Keeping Pets Entertained When Away: Solutions for Alone Time
Keep dogs entertained when alone with safe interactive toys (Kongs, puzzle feeders), background noise (TV/radio), comfortable rest areas, and pre-departure exercise. Avoid toys with small parts or ropes that could cause choking. Gradually build up alone time to prevent separation anxiety.
Skip to product recommendationUnderstanding Alone Time
๐ Key Takeaways
- โขLeave background noise onโTV or music reduces anxiety
- โขPuzzle feeders turn meals into mental stimulation
- โขRotate toys to keep them novel and interesting
- โขConsider a pet camera to check in and interact remotely
Dogs are social animals, but they can learn to be comfortable alone with proper preparation:
- Most adult dogs can handle 4-6 hours alone
- Puppies need more frequent breaks
- Senior dogs may need more attention
- Individual tolerance varies significantly
Setting Up for Success
Pre-Departure Exercise
A tired dog is a content dog:
- Morning walk or play session before you leave
- Mental exercise (training) is tiring too
- Aim for dog to be ready to rest when you go
- Adjust intensity to your dog's age and fitness
๐๐น Best Pet Camera
The Furbo Dog Camera lets you watch, talk to, and toss treats to your pet from anywhere.
Safe Space
- Comfortable bed in quiet area
- Access to water
- Appropriate temperature
Additional tips: dog-proofed to prevent accidents, crate if your dog is crate-trained and comfortable.
Safe Toys for Unsupervised Play
What's Safe
- Kongs and similar rubber toys (no small parts)
- Frozen food-stuffed toys
- Solid rubber balls too large to swallow
Additional tips: treat-dispensing toys designed for unsupervised use, lick mats with spread frozen onto them.
What to Avoid
- Rope toys (can unravel and cause intestinal blockage)
- Small balls or toys (choking hazard)
- Soft toys with stuffing or squeakers
Additional tips: rawhide or chews that can break into chunks, anything your specific dog destroys quickly.
Food Enrichment Ideas
Make meals work for you:
- Frozen Kong: Fill with kibble and peanut butter, freeze overnight
- Puzzle feeders: Save breakfast for when you leave
- Snuffle mat: Sprinkle kibble for searching (remove if dog chews mat)
- Frozen lick mats: Spread yogurt or pumpkin, freeze
Background Noise
Many dogs benefit from ambient sound:
- TV or radio provides company and masks outside sounds
- Dog-specific music designed to calm
- Audiobooks (steady human voice)
- White noise to block startling sounds
Technology Helpers
- Pet cameras: Check in and talk to your dog
- Automatic treat dispensers: Interact remotely
- Smart toys: App-controlled play
- Timed feeders: Spread meals throughout the day
Building Alone Time Tolerance
For dogs not used to being alone:
- Start with very short absences (5 minutes)
- Gradually increase duration
- Keep departures and returns low-key
- Create positive associations with your leaving
- Don't make a big fuss when you return
Recognizing Separation Anxiety
Signs your dog may have separation anxiety:
- Destruction focused on exits (doors, windows)
- Excessive barking or howling when alone
- House soiling despite being housetrained
Additional tips: escape attempts, signs of distress when you prepare to leave, extreme excitement when you return.
True separation anxiety requires professional helpโsee your vet or a certified behaviorist.
Mid-Day Options
For long work days:
- Dog walker for mid-day break
- Doggy daycare (for appropriate dogs)
- Friends or family visit
Additional tips: come home for lunch if possible, consider dog-friendly workplace policies.
Multiple Dogs
Having another dog doesn't automatically solve alone time issues:
- Dogs may keep each other company
- But separation anxiety is about you, not other dogs
- Second dog should be for the right reasons, not as a "fix"
- Each dog still needs individual enrichment
Creating a Departure Routine
Consistency helps dogs know what to expect:
- Morning exercise
- Bathroom break
- Set up enrichment toys
- Turn on background noise
- Leave calmly without fanfare
- Return calmly, wait for calm before greeting
When You Return
- Keep greetings calm (hard but important)
- Let dog out for bathroom immediately
- Check for any problems
Additional tips: pick up alone-time toys, spend quality time together.
The Bottom Line
Most dogs can learn to be comfortable during reasonable alone time periods with proper preparation. Focus on exercise before you leave, safe enrichment during your absence, and calm departures and arrivals. If your dog shows signs of true separation anxiety, seek professional helpโit's treatable but requires specific approaches.
