Activities For Small Dogs When Home Alone
Introduction
Sometimes a pup just needs to be alone whether they want to or not. It is a sad truth that we can't always be with our furry friends (someone has to go to work all day…) but that doesn't meant that we can't set them up for a great day at home. With specific activities that your small dog can play alone, you will rest assured that your pup is having fun while you are away. Of course, your dog will still be ecstatic when you come home but these fun games will keep them busy until that moment comes.
Treat Cups
This game will encourage your dog to use their keen sense of smell along with the ability to problem solve. With a few simple plastic cups and your dogs favorite treat, you can create a game that will last a few minutes to one that could take your dog hours - it's completely up to you! It is a perfect activity to set up on your way out of the house as it does not require any supervision - your dog will be fine on their own! This is also a game that your small dog will never tire of playing - no dog ever gets tired of eating treats!
Food Maze
Tossing your dog a treat on your way out the door is nice but it doesn't last long. Give your small pup a challenge that will last more than a second by setting them up with a food maze. A food maze toy has spaces where you can hide your dog's favorite treats and your dog must figure out the puzzle in order to get to the treat. These games are stimulating and can keep a small dog busy for hours! There are also different levels of difficulty so you can begin with an easy food maze and make it harder as your dog learns the game.
Solo Fetch
While playing fetch may seem like a game that needs at least one human and one dog, your small dog can actually learn to play by themselves. Many small dogs are also dogs that are full of energy so playing fetch all day while home alone sounds like a perfect way to help them get much needed stimulation and exercise. So how does a dog play fetch by themselves? Easy! All you need is your pup's favorite ball (one that they can easily pick up in their mouth is ideal) and a cardboard box. Solo fetch is ready to go!
More Fun Ideas...
Music
Put soothing music on the radio for your dog while you are gone. Music will make your small pup feel as if they are not alone and help them stay cheerful while you are gone - what is your dog's favorite music genre?
Kong Toy
Fill a Kong or similar rubber hollow toy with peanut butter and let your dog lick away. Trying to get all that peanut butter out from inside a Kong can take a dog hours. Freeze the treat filled toy for even longer fun!
Conclusion
Being home alone can be fun for a small dog and you can help create that fun environment very easily. It doesn't take a lot of time or money to set up any of these activities and all of them will benefit your dog. So grab some cardboard to make a fun fetch ramp, get a food maze toy or just turn the radio on and leave the house knowing your dog is well taken care of.