How To Keep Your Dog Busy When You’re Busy

In a perfect world, we’d have all the time in the world 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.

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 entertained.

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.

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 them 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 with them. Look for dog enrichment activities that you can adjust or change as they figure out the puzzles to keep them engaged.

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.

Get Help Working With Your Dog

Do you need help training your dog or need advice on how to keep a dog busy when you’re busy? Schedule a consultation at The Dan Gentile Dog Training Center by calling 732-938-5040. We can help you keep your dog from chewing stuff — and stay happy, healthy, and well-behaved.