How to Entertain Your Dog While You're at Work

Dog lovers cherish spending time with their furry companions, whether it's through play, snuggles or shared adventures. In return, your dog may express their joy with happy tail wags, excited barks and contented sighs, making it hard to leave them home alone. It's no wonder so many pet parents feel guilty the moment they step out of the door.

Whether you're considering adopting a dog or adjusting to an in-office role after working remotely, it's only natural to worry about how to entertain your dog when you're away and how to bond with your dog once you return. Here's what you should know about keeping your pup engaged and content.

Thinking about adopting a dog but unsure if you have enough time? If your job keeps you away from home for most of the day, an important factor to consider is how long a dog can comfortably be left alone. Most healthy adult dogs can generally be left alone for up to six hours, but the exact duration depends on the individual pup and circumstances of your home. Here are some things to keep in mind.

• How old is your dog? Puppies have a limited amount of time they can "hold it" before needing a potty break. Senior dogs may also need more frequent outdoor time.
• Is your dog crate trained? Crate training is highly recommended to help reduce stress when you're away by offering a familiar, safe place to relax. Confining dogs to a crate when unsupervised also works well to keep the house clean and prevent damage from dogs who like to chew. While crate training requires a relatively small carrier, upgrade to a larger kennel for longer home-alone intervals with room for a water bowl and toys.
• Does your dog act out when alone? Dogs with separation anxiety may damage property or injure themselves when left alone. In these cases, seek intervention from a board-certified veterinary behaviorist to help manage this issue.

The good news is that most dogs don't need or want endless entertainment. In fact, much of your dog's alone time will probably involve naps. Additionally, dogs who experience fear of separation may "act out" during the first 20 minutes or so of your absence, and then settle down.

If possible, gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog alone, starting with short periods and working up from there. Provide them with plenty of exercise before you leave the house, and make sure they have access to fresh water and a safe, cozy place to relax.

When it comes to how to entertain your dog while you're away, the best approach is to offer environmental enrichment that engages all the senses. Here are some ideas.

Food Puzzles

Fill a puzzle toy, snuffle mat or lick mat (used for wet treats or food) with a special treat they only get when you leave the house. This helps create a positive association with your departure, helping reduce separation stress while keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged. Giving your dog the opportunity to use their teeth on an approved object may also make them less likely to target your property or injure themselves with destructive pastimes. Lick mats can work especially well for stress-prone pups, as licking is a natural way dogs self-soothe. Avoid puzzles that include small parts that could become choking hazards.

Interactive Toys

Keep your dog entertained with a variety of interactive toys. You can choose from durable chew toys, "hide and seek" toys your dog can take apart, and self-moving balls or bones that wiggle, roll or even "talk." For dogs who love to fetch, an automatic ball launcher can provide hours of entertainment — just be sure to adjust the distance and force appropriately for safe play. Avoid toys that can become choking hazards, such as stuffed toys with squeakers and toys with small loose parts.