy or even something with your scent on it (like a shoe if you can trust it!). Also, walk them before going to work and arrange for somebody to pop in and visit them during the day.

Lastly, do not, under any circumstances, leave your dog to cry it out. While it’s practiced widely, it can have highly negative psychological effects on your dog.