This is how you can keep your dog busy for 9-10 hours while you’re absent [With Steps]

Toys are not the only source of entertainment for dogs in your absence. There are many other ways you can adapt to keep your dog busy while you are absent. Keeping your dog engaged is necessary, because boredom can cause frustration and stress.

Below are significant ways that will help you to keep your dog busy for around 9-10 hours.

Frozen Treats

Frozen treats are commonly used for dogs to have a good time in your absence. You can also use your dog’s favorite treats. Frozen broth, yogurts, or even peanut butter can be used for this purpose. To make the situation more exciting you can hide the frozen treats in your dog’s favorite toy.

How to do it

1. Prepare the frozen treats by filling ice cube trays or silicone molds with dog-friendly ingredients like broth, yogurt, or peanut butter.
2. Drop a few of your dog’s favorite treats or toys into each compartment of the mold before filling it with the liquid mixture.
3. Freeze the treats overnight or for several hours until they are solid.
4. Before leaving, place the frozen treats in various spots around your home or inside your dog’s favorite toys for them to discover throughout the day.

Busy Boards

Busy boards are created using different interactive tools like levers, buttons, and sliders. You can easily get one from the market or even you can create it yourself. Such boards keep dogs busy. You can also hide treats to make it more interesting for your dog.

How to do it

1. Purchase a pre-made busy board from a pet store or create your own using items like PVC pipes, switches, buttons, and sliders.
2. Introduce your dog to the busy board by encouraging them to interact with each component using treats or praise.
3. Hide treats within the components of the board to provide extra motivation for your dog to engage with it.
4. Leave the busy board in a safe and accessible area for your dog to play with while you’re away.

Scent Games

Dogs have a great sense of smell. So why not trick them using their great power? Scented games are a good time pass for dogs. All you need to do is hide different treats with a strong smell all around your house. In your absence, your dog will find them and have the treat as a reward.

How to do it

1. Choose strong-smelling treats such as freeze-dried liver or cheese cubes to hide around your home.
2. Start by hiding treats in easy-to-find locations and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog becomes more skilled at the game.
3. Encourage your dog to use their nose to search for the hidden treats by providing verbal cues or showing them where to look initially.
4. Rotate the hiding spots regularly to keep the game challenging and exciting for your dog.

Automatic Feeders

Automatic feeders are generally used to feed the dog at scheduled times. These feeders don’t require manual feeding. Some feeders are designed in a way that requires your dog’s involvement and they work like puzzle feeders. These feeders help your dog to work to get the food and keep them engaged. 

How to do it

1. Fill the automatic feeder with your dog’s regular kibble or treats.
2. Set the timer on the feeder to dispense food at specific intervals throughout the day.
3. Choose a feeder that requires your dog to interact with it, such as one with puzzle or activity features, to keep them mentally stimulated while eating.
4. Monitor your dog’s progress with the feeder and adjust the difficulty level as needed to keep them engaged.

Music or TV

You can leave the TV or radio on for your dog before leaving. This way dogs feel that there is someone interacting with them. Play calm music and switch to the dog channels. If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, this trick will work well for them.

How to do it

1. Choose a calming music playlist or dog-specific TV channel to play for your dog while you’re away.
2. Set up the TV or radio in a location where your dog can hear it comfortably.
3. Experiment with different types of music or shows to see what your dog responds to best.
4. Leave the volume at a moderate level to create a soothing background noise for your dog.

Window Views

Dogs like to watch the outside world. They love to interact with their surroundings. Window views help them to keep an eye on the outside environment. They can see their fellow dogs or different people passing. Set a comfortable spot near the window where your dog can sit and watch the outside world. 

How to do it

1. Position a comfortable bed or cushion near a window with a good view of the outside world.
2. Open the blinds or curtains to allow your dog to see outside.
3. Provide toys or treats to keep your dog occupied while they watch the passing scenery.
4. Consider installing a window perch or ledge to give your dog a better vantage point.

Doggy Playdates

Being a friendly and outgoing animal, dogs love to make new friends. You can arrange doggy playdates for your dog with other dogs. For this purpose, you can take your dog to dog daycare. Your dog will have a good time and will definitely feel energetic after spending time with furry fellows.

How to do it

1. Research local dog daycares or parks where your dog can socialize with other dogs.
2. Schedule regular playdates with friends or neighbors who have dogs that get along well with yours.
3. Supervise the playdate initially to ensure all dogs are playing safely and respectfully.
4. Provide plenty of toys and activities to keep the dogs entertained during their time together.