Activities For Large Dogs When Home Alone

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Introduction

Dog owners typically want to spend a substantial amount of time with their pets. However, if you live on your own with just your dog, there are instances when dogs have to be left alone (going to work, running errands, going on a night out with friends). While it is possible to get a dog sitter, this is not always the case, since it is sometimes hard to find a sitter when you need one, or not everyone has the budget for it. It can even be more challenging if you have a large, active dog as a pet. If you are faced with this dilemma, don’t fret; there are lots of possible activities to keep your dog busy while you are away. 

Puzzle Games

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Moderate
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Puzzle game of choice
Treats
Activity description

Even when dogs are left home alone, they can still play games. The best type of game that you can leave behind with your dog is a puzzle game. The great thing about these dog puzzle games is not only do they keep your dog busy and occupied while you are gone, they also become productive and their mind is kept stimulated. The good news is that there are all kinds of puzzle games out in the market today and you can easily find one that is suited to your dog’s interests or needs and one that your dog will thoroughly enjoy. 

Step
1
Select the fun
If you do not have a game yet, go to a pet store and buy puzzle games that you think your dog will like. There are so many variations of puzzle games to choose from; some toys are filled with treats while there are some interactive toys that your dog will enjoy. Some popular puzzle games include the ones designed by Swedish toymaker Nina Ottosson.
Step
2
Practice the game
Using your newly-bought puzzle game, play a trial game with your dog. This part is essential because it allows you to check how your dog reacts to the game. Moreover, you get to guide your dog throughout the game so that your dog will be able to play it even without supervision.
Step
3
Set up the challenge
Once you are confident that your dog has a good grasp of the game and that your dog is able to work on the game alone, set it up for when you need to leave the house. You may do it just shortly before leaving for work or for whatever appointment you have to go to. When you come home, check on your dog and see if the puzzle game was completed.
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Scavenger Hunt

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
1 hr
Items needed
Treats
Activity description

While visual, physical and mental stimulation is a must when leaving your dog at home, you should not limit their senses to just these because this will diminish the complete experience for your dog. The sense of smell is just as important as any other sense. The scavenger hunt is a classic dog game that involves stimulating your dog’s sense of smell. A game of scavenger hunt is easy and requires very little effort on your part. All you have to do is to leave treats around your home. Make sure that you hide enough treats to keep your dog entertained throughout the day. 

Step
1
Choose the treats
If you will be setting up a scavenger hunt, the only thing you will need are treats, which will be kept hidden around the house. When choosing the treats for the game, pick one that your dog really likes. More importantly, choose a treat that has a smell they can easily recognize.
Step
2
Scatter the treats
While your dog is occupied or not within the vicinity, pick out the treats and scatter them all over your home. Make sure that your dog is not present while you leave the treats; your dog might pick up those treats even before you get to leave the house. Note that you should not leave the treats in areas where your dog might break something or rip into a cushion, or where some home items may get ruined.
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Kong Toy

Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Kong toy
Treats of choice
Activity description

Dogs like to chew on things, especially when left unsupervised. Instead of letting your dog chew items around your house, you may opt for a chew toy instead. Out of all the chew toys available, the Kong toy is a favorite. The Kong is one of the most popular and well-liked toys for dogs. Dog owners heavily favor this toy because of how long-lasting and interactive it can be. The Kong toy has several purposes; aside from being a good chew toy, it bounces and rolls around. Plus, the Kong toy can also be filled with different treats or even other dog favorites such as peanut butter or dog foods. 

Step
1
Buy your Kong
Because of how popular they are, Kong toys are quite easy to find. As a matter of fact, almost every pet store has the Kong toy available. All you have to do is to visit the nearest pet store and purchase a Kong toy for your pooch. Some pet stores even allow you to bring your pet along for shopping. There are various sizes, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your pal.
Step
2
Fill it up with goodies
There are many options to choose from when thinking of how to fill the Kong. Some dog owners simply fill the toy with cheese or peanut butter while others insert some canned dog food or dog treats. For dogs who have strong jaws, you can freeze your chosen treat the night before. Frozen toys will keep your dog occupied for hours while you are away.
Step
3
Maintain the toy
Whether you are headed out to work or looking for fun for your pup on a rainy day, the Kong or similar toy will provide plenty of entertainment and a treat to boot. Before refilling and refreezing the toy, be sure to wash it.
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More Fun Ideas...

Hire a Dog Walker

Dog walking is a booming business, and for good reason. Dog walking businesses give owners the peace of mind that their dogs will get their needed exercise without having to be physically present. Of course, you would have to choose a reputable dog walking company such as Wag! and make the necessary arrangements for the service.

Television Time

When your dog is home alone, you can keep your dog entertained and occupied by doing as something as simple as leaving the television on. This allows your dog to be visually stimulated throughout the day. In fact, there are even some specialized TV channels dedicated to dogs, such as DogTV. These channels show 24/7 programs that are tailor-made for dogs. 

Conclusion

Having a pet and living on your own is a challenge, especially when you need to leave. Leaving your dog alone at home may seem problematic and worrisome, but there are ways around this. These activities are perfect for entertaining your dog and keeping them stimulated during the time that they are alone in the house. Of course, a daily walk or two will be an additional need that will help your dog to be more content while waiting for your return.