Activities For Dogs Who Like To Be Alone

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Activities For Dogs Who Like To Be Alone

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Introduction

Sometimes, dogs just like to be by themselves. Your pup may leave the room when you come in or shy away from groups of people, preferring a quiet room all to themselves. This isn't rare! Just like people, sometimes a dog just needs some downtime and to be by themselves. Let your pup be alone if that is what seems to make them comfortable. However, alone doesn't mean bored! Give your dog plenty to do, if they choose, while they are alone.

Treat Toys

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Any Day

Moderate

Normal

30 min

Items needed

Treat toy

Treat puzzle

Activity description

Just because your dog is alone doesn't mean they don't want to play or eat treats! Your shy pup will benefit from the from mental stimulation that treat toys provide. Treat toys are like puzzles for dogs where you hide a treat inside the toy and your pup needs to figure out how to get the treat out. Sounds like something that is perfect for a dog who is by themselves! Treat toys will give your dog something meaningful to do and accomplish even if they are alone. No one needs to be there to help your pup with these so let them play independently and tackle their new puzzle!

Step

Pick a puzzle

Find a treat toy that is perfect for your dog. With a small dog, you will want to chose a toy that is not too big for them to pick up or too difficult for them to master with their small paws. The idea is to make your pup have fun, not get frustrated!

Step

Training for treats

Show your dog how the treat toy works. You can't expect your dog to automatically know how to use their new toy (although some dogs may!). Let your dog watch as you put treats inside and even as you get the treats back out yourself - this will help them learn to do it independently.

Step

Fill it up

Fill the treat toy with your pup's favorite treats and let your dog have at it! Leave your dog alone so that they will be more comfortable but remember to check on them occasionally. If your dog responds to praise, let them know how great they did with the toy! For a treat that lasts, insert a teaspoon of dog-safe peanut butter just inside the top of the toy, press a few training size treats into the peanut butter, and freeze. Take the treat toy out at playtime for a refreshing time of fun.

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TV Time

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Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Dog Bed or Blanket

Activity description

Sometimes you just need to relax in front of the TV by yourself and unwind after a long day. Your dog may feel the same way! Try putting the TV on for your dog to see if it helps them relax and feel calm. You can leave the TV on for your pup when you have to go to work or go out for the day as well. Even though your dog prefers to be alone, having the background noise and something to look at every now and then may really help them. Keep in mind that too much TV may not be the best, however; dogs still need exercise and human interaction.

Step

Find a show

See if your dog enjoys watching TV. Turn it on and see if the screen catches your dog's eye or if they just ignore it. Try a show with a dog in it, or even a show that is all about dogs. Hearing barking and seeing fellow pups may intrigue your dog.

Step

Make it cozy

Once you have determined your dog's favorite show, turn it on anytime your pup seems to want some alone time. Set up a nice area where your dog can get cozy while they watch the TV. If you dog doesn't feel like watching TV and wants true silence, don't worry, they will just get up and go somewhere else!

Step

Leave it on

Leave the TV on for your pup when you have to go away so that they have some 'company'. Even though your dog may like to be alone, it is always nice to have a little noise just to know that someone is always there for them! TV is a fun pastime for humans and dogs alike!

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The Perfect Space

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0 Votes

Any Day

Cheap

Easy

1 hr

Items needed

Toys

Treats

Dog Bed or Blanket

Activity description

If your dog likes to be alone, chances are that they have picked a spot in your house to call their own. This is your pup's safe zone. It is time to make that safe zone even more cozy and safe. Giving your pup's favorite spot a nice refresh is a great way to tell your dog that it is okay to be alone and here is a place you can go anytime you need to get away. Almost every canine needs a spot like this to keep them relaxed and in control of their environment - wouldn't we all benefit from a safe zone?

Step

Your dog's spot

Identify the spot where your dog gravitates towards when they want to be alone. Then evaluate what makes this spot ideal for your dog. If your pup likes their spot because it is quiet, then adding a radio to the area may be a bad idea. You want to keep all the things that make this spot cozy for your pup

Step

Clean comfort

Give the area a good cleaning. If your dog spends a lot of time on one blanket, give it a good wash or vacuum your dog's favorite rug really well. Cleaning up won't deter your dog from returning to their spot, it will just be nice and refreshed for them!

Step

Cozier

Add more comfy things your dog may like. Extra pillows or blankets are ideal for any safe zone. A few new toys will excite your companion as well. And don't forget about treats! Throw a few treats in your dogs revamped area so that they know the spot is just for them!

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More Fun Ideas...

Encouragement

If your dog likes to be alone but you would prefer them to be more outgoing, train your dog to enjoy being around people. People give treats right? Your dog will enjoy learning that for sure!

Music

Set up a radio in your dog's area so that they can listen to calming music as they sit alone. Soothing sounds will help calm a dog who may be a little on edge.

Conclusion

It is okay to want to be alone and this goes for your dog's desire to be alone as well. Let your pup do what makes them feel happy and comfortable and if that is being alone, let them be alone! However, all of these activities will potentially make your dog even happier when they are by themselves. So try the TV, set up a cozy dog bed and give your pup a few interactive toys to play with. Now you know that while your dog may be alone, they are happy!