Keeping Your Dog Entertained at Home
Dogs can be our cuddliest, most playful companions- and our most chaotic ones! Spurts of energy, formally known as “zoomies”, are no stranger to dog owners. But when it’s time to clock in to work, go to the gym, or pick up that extra item you needed from the grocery store, how can we make sure that our dog has something to occupy their attention?
For our canine companions that experience separation anxiety, have a ton of energy, or are simply just bored when left alone, these safe and fun techniques will keep your dog engaged for hours (or at least long enough for you to get back from Trader Joes)!
Boredom Busters
Licking mats: If your dog is the typical treat-seeking hound, then treats will only keep your dog entertained for about 30 seconds. Often, dogs will finish even a bigger treat before you have even left the house! One option that provides a solution to this exact issue is licking mats. Pushing dog-safe peanut butter or any other yummy, spreadable substance (such as one of our personal favorite’s: Rigby squeezable treats) within the ridges of the mat can provide an engaging, enjoyable, and delicious activity that will distract your dog for quite a while.
These are especially good for dogs that chew through treats within seconds, as the mats are designed to make it difficult (but not impossible) for the dogs to lick all the food off of the mat. Licking mats are many times used for dogs with separation anxiety, as the mental preoccupation with the mat will keep them busy instead of worrying about when you’ll come home. If desired, you can freeze these mats after spreading the treat to make it last longer; this can be especially helpful for times you may be away for longer than usual.
Peanut Butter Caution: Although licking mats and puzzle toys are designed to slow down the speed at which your dog can enjoy a treat, there’s no guarantee that your dog won’t accidentally get too-big of a gulp of peanut butter. The sticky consistency of peanut butter makes it easier to get caught in the throat, so reducing the amount of peanut butter given at one time can keep your pup safe. Only spread a thin layer to ensure your pup does not ingest too much at once.
Puzzle toys: If your dog is a specialist in licking mats and can devour peanut butter off the mat within seconds, a puzzle toy may be a better choice. Puzzle toys dispense a treat after your dog completes a certain activity, such as pushing nobs or a ball in a certain position. They come in mat, ball, and toy form, so if your dog is especially hyperactive, you have options to switch it up!
Puzzle toys also provide some level of learning for the dog when they first receive the toy, which not only is great for their cognitive health but will keep them engaged for longer than a licking mat (which provides immediate reward). On your extra busy days, set out both a lick mat and a puzzle toy to keep them entertained longer.
Interactive games: If your dog isn’t food-motivated, or you don’t feel comfortable leaving them with a treat by themselves, games that involve moving or sound might be more their speed! Game developers have created a fetch robot that will launch mini tennis balls for your dog, as long as they drop the ball in the deposit area. The launch is preset to the length of your choice, and will throw in the same direction every time to give you peace of mind about the safety of your furniture and family pictures. If your pup has never used a fetch robot, it may take a bit of time for them to learn how it works, and where to drop the ball to get thrown. You can help them learn faster by having them watch you drop the ball in the machine to demonstrate. You may notice that your pup quicky picks up your clues and will have the option to play fetch at any time!
Relaxing pheromones: Pheromones are invisible, odorless chemicals naturally emitted by some mammals (including humans), that communicate the mood and health of those around us. Some pheromones induce a relaxed state in pups- these are pheromones naturally released by a dog’s mother, when the dog is still a puppy.
Synthetic pheromones mimic these Dog-Appeasing Pheromones, eliciting a calm demeanor in your dog! Calming Pheromones are available in a number of different forms, including diffuser sprays, spray bottles, and collars! Though it depends on the brand, prices generally range from $20-30. It is possible that these calming products may ease your dog’s stress while you are away. You may come back to find them napping peacefully instead of chewing up your favorite pillow.
Conclusion
To be expected, finding the right technique to entertain and soothe your dog while you are away can involve some trial and error. If one toy, treat, or method doesn’t pique their attention immediately, don’t give up! Some dogs need time and space to adjust to a new object in their home, especially if it vibrates, makes a sound, or throws an object. Give your dog an adjustment period to check out their new gadget, even if it doesn’t capture their interest right away. Remember, a key aspect to your dog’s curiosity is involving yourself in the activity as well. Show them through visual queues how to use their toy, entice them with sensory queues by hovering their new treat/lick mat under their nose. Once your pup has shown interest, you can enjoy your time away knowing they’re having fun at home!
*This article may contain affiliate links
Written & Edited by:
Jessica Hays & Dog Tired Adventures Team
Sources
https://bondvet.com/b/pheromones-for-dogs
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2839826/
https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-calming-pheromones-do-they-really-work/
