Dogs love company. When left alone, they get bored and lonely too. If left too often, they can also develop depression or anxiety. It’s no fun spending long days without friends or family for company with nothing to do. Bored, lonely dogs can bark excessively creating problems with neighbours or be destructive (for example, start chewing on or ripping things apart).

Of course, we all want to spend as much time as possible with our dogs—that's why we have them. However, when we can't, the tips on this page can help keep loneliness and boredom at bay while we're away.

First, is your dog okay?

If your dog greets you with excessive jumping, whining, or barking when you get home, your dog might be telling you they’re not coping. Signs include inappropriate toileting or mass destruction. In severe cases, dogs that really panic when left alone can end up with separation-related disorder which needs a vet diagnosis and care. It’s manageable, but easier to prevent by giving your dog things to do or giving them company. Read on, now the fun starts!

Break out the toys

Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Everyone does! So when you leave them alone make sure they have toys to play with and things to do. Keep a box of toys and activities on hand to break out when you leave. Here’s some suggestions…

• Chew toys for chompers, plush toys for cuddlers and puzzles for problem solvers.
• Treat dispensing toys, food puzzles or tumbler treat balls.
• Tennis balls, balls of all shapes and sizes.
• If your dog's a chaser--an automated ball dispenser (be careful where you put it and make sure its safe).
• Squeaky, crinkly or weird-noise toys.
• Roll and move toys.
• Edible, long lasting chews.
• Snuffle mats or slow maze feeders.
• With a pet treat camera, you can surprise your dog with a yummy chew through a smart phone app.

Toy tips

• Visit your pet shop with your dog and let them choose their toys.
  
• Check toys are safe first by watching how they play before leaving them alone with them.
• Let your dog explore any toys before adding treats to it.
• Problem-solvers will enjoy toys they have to manipulate.
• Keep things interesting by introducing or changing toys with different textures and scents often.
• For food/puzzle toys change flavours and treats often: try tinned dog food, chicken breast, dog yoghurt, peanut butter (if it does not include Xylitol), carrots, cooked boneless salmon, spreadable cheese and plain, canned pumpkin.
• Always moderate your treats—don’t overdo it.
• Check treats have safe, non-toxic ingredients.

Give them things to do

Here’s some suggestions to keep your dog busy. Remember to give them options and swap things around often.

• Collect clean toilet rolls; milk and egg cartons; shoe, cereal and package boxes, paper bags; packing paper; paper cups or just safe stuff your dog can rip apart for fun—give them a few at time to push or throw around, roll on or chew.
• Fill a box with toilet rolls you’ve cut in half, and sprinkle kibble over them—not suitable for dogs with protruding eyes!
• Plant tissue boxes with treats inside around the house.
• Create a box tower which has your dog’s favourite treats inside one.
• Make 'doggy pinatas' out of paper bags with a treat inside, tied to a sturdy anchor point which your dog has to break out.
• Pop cooked chicken or kibble treats into muffin pans covered with tennis balls.
• Roll treats in packing paper and hide them around the house.
• Set up a mini-agility course with pop-up tunnels and cones.
• If your dog likes to dig, create a ball pit with hidden treats and toys inside.
• Squirt dog-safe spray scents for them to seek out—dogs love to explore new scents.
• Play audiobooks, the radio, or videos made for dogs such as DOGTV.
• Ball poles like Aussie Dog Home Alone are good for active dogs who are hard on their toys.

Activity tips

• Spend 5-10 minutes in the morning hiding treats, toys, and activities around the house for your dog to enjoy their scavenger hunt when you leave.
• Check your dog isn’t ingesting cardboard but only ripping it apart—if so, avoid these games, or use stronger material like PVC pipes to hide treats in.
• Shape old t-shirts or fleecy fabric into braided rope toys (if your dog won’t end up eating them).

Get social

Most dogs love the company of others—dogs and people. Lots of people like dogs and might be excited if you ask them to be a special 'fill in' buddy.

• Ask friends, relatives or friendly neighbours if they’ll walk your dog to the park once or twice a week, or to call in and visit them when they can.
• Find a reliable dog walker to visit and walk your dog.
  
• Enrol your dog into a trusted, recommended doggy day care once a week.
• Take your dog to training once a week—ask your local council if they have a community-based, subsidised training program (some do).
• Come home at lunch time to walk your dog.
• If your job is suitable, try to negotiate to work from home a couple of times a week.

Two’s company

Maybe you could adopt another dog. This isn't a solution for addressing behavioural problems—if they’re displaying signs see your vet or trainer. However, having a companion and playmate is a great option if you can manage it. First, you'll need to consider how your dog might adjust to another dog in the family. If you decide this is an option, go slow. The following pointers might help you make the decision and get you started.

• Generally, the safest, sensible addition is a younger dog of the opposite sex—make sure they're both desexed!
• Take your dog to meet any potential newbie in a neutral environment to watch how they react to each another and assess whether they have the potential to gel.
• Introductions outside the home are less threatening to your dog—imagine how you’d feel having someone rush through your home and belongings uninvited.
• It could take couple of weeks or more for the dogs to be comfortable spending time alone together.
• You'll need to be prepared to supervise until they're both content and calm.
• Don't let the dogs feel like they’re competing for anything, especially you. They'll both need your attention.
• Check they’re not guarding food from one another and don't leave treats in a shared space when you’re not home.
• Make sure both dogs have plenty to share or they might prefer their own items for themselves when you leave them together alone.

Woof!