4 Ways to Entertain Your Dog While You’re Away
Active dogs are happy dogs!
Making sure your dog is stimulated while you’re away is essential to their health and well-being.
Access to dog toys and fun distractions will reduce destructive behavior, and can help ease any separation anxiety your pet may suffer when you’re gone.
#1
Join Your Dog for Lunch
If you’re able to pop home during your lunch break, it’s one of the best mid-day boosts you can give your dog. Even a short visit can make a big difference to their routine, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Dogs thrive on structure. Knowing you return around the same time each day helps break up long stretches alone and gives them something positive to anticipate. That sense of predictability reduces boredom and can ease separation-related stress.
If getting home daily isn’t realistic, even doing this once or twice a week can still provide a positive reset in your dog’s routine. Over time, that consistent mid-day interaction can improve behaviour, reduce restlessness, and strengthen your bond. Sometimes, it’s not about the length of the visit - it’s about showing up. And to your dog, that mid-day reunion is the highlight of their day.
#2
Find a Dog Walker
If getting home during the day isn’t possible, arranging for someone to walk your dog is one of the most reliable ways to bridge that mid-day gap. An hour of exercise and companionship can transform a long, quiet day into something far more balanced and stimulating. Regular walks aren’t just about burning energy - they provide mental enrichment, new smells, new sights and social interaction.
You might find a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member who’s happy to walk your dog. If not, a professional dog walker can come to the rescue. Check local listings, community noticeboards, or pet service directories to find someone in your area. A well exercised dog is usually a calmer, happier dog - and that benefits everyone when you walk back through the door.
#3
Give Them a Window
Before you head off for the day, consider setting up a safe, comfortable spot where your dog can look out of a window. For many dogs, watching the world go by is surprisingly enriching. The changing scenery, passing cars, pedestrians, birds, shifting light, all provide gentle mental stimulation that helps break up the quiet hours. Dogs are naturally observant and often relish having a “post” to monitor. A window view can tap into those natural instincts in a safe and controlled way.
To make the most of it: Choose a window with an interesting but not overwhelming view and ensure the area is secure and free from hazards. Provide soft bedding, a favourite blanket and make sure fresh water is always available. Comfort is key. The more inviting the space, the more likely your dog is to settle there.
#4
Leave Your Dog Toys
Many dogs will spend a long time playing with toys, especially ones that involve chewing. A toy with a hidden dog treat inside is great for your dog’s mental and physical stimulation. The Kong, for example, has been a reliable ‘chew’ for several decades. Its simple secret is its uneven shape – when it falls, it bounces unpredictably, much to the dog’s endless amusement. Make sure to rotate your dog’s toys frequently, so they have something new to play with. Keeping things interesting will prevent your pet from getting into items that could be dangerous for them.
Keeping your dog busy goes a long way to having a happy and healthy pet.
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