How To Keep A Dog From Being Bored When Home Alone?

Leaving your dog home alone can be stressful, not just for you but for your furry friend as well. Dogs are social creatures who thrive on interaction, and being left alone for extended periods can lead to boredom, anxiety, and even destructive behavior.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated while you’re away. From interactive dog toys to treat-tossing cameras, here’s how to ensure your dog stays happy and occupied when they’re home alone.

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1. Interactive Dog Toys: Keep Their Minds and Bodies Active

Interactive dog toys are a fantastic way to engage your dog’s mind and keep them busy. These toys are designed to challenge your dog, making them work for their treats or kibble. Not only do they help alleviate boredom, but they also provide mental stimulation, which is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being.

Popular Interactive Dog Toys:

• Busy Buddy® Tug-A-Jug: The Busy Buddy® Tug-A-Jug™ is a multi-sensory toy that dispenses treats as your dog plays. It combines the fun of a tug toy, the mental stimulation of a puzzle, and the satisfaction of a treat dispenser. Your dog will need to figure out how to manipulate the jug to release the treats, keeping them engaged for hours.
• KONG Classic: The KONG Classic is a staple in many dog households. Fill it with peanut butter, yogurt, or kibble, and freeze it for an extra challenge. Your dog will spend hours trying to get to the tasty reward inside.
• Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toys: These puzzle toys come in various difficulty levels, making them perfect for dogs of all skill levels. They require your dog to lift, slide, and move pieces to uncover hidden treats, keeping their brains active.

Our Favorite Interactive Dog Toy PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Dog Toy Use with Kibble or Treats

The Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug rewards and challenges your dog at the same time. The unique design appeals to all five senses to encourage dogs to play; dogs can see, smell, and hear the treats while moving the Tug-A-Jug around to receive a tasty reward. Use it to regulate meals, play games, or teach training commands.

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2. Treat-Tossing Cameras: Stay Connected From Afar

Treat-tossing cameras are a game-changer for pet parents who worry about leaving their dogs home alone. These devices allow you to check in on your dog remotely, talk to them, and even toss treats to reward good behavior. Some models even include features like motion detection and barking alerts, so you know exactly what your dog is up to at all times.

Top Treat-Tossing Cameras:

• Furbo Dog Camera: The Furbo is one of the most popular treat-tossing cameras on the market. It features a 1080p HD camera with night vision, a two-way audio system, and a treat-tossing function that you can control from your smartphone. It even sends you alerts when your dog is barking, so you can calm them down with your voice.
• Petcube Bites 2: The Petcube Bites 2 is another excellent option for staying connected with your dog. It offers a 160-degree wide-angle view, two-way audio, and a treat dispenser that holds up to 1.5 pounds of treats. The Petcube also integrates with Alexa, allowing you to schedule treat dispensing and monitor your dog’s activities with voice commands.

Furbo 360 Dog Camera: Rotating 360 View Wide-Angle Pet Camera with Treat Tossing

The NEW Furbo 360° Dog Camera gives you best-in-class HD video quality with 360-degree rotating view for full room coverage, day & night. Stunning 1080p liveview and high quality 4x zoom let you easily check on your home, speak to family, and toss treats to pets. Know what’s going on in your home from anywhere - no more missed moments or blind spots.

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3. Dog TV and Soothing Sounds: Create a Calming Environment

Leaving the TV or radio on for your dog can help create a calming environment that mimics the sounds of a busy household. There are even special TV channels and streaming services designed specifically for dogs.

Dog TV Options:

• DOGTV: DOGTV is a streaming service designed specifically for dogs. It features programs that are scientifically developed to reduce stress and anxiety in dogs by providing visual and auditory stimulation. With DOGTV, your dog can watch calming scenes, playtime videos, and more.
• Spotify’s Pet Playlists: Spotify offers custom playlists for pets, including dogs. You can create a playlist based on your dog’s personality and preferences, ensuring they have the perfect background music to keep them relaxed.

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4. Automated Feeders: Keep Them Full and Happy

Automated feeders can help ensure your dog gets their meals on time, even when you’re not home. These devices can be programmed to dispense food at specific times, preventing your dog from getting too hungry and anxious.

Recommended Automated Feeders:

• PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Feeder: This feeder can be controlled via a smartphone app, allowing you to schedule feedings and monitor your dog’s food intake remotely. It also has a slow-feed option, which is great for dogs who tend to eat too quickly.
• WOPET Automatic Pet Feeder: The WOPET feeder can be programmed to dispense up to four meals a day. It also features a voice recording function, so you can leave a message for your dog to hear at mealtime.

Best Automatic Feeder PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder - Smartphone - Wi-Fi Enabled for iPhone and Android Smartphones

With a 24-cup capacity, you won't have to refill the feeder after every meal. This pet feeder can dispense dry and semi-moist pet food thanks to the unique design of the conveyor that helps prevent food jams. This feeder also has low and empty food sensors, which will notify your smartphone when the pet feeder is running low or out of kibble. The Smart Feed Automatic Pet Feeder is compatible with Amazon Dash Replenishment to save you a trip to the store. With Amazon Dash Replenishment, the feeder will automatically reorder your pet's food when it senses it's low.

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5. Interactive Play Sessions: Burn Off Extra Energy

Before leaving your dog alone, try to engage them in a high-energy play session. This will help burn off any excess energy, making them more likely to rest while you’re away.

Ideas for Interactive Play:

• Fetch: A game of fetch is a great way to tire your dog out before you leave. You can also use a ball launcher to give them an extra workout.
• Tug-of-War: Tug-of-war is a fun and interactive game that can help strengthen your bond with your dog while also providing them with a physical workout.
• Agility Training: Set up a mini agility course in your backyard or living room. This not only exercises your dog but also provides mental stimulation as they navigate the obstacles.

Check out the video below for tips on creating a DIY agility course on a budget:

6. Doggy Daycare: Socialize and Exercise

If your dog struggles with being alone for long periods, consider enrolling them in a doggy daycare a few days a week. Doggy daycare offers socialization with other dogs and plenty of exercise, which can help alleviate boredom and anxiety. Many facilities even offer half-day options if a full day seems too overwhelming.

Benefits of Doggy Daycare:

• Socialization: Your dog gets to interact with other dogs, which can improve their social skills and reduce loneliness.
• Exercise: Daycare provides ample opportunities for your dog to run, play, and burn off energy, reducing the likelihood of destructive behavior at home.
• Supervision: Trained staff are on hand to ensure your dog is safe and well-cared-for throughout the day.

7. Enrichment Toys and Chews: Safe and Satisfying

Enrichment toys and long-lasting chews can keep your dog occupied for hours. These items satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts and provide mental stimulation.

If you opt for chews, make sure you go with something that won’t break into small sharp pieces. While bully sticks, antlers, and bones are all great for keeping your dog occupied when you’re at home, they’re not really ideal for unsupervised chew time.

Popular Options:

• Yak Cheese Chews: These chews are made from Himalayan yak cheese, offering a tough and long-lasting chew that dogs love. They are natural and digestible, making them a healthy option to keep your dog busy.
• Lick Mats: Lick mats are designed to be spread with soft food like peanut butter or yogurt. The act of licking is calming for dogs and can keep them entertained for quite some time.
• Lamb Ears: Lamb ears are a safer alternative to pigs ears, as they are softer and less likely to cause choking. They’re still durable enough to keep your dog entertained, and they’re all-natural and easily digestible.

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These Himalayan dog chews are 100 percent natural, rich in protein, contain no artificial ingredients, no preservatives, no gluten or grain, and no odor. They're also easily digestible and safe.

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Conclusion

Keeping your dog from getting bored when they’re home alone is essential for their mental and physical well-being. By incorporating a mix of interactive toys, treat-tossing cameras, soothing sounds, and other enrichment activities, you can ensure your dog remains happy and engaged, even when you’re not there.

Remember, a tired and mentally stimulated dog is a happy dog, so take the time to find the right combination of activities and products that work best for your furry friend.

Author

• Nicole Etolen

  Hi there! I'm Nicole! I've been a dog owner for most of my adult life and a dog lover for much longer than that. I grew up with a wonderful German Shepherd named Jake, who I loved SO much that I named my son after him. When I'm not writing for DogVills or my own site, Pretty Opinionated , I love spending time with my teenager (when he actually lets me), my Pharaoh Hound Freya, and my two cats (Zoe & Alex the Fuzz). I'm also an avid reader AND a total TV fanatic. If you'd like to learn more about me, feel free to check out my Linked In profile.

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