Wouldn’t the world be a better place if every day was “Bring Your Dog to Work Day?” Unfortunately, most workplaces still frown at the idea of our paw pals accompanying us to the office. Until you can convince your boss that your dog is a valuable coworker, you’re left with the question, “How do I keep my dog entertained while at work?”
While most dogs adapt well to spending time alone while their owners earn their kibble money, it’s still a good idea to take some precautions to prevent boredom. If you’re the proud owner of a puppy, dog prone to boredom, or dog with separation anxiety, providing your dog with entertainment is a must. Not only is a busy dog a good dog, but keeping your dog busy will give you peace of mind.
The Plight of Working for Dog Owners
Our dogs are our best friends. We miss them while we’re away. But do they miss us? This often comes down to the idea of “object permanence,” or how long a being stays interested in something after it is out of sight. And studies show that, yes, our dogs think about us and even miss us while we’re gone [1]. In fact, a dog’s excitement upon their human’s return increases with the amount of time we’re away [2].
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should feel guilty for leaving your doggo at home. The same studies also show that most dogs do not show any sign of distress while their owners are not home.
There are a lot of factors that go into how your dog experiences your absence. For example, many dogs take a great deal of pleasure and comfort in having a four-legged sibling.
Can a Dog Be Left Alone for 8 Hours?
Absolutely. If you work a normal 8-hour workday, you do not have to worry about your dog feeling sad that you’re not home. Nor should you worry that your dog’s struggling to hold their bladder. The average adult dog can easily hold their pee for ten to twelve hours [3].
But if you have the ability to hire a dog walker or have a neighbour let your dog out, your dog would appreciate it.
Is It Okay to Leave a Dog Alone All Day?
Under ideal circumstances, a dog should be let out every four-to-six hours. If this isn’t plausible, your dog will do fine if left alone for up to ten hours. Providing your dog with entertainment can help them better pass the time, as well.
How to Keep a Dog Entertained Indoors
Keeping your dog busy while you’re at work is all about variety, interaction, and treats. By investing a bit of time into entertaining your dog while you’re at work can give you peace of mind and help your doggo pass the time faster. Use several of these boredom-busting strategies to keep your dog happy
