How to Keep Your Dog From Being Lonesome While You're at Work

Because dogs are social creatures, they might become bored or lonely when they lack human company. Dogs that are left alone with nothing to fill their time often become destructive as they seek to find something to do. It is up to the dogs̵7; owners to redirect their dogs̵7; destructive tendencies and give them a positive outlet that will reduce their loneliness while alone. Short of buying your single dog a puppy, several steps can be taken to help a dog feel less lonesome.

  1. Provide Exercise Before You Leave

    • Left to their own devices, dogs will sleep for hours on end, especially if they have had exercise. Take your dog for a brisk 30-minute walk shortly before you leave for work, and the dog should sleep for several hours, never realizing that you are gone.

    Provide Interactive Toy

    • Interactive toys work your dog̵7;s brain. One commonly-used interactive toy is a cone-shaped hard rubber tube, sold under a variety of names. These toys can be stuffed with all sorts of goodies. While dry kibble can be used to stuff these toys, it is very easy for your dog to remove and might not provide as many hours of entertainment as needed. If you must use only kibble, run water or chicken broth through the toy and freeze it. Mix soft cheese and kibble or treats into the toy, use canned dog food or peanut butter in the toy to seal the ends and freeze. Hide the toys throughout your house to provide your dog with even more interactive fun.

    Leave Music Playing

    • Music can soothe both humans and animals. Leave your stereo on or leave your cable TV tuned to a music channel. The Toy Breeds website suggests that the music be soothing and not be possessed of heavy bass or beats. In addition, the website suggests that a recording of your own voice, speaking in a soothing fashion, might also be a suitable substitute for music.

    Hire Dog Walker

    • Your dog will benefit from mid-afternoon exercise and human interaction. Hiring a dog walker will provide both, reducing your dog̵7;s stress. According to the Bone Heads website, other benefits come with hiring a dog walker. Your dog will benefit from muscle-building exercises, a regular exercise schedule will reinforce its housebreaking, and your dog will benefit from the socialization that a dog walker can provide.