If you’re an owner of a dog with boundless energy, it can be stressful finding new things to keep them entertained while you’re busy or out of the house. Without entertainment, your dog might get into trouble—especially if you must leave them alone for hours at a time.
Despite their nature, you still love your dog and want to find a workaround for the habits they have when they’re bored. Add more fun to your puppy’s life with some different ways to keep your dog entertained.
Try Out Different Types of Toys
Dog toy types include:
- Chew toys: Bones and rubber rings
- Chase toys: Balls and discs
- Hunt toys: Squeaky toys and other noisemakers
- Competitive/interactive toys: Rope toys and toys that move
- Reward toys: Dog puzzles and hidden treat toys
- Cuddle toys: Soft plushies and sentimental objects
While many dogs have a favorite type of toy, not all dogs require every type of toy. Some dogs may interact with chew toys but avoid noisy hunting toys. Make sure to provide toys that are suitable for the age of your dog—you don’t want to give them a chew toy they may choke on.
Choosing the right toy depends on your dog’s personality. If they seem to have separation anxiety, give them a cuddly plush or an old article of your clothing to snuggle with while you’re away. Puzzles can keep a dog entertained for hours, especially if they have treats inside!
Leave Your Dog at Daycare
Sometimes, the easiest option for entertaining a bored dog is to leave them at a dog daycare. While they’re at daycare, they’ll get to meet all kinds of different canine friends and socialize while they play. When you stop by after work or at the end of your busy day, your puppy will be ready to rest up for the night.
For an even more exciting adventure, treat your dog to a stay at a dog hotel. Learn all about the dog boarding services near you and choose one that can groom your pup and give them treats—they’ll live it up while you get a night to yourself.
Adopt Another Dog
Dogs are incredibly social animals and often interact well with other pets, especially other dogs. Adopting another dog is a different way to keep your dog entertained that, while effective, also requires more responsibility on your part. Sometimes, it’s easier to take care of two dogs than one dog on its own.
If you can feasibly take care of two dogs, try to find one with a personality that complements your current dog. Allow them to meet each other first at a public park before taking them both home. The two dogs may not get along at first—be patient and give them both their own spaces in the house and they may grow to become best friends.
