How to prevent my dog ​​from being bored when I'm at work

How do I keep my dog ​​from getting bored when I'm not around?

Is it hard for you too to leave home, leaving your four-legged friend behind? He sadly watches you leave and you don't want him to get too bored? We still haven't found the perfect solution, but we can give you some advice.

Often absent?

So, you're stuck in the office all day? You're traveling a lot? And you know you're going to leave your dog home alone ? Well, maybe it's time to rethink that adoption decision. Yes, yes, a dog is a responsibility and they don't do well with long absences.

Now, if you have a flexible schedule and you're sure you're not a chronic absentee but you still worry about it, well, know that some breeds are better than others when it comes to solitude. For example, the Tibetan Spaniel, the Pekingese, the Japanese Spitz, the Welsh Corgi, the Chihuahua or even the Yorkshire Terrier can do it alone more easily than other dogs.

Adopting a dog? It's an important decision that deserves a lot of thought! A dog becomes a full-fledged member of a family. So, we'll let you think about it. And for those who already have a four-legged friend, we also have some smart advice to share!

How to recognize a bored dog?

Do you suspect your dog is unhappy in your absence? There are several signs that can alert you. A bored dog is not necessarily the one with sad eyes, slumped on the couch. No no, it's more the one who turns your living room into a battlefield, devours your shoes and scratches your curtains ouch!

Many behavioral disorders can develop over time, so it is important to pay close attention to them so that your companion does not manifest separation anxiety by barking excessively, relieving himself indoors, compulsively licking himself, or even losing his appetite.

There are several warning signs you should watch for regarding your dog's behavior. Here are the most specific ones:

• Your dog tries to get your attention in various ways. He follows you around the house, whines or makes whiny sounds for no apparent reason.
• Your dog is restless and/or destructive . He exhibits hyperactive behaviors, jumps on furniture, attacks your belongings, knocks over trash cans, or digs holes in the yard if he has the opportunity.
• Your dog barks excessively and may engage in destructive behaviors, especially when you are not around, which can cause problems with neighbors.
• Your dog is licking or scratching excessively , which can lead to skin injuries that require veterinary attention.
• Your dog is showing signs of apathy . Unlike his usual state, he is inactive, loses his appetite and seems sad.

 Learn to wait for yourself

Teaching your dog to be independent? It's like trying to teach him to do the dishes: it takes time and a lot of patience! Often glued to your sneakers, you and he have trouble separating, so do it gradually. Leave him in a room for 5 minutes, then 10 minutes, and then for as long as you're away. In this way, he will learn to no longer depend on your presence and will be able to keep himself busy without you.

However, if your pooch is the type to freak out at the thought of being abandoned, expect some resistance. Be patient and give him lots of love. It may be a long road, with endless barking and maybe even some mess in your living room (oops). But don't hold it against him, just teach him that it's not okay and make his alone time feel like a chance to relax, not a punishment.

Another little tip: don't make a big deal out of your departure or return. Indeed, when the owner is about to leave, he tries to reassure his dog by talking to him and explaining that he won't be gone long. However, this ritual has the effect of increasing the dog's anxiety, because he quickly associates these signs with the imminent departure of his owner. Thus, the dog's anxiety increases as he watches his owner put on his shoes, take his coat and handle the keys. These ritual habits end up increasing the dog's stress instead of decreasing it, which accelerates the separation process instead of slowing it down.

The same goes for the return ritual. The dog shows his joy when he finds his master, and the latter reacts in the same way. Feeling guilty for having left him alone, the master responds to his dog's requests, which leads the latter to associate the return of his master with a moment of comfort. When the dog has caused damage, we often tend to reprimand him. However, it is important to know that the dog understands his fault better when he is corrected immediately. Scolding him two hours later has no effect, but only increases his anxiety. When he returns, it is essential to remain calm, ignore the dog, encourage him to lie down gently in his basket and clean up the mess (but not in the presence of the dog). This can be difficult, but it is essential.

Give him some company

By this, we mainly mean a toy or a chew toy and not another dog. Indeed, we can think that with another dog, your first dog will be less bored. This is only partly true. Indeed, nothing guarantees that they will get along when they are just the two of them and that does not solve the root of the problem. Worse, you will have two problems at that time. If you cannot correct the boredom of your dog alone, do not get a second one… otherwise there will be two of them bored.

If the chew toy is not enough, to make the game a little more difficult, you can also opt for a toy filled with treats? Especially if access is more difficult. Yes, he will concentrate on how to eat his treats and will even forget your absence. 

Sport: the key to a peaceful day

You too, when you've had a good workout, you just want to take a nap? Your doggie too! So, when you're with him, put on your sneakers, put a harness on him, take the ball and go for a walk! Not only will it be good for your physical condition, but your doggie will be well-used so that he will take a nap while you're away. In addition, it will bring you closer together and he will know that even if you are away for a few hours, when you are there he can count on you.

So yes, we are not all morning people and sporty enough to go for an early morning jog, but throwing the stick two or three times before leaving can already be a very good start or a relaxing walk in the evening so that he can stretch his legs and smell the scents will always be appreciated. 

Little extras

You can also always leave some background noise, this will help your dog feel less alone at home, so the radio, TV or a stereo (if it still exists) will do the trick! But be careful with the TV, he risks finding himself hypnotized in front of the screen, like a child in front of a cartoon. So, it is better to reserve that for special occasions. And as a last piece of advice, if you can, ask a relative or a neighbor to come by when you are away for a long time. Your dog will have the stimulation of a human and will be less aware that you have been gone longer than usual. Finally, there are several serious dog sitter sites, this can be an opportunity to meet trustworthy people to look after your dog or walk him when you are not there.

In any case, don't be too hard on yourself if you have to leave your dog at home. The simple fact that you are looking for solutions shows how much you care about his well-being, and that's already huge!