How to prevent my dog from being bored when I'm at work
Updated 16 October 2026
In short: a dog copes better with being alone if it has been exercised first (a walk, sniffing), has something to do (a food-filled toy, something to chew) and has learned to be alone gradually. Keep departures low-key and greet it calmly when you get back. Beyond a few hours, have someone drop in around midday. Chewing, barking or accidents only while you're out can signal separation anxiety, which needs specific help.
How can you tell if your dog is bored?
My dog:
How long can a dog be left alone?
There's no official limit, and it depends on age, health and how used to it the dog is. A Swedish study (Rehn and Keeling, 2011) found that dogs greeted their owners more intensely after 2 hours alone than after 30 minutes: time does matter to them. For an adult, a few hours go fine if it has been exercised; for a full working day, arrange a visit.
| Profile | Guideline | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | Short spells: frequent toilet needs | Very short absences, visits |
| Adult used to it | A few hours | Exercise first + enrichment toy |
| Full working day | Too long without a break | Neighbour, friend, dog walker or daycare |
| Senior or unwell | As your vet advises | More frequent trips out |
Before adopting: if you're away for long hours every day, plan care from the start. No breed is "made" to be alone all day.
How do you keep your dog busy while you're out?
- A proper walk with time to sniff: scenting tires dogs as much as running.
- A few minutes of play or training.
- A toilet trip just before.
- A food-dispensing toy filled with its meal or wet food (frozen, it lasts longer).
- A snuffle mat or lick mat.
- A chew sized for your dog.
- Gentle background sound can help some dogs.
- A neighbour or friend who drops in at lunchtime.
- A dog walker or pet sitter.
- Doggy daycare, if your dog enjoys other dogs.
A second dog isn't a cure for boredom: if it isn't solved, you may end up with two bored dogs.
How should you handle departures and returns?
- Build up graduallyA few minutes alone in a room, then longer, as long as it stays calm. Come back before it starts to worry.
- Make cues meaninglessPick up your keys or put on your shoes without leaving, so these actions no longer always predict departure.
- Leave simplyNo long goodbyes: hand over the enrichment toy and go.
- Calm, warm returnGreet your dog calmly, with gentle petting and talking once the excitement has dropped. A study (Rehn et al., 2014) found that dogs greeted with touch and talking settled faster than dogs that were ignored.
- Never punish on returnDon't scold your dog for damage you find on return: it can't make the link and it adds to its stress.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours?
That's long for most dogs, especially without a toilet break. Arrange a visit or walk around midday.
Should I leave the radio or TV on?
Gentle background sound can help some dogs and mask outside noise. It's an extra, not a solution on its own.
Should I ignore my dog when I get home?
There's no need to ignore it. Stay calm, let the excitement settle, then greet it gently.
Does a second dog solve boredom?
Not necessarily. Meet the first dog's needs first; otherwise you may end up with two bored dogs.
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