Leaving your dog home alone while you’re at work can be tough.
Dogs are social creatures that thrive on interaction and mental stimulation, and without it, they can become bored, anxious, or even develop destructive behaviors.
However, with the right products and strategies, you can keep your dog happy, entertained, and mentally engaged throughout the day.
Here are 12 effective ways to keep your dog entertained while you’re away, featuring quality products available from LuluSpot.
1. Interactive Toys & Puzzle Feeders
Why it works: Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
Puzzle toys not only engage your dog’s brain, but they also slow down their eating, making them perfect for dogs that tend to gulp their food too quickly. These toys reduce boredom, prevent obesity, and can help with separation anxiety.
Best Options:
- KONG Classic Dog Toy: A timeless and durable dog toy, great for filling with peanut butter or kibble. The unpredictable bounce provides endless playtime fun.
- Tough Treader: A tough and safe toy with raised surfaces that clean teeth and gums while keeping your dog engaged.
- Flex-n-Chew Bones: These flexible bones are perfect for puppies and aggressive chewers alike, designed to withstand hours of chewing.
Pro Tip: Freeze a KONG with a mixture of wet food or yogurt for a longer-lasting challenge that will keep your dog busy for hours.
2. Long-Lasting Chew Toys
Why it works: Chewing is a natural and healthy behavior for dogs.
It helps relieve stress, prevents boredom, and promotes dental health. Long-lasting chew toys can keep your dog engaged for hours and give them an outlet for their energy, which is especially helpful for puppies or high-energy breeds.
Best Options:
- Tough Treader: This durable chew toy is designed for aggressive chewers and can help redirect your dog’s attention from destructive chewing behavior.
- Flex-n-Chew Bones: Perfect for puppies going through teething or for adult dogs that need a safe, tough chew.
- 9″ Rope Toy: Made from 100% cotton, this rope toy is ideal for tug-of-war games and solo chewing sessions.
Safety Note: Always supervise your dog when giving them a new chew toy to ensure it’s safe for their size and chewing style.
3. Dog TV or Calming Music
Why it works: Dogs can experience anxiety and loneliness when left alone, which is why soothing background sounds such as calming music or TV programs designed for pets can help reduce stress. These can create a sense of security, making your dog feel less isolated.
Best Options:
- Pet-specific music playlists available on platforms like Spotify or YouTube. These calming tunes are specially designed to keep dogs relaxed.
- Dog-friendly TV channels or apps. Some services offer channels that feature nature sounds or visuals to keep your dog engaged while you’re away.
4. Rotating Toys
Why it works: Dogs can quickly lose interest in the same toys if they’re available all the time.
By rotating their toys regularly, you can keep things fresh and exciting. This simple trick can help prevent boredom and ensure your dog always has something fun to look forward to.
Best Options:
- Explore LuluSpot’s collection of high-quality, engaging toys that are perfect for rotating, such as chew toys, fetch toys, and puzzle games.
Pro Tip: Store toys in bins and rotate them every few days to maintain your dog’s interest.
5. DIY Scent Games
Why it works: Dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell, which means scent-based games are an excellent way to engage them. These activities can help reduce anxiety and promote mental stimulation. Sniffing and foraging are natural behaviors for dogs, so setting up scent games is a fun and enriching activity.
Best Options:
- Hide treats around your home for your dog to find. You can place them in various locations, such as under cushions or in shoes, to encourage sniffing and problem-solving.
- Use a snuffle mat, which hides treats for your dog to search for using their nose. This engages their natural hunting instincts and provides hours of fun.
6. Doggy Cameras with Treat Dispensers
Why it works: Modern pet cameras allow you to monitor your dog while you’re at work, and many come with treat dispensers that allow you to interact with them remotely. This technology can provide comfort to both you and your dog and help ease separation anxiety.
Best Options:
- Look for pet cameras with two-way communication and treat-dispensing features, such as those available through popular services like Furbo.
7. Create a Window View Spot
Why it works: Many dogs love to watch the outside world go by. By setting up a window perch or bed, you can give your dog hours of entertainment as they observe birds, people, and cars passing by.
Best Options:
- A window-mounted bed or perch can provide a cozy and secure spot for your dog to relax and watch the world outside.
8. Chew Toys & Dental Bones
Why it works: Chewing not only entertains your dog but also promotes good dental hygiene by helping to clean their teeth and gums. Providing dental chews helps prevent tartar buildup and supports their overall oral health.
Best Options:
- Dental chews such as Flex-n-Chew Bones help reduce plaque and tartar buildup while satisfying the urge to chew.
- Chew toys from LuluSpot that are designed for cleaning teeth while keeping your dog engaged.
9. Lick Mats for Anxiety Relief
Why it works: Licking can be incredibly soothing for dogs. Lick mats, especially when filled with tasty treats, can provide both mental stimulation and stress relief. This is a great option for dogs that experience separation anxiety or need a calming activity while you’re gone.
Best Options:
- Use a lick mat filled with peanut butter, yogurt, or wet food to give your dog an enjoyable and calming activity. Freezing the mat will provide a longer-lasting challenge.
10. Set Up a Safe Play Zone
Why it works: A designated play area ensures your dog is safe and comfortable while you’re away. This area should include their toys, bedding, and maybe even a few cozy spots to curl up and relax.
Best Options:
- A secure playpen from LuluSpot can be an ideal way to keep your dog in a safe and confined space while providing access to toys, food, and water.
11. Doggy Daycare (1–2 Days a Week)
Why it works: Doggy daycare provides both social interaction and physical activity for your dog. It’s an excellent way for your dog to burn off excess energy and enjoy some companionship during the day.
Best Options:
- Research local doggy daycare centers in your area that offer safe and fun environments for your dog to socialize with other pets.
12. Hire a Dog Walker or Neighbor
Why it works: A midday walk breaks up the day, providing both exercise and an opportunity for your dog to relieve themselves. If you don’t have time to walk your dog, hiring a dog walker or asking a neighbor for help can be a great solution.
Best Options:
- Use services like Rover or Wag to connect with professional dog walkers. Alternatively, consider asking a trusted neighbor to help out with walks or playtime during the day.
Shop LuluSpot’s Dog Entertainment Essentials
Explore LuluSpot’s collection of dog toys, puzzles, and accessories to keep your dog entertained while you’re at work:
- Dog & Puppy Toys Collection: Find a variety of toys designed to keep your dog engaged and entertained.
- KONG Classic Dog Toy: A must-have for interactive play and mental stimulation.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your dog entertained while you’re at work doesn’t have to be difficult. By combining the right toys, engaging activities, and interactive products, you can ensure your dog remains happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated throughout the day.
If you need help finding the perfect products or have any questions, feel free to reach out to the LuluSpot team at wecare@luluspot.com.