How To Keep Your Dog Busy When You’re Busy

Published by wpusername2734 September 10, 2024 Category: Dog Training

In a perfect world, we’d have all the time to snuggle and play with our furry best friends. Unfortunately, human responsibilities keep that from happening, and the result can sometimes be bored dogs.

Because bored dogs often turn destructive, it’s important to find ways to keep your dog busy when you can’t give them your undivided attention. To keep your pet happy and engaged, check out this advice from The Dan Gentile Dog Training Center, the top source for reliable dog training in NJ.

Table of Contents

Why and How You Need To Keep Your Dog Busy

Dogs are naturally social pack animals. While some are happy with a window and a sunny spot for napping, others need more entertainment. When they don’t get it, they may resort to unwanted behaviors — like chewing on furniture, barking and howling, getting into garbage, or even going to the bathroom where they shouldn’t.

For some pet parents, hiring a dog sitter to visit during the day or bringing their pup to doggy daycare is the best solution. If that’s not practical, these tips can keep your dog busy and entertained while you’re occupied.

Start the Day With a Burst of Activity

Whenever possible, start the day with a high-energy activity, like a boisterous game of fetch or a long walk. This can help tire them out so they sleep for a good portion of the day while you’re busy.

Spending this time together is also critical to improving dog training methods and building a bond with your pet. A well-exercised dog is more likely to be calm and content when left alone.

Provide Plenty of Toys

Toys can be a great distraction for your pup while you get things done. Interactive toys like dog food puzzles, which require animals to use their brains to access the treats inside, are a great way to keep your dog busy and provide a tasty reward when they solve the puzzle. Toys that help them develop their natural skills, like dog lick mats that require them to sniff out treats and hone their natural hunting instincts, are another way to keep a dog busy and entertained.

Whatever type of toys you offer your dog, be sure to rotate them out frequently so they don’t get bored. Look for dog enrichment activities that you can adjust or change as they figure out the puzzles to keep them engaged.

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Engage Their Senses

Dogs use their sense of smell to explore the world. Stimulating their nose can be an excellent way to keep your dog busy when you’re occupied. Try the following:

Snuffle mats: These encourage your dog to forage for hidden treats.
Hide-and-seek games: Hide treats around the house and let your dog sniff them out.
Frozen treats: Freeze dog-safe peanut butter, yogurt, or broth in ice cube trays for a long-lasting snack.

Use Training as a Mental Exercise

Short, frequent training sessions can be an excellent way to keep your dog busy and mentally engaged. Try:

Teaching new tricks: Challenge your dog with new commands or tricks.
Reinforcing obedience training: Practicing commands like sit, stay, and come keeps their mind sharp.
Using positive reinforcement: Reward-based training keeps them engaged and motivated.

Set Up a Doggy Playdate

If your dog enjoys socializing, arrange a playdate with a friend’s dog. This can be a great way to keep your dog busy while also ensuring they get plenty of exercise. If your schedule doesn’t allow time for frequent playdates, consider taking them to a dog daycare where they can interact with other pets under supervision.

Install a Pet Camera

If you have to be away from home, a pet camera with a microphone and screen allows you to check on your dog and interact with them from afar. Some cameras even include treat-dispensing devices, so you can offer a tasty reward when you do. Playing soft music or leaving the TV on can help distract and soothe a dog while you’re busy. The white noise and movement on the screen can help them feel calmer and entertained.

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Give Them Safe Chew Toys

Chewing is a natural behavior that helps relieve stress. To keep your dog busy, provide durable chew toys that can withstand prolonged use. Look for:

Rubber chew toys that can be filled with treats.
Dental chews that support oral health.
Frozen chew toys that provide relief for teething puppies.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Modern technology provides various ways to keep your dog busy remotely. Consider using smart toys that move unpredictably, stimulating their curiosity.

Automatic ball launchers can provide solo play opportunities, while treat-dispensing devices reward interaction and problem-solving.

Create an Indoor Obstacle Course

If the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor play, set up a simple obstacle course indoors. Use furniture, tunnels, and step-over obstacles to challenge your dog’s agility and coordination. This will keep your dog busy and physically active without leaving the house.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Dogs thrive on routine, and having a predictable schedule helps reduce anxiety and restlessness. Try to maintain consistency in your dog’s daily activities, such as mealtimes, play sessions, and bathroom breaks. A well-structured day ensures that your pet knows what to expect, making them less likely to develop destructive habits like chewing stuff.

Final Thoughts

Finding ways to keep your dog busy while you’re occupied is essential for their happiness and well-being. Whether through engaging toys, training exercises, or interactive play, there are many ways to keep them entertained.

You can ensure that your furry friend remains mentally and physically stimulated, even when you’re not around by implementing these strategies.

Get Help Working With Your Dog

Do you need help training your dog or need advice on how to keep your dog busy when you’re busy? Schedule a consultation at The Dan Gentile Dog Training Center by calling 732-938-5040. Our experts can help keep your dog engaged, happy, and well-behaved. Visit NJDog.com for more expert dog training advice and resources.