Entertainment for dogs left alone at home

Entertainment for the dog left alone at home

Scotty Valadao (Canine Behaviour Consultant (ABC of SA) TTouch Prac

Although dogs are known to be crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk), I think most of us feel guilty about leaving our dogs at home alone while we are out at work, or have gone out for a few hours. Many dogs do well, spending their time relaxing, sleeping and checking out the garden, however, some dogs just do not cope as well. This does not necessarily mean that they are suffering from separation anxiety or over dependency (although they may be heading towards this), the dog may just not be happy being alone, especially dogs that don't have a companion. So what do we do about this - how do we help them, and at the same time make ourselves feel better as well?

First and foremost, if you do think your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, it won't go away by itself, do get the help of an Accredited Canine Behaviour Consultant, to give you the tools you need to help your dog with this behaviour.

What you can do is to supply some environmental stimulation both inside and outside the home. This won't cure separation anxiety or over dependency, however it will make being alone at home a lot easier to cope with. Don't keep on giving the same stimulation, rotate on a daily basis to provide further mental stimulation. Another point to bear in mind, is that if you are leaving specific toys for your dog, is to take them away as soon as you come home - this makes them of higher value to a dog, and as it only gets these particular toys when you are out, it makes being alone, a much more rewarding experience to the dog.

Speak to your vet and consider giving your dog a mild calming product - this is sometimes enough to help the dog to cope, as well as supplying both mental and physical stimulation.

Another aspect which really helps to de-stress dogs is TTouch, and your dog would benefit from you learning a few basic TTouches and doing them daily. As TTouch is cumulative, the more you do, the more it will benefit your dog.

You could also consider a doggy day care centre, where your dog could spend at least twice a week there. This would help to provide stimulation, as well as keep up socialization skills, providing your dog is social with other dogs!

One of the best ways to help your dog to be alone at home, is to take it for a walk before you go out. This does not have to be an hour's walk, even 15 minutes of slow walking around the block and allowing the dog to sniff and smell all the scents around, can make a difference. People and dogs are not that different in this area - think about it - if you have a day where you are mentally stimulated, where your brain has a good workout, you are normally tired and ready to just relax - the same applies to dogs, and if you have had some physical stimulation as well as mental stimulation, then your likely to be very tired!

Before you leave, another idea is to have a 10 minute play session with a Flirt Pole. These are similar to the stick with a feather on it that you can use to play with a cat, just sturdier for a dog. Just Google 'Using a Flirt Pole' and you will get instructions to make and use it. The majority of dogs are really tired after playing with this.

Don't make a big deal of going out - say goodbye in a happy tone of voice, after putting down the toys for your dog to play with. If you are feeling anxious about leaving your dog, your dog will pick up on this, and start to feel anxious itself.

Here are some ideas for you to consider, both inside and outside the home, and you can have several activities available for the dog, not just one - this will help further to keep the dog entertained:-

In the garden

Dogs that battle to be left alone, seem to do better if they have access to the home, even if limited, so do consider a dog door, so that your dog can go in and out if possible, or at least have access to a garage or Wendy hut. If your dog has a fear of storms, then being able to go inside is really important.
If your dog enjoys tug toys, then hang a sturdy rope (less likely for the dog to become entangled) from a tree or bracket against the wall and attach a toy or tyre (buy at pet stores as most tyres have metal in them), and teach your dog to play with this. Toys that are likely to stretch a little, which gives it some life and motion, are the best, and you can even smear on a little peanut butter to make it more enticing. The Bullie breeds in-particular, really love this interaction, especially with a tyre. However, do not use this method if your dog is likely to become obsessive. The toy must be safe, so that the dog cannot choke on it if it comes off. It is always a good idea to be around while you are teaching your dog to play with this, to ensure that your whole set-up is safe.
Set up various play stations around the garden, so that your dog has variety and introduce your dog to them one at a time, and unsure he knows how to use them, otherwise pointless.
Place water in a plastic container which you can even add in a 1/2 teaspoon for Marmite/Bovril to give it some taste (some dogs tend to have a runny tummy if you put in too much). Put in some treats, and then freeze it,the night before. Before you leave, take it out of the container, and leave it on the grass for your dog - great fun will be had licking the ice and finding the treats.
Scatter feeding, by hiding treats all around the garden is great fun. You may have to show your dog how to do this initially, by leaving a trail of treats (or even some of the daily ration of food, to avoid overweight). Once dogs get the hang of this, they love it. This can even be done inside the home, if your dog does not have access to outside.
If your dog is one that enjoys digging, then a Digging Pit is a must. This is made in designated area of the garden and is kept stocked with treats and toys for your dog to find. This also prevents digging in random areas.

A child's sand pit Shell is a good idea, especially if the weather is hot. Ensure that your dog can go in and out by itself and have it shallow enough that there is no possibility of the dog drowning. You can take this a step further by supplying some safe plastic toys that float, and teach your dog to retrieve them while in the water.

Metal Bowls on flat surfaces are great fun, but you will have to teach your dog how to play this game. Take a few metal bowls, turn them upside down and put a treat or two under each. As these are hard for dogs to pick up, they tend to push them around which keeps them busy and entertained.
Empty Cereal Boxes. Take an empty cardboard box, cereal box, empty toilet rolls rounds, or egg cartons work well for this. Put a few treats inside, then tape the box closed with masking tape leaving one side open so the dog has access, or you can leave it closed at both sides one the dog gets the hang of it. You can even take some paper and wrap the treat in this making it harder for the dog to get to it. Idea is to start of making it easy for the dog and then gradually make it harder - provides entertainment and great mental stimulation.

You can also put food-stuffed Busy Buddies in the box before you tape it up. Give the sealed box to the dog and watch him tear it open with gusto to get at the treats. When he’s finished, your box is already shredded/broken down and will take up a lot less room in the recycling container. Practice this so that your dog understands.
Consider getting a Pet Sitter to come and visit for a while, or even better, the sitter can take your dog for a walk.
Some dogs do well when they can see outside. However, this depends very much on the dog. If you have a situation whereby your dog reacts to people or dogs walking past the gate, which escalates stress levels, then rather leave this out.

In the Home

When it comes to the various games and toys you can leave for your dog, you really are only limited by your imagination. Care must always be taken to ensure that what you leave for your dog is safe, and remember, as mentioned above, to take these toys and games away when you come home, so that they are higher value to your dog.

Leaive a radio or tv on, to either a dog related channel, or that the dog can hear music or people talking on the radio. Many of us humans, will automatically turn on the radio or tv when in the home, and it is as comforting for the dog as it is for humans.
Scent games or scattering food around is a good way to keep you dog busy for inside as well as outside.
As above, some dogs do well if there is a chair by the window that they can watch the coming and going in the street - but not if it raises stress levels.
Toys that keep dogs busy and those that can be stuffed are the very best option. One of our favourites is the Busy Buddy Squirrel Dudes, which can be stuffed with goodies and dogs can chew for ages getting the treats from inside. These can even be frozen which takes longer for the dog to get the food out. Kong's work in the same way. We have supplied you with some ideas for stuffing toys lower down - remember to check these on a daily basis to ensure that they are not falling apart with bits that be swallowed.
Our absolute favourite is the Foobler® featured in the picture below. This is the world's first electronic timed treat dispenser, and provides up to 8 hours of entertainment. It has 6 compartments which can be filled with some of your dog's daily allowance and even add in some treats. Don't make it all treats or you will end up with an overweight dog!. The food can be released at 15, 30, 60 or 90 minutes intervals, which will keep your dog happily entertained. What occurs, is that at the pre-set time a bell chimes to alert your dog that it is time to play and a treat compartment will be released and the dog can chase the Foobler around as well.
Other toys to keep dogs entertained that we love, is the Bionic Range of toys that are really sturdy. We have to remember that chewing helps to release stress through releasing endorphins - this is why so many dogs that do have separation anxiety will be destructive - it is not to spite the owner, it just helps them to cope.
Meaty Tough Toys combine rubber and nylon, which will satisfy a dogs natural instinct to gnaw and make these the perfect toy for powerful chewers. Long lasting delicious flavours make them irresistible to dogs.

Peanut Stuffer

Stuffing Recipes

The beauty of these recipes is that you can make them in advance and then freeze them. Before you freeze them, first get your dog used to playing with them and make it easy to start with and we have supplied you with a You Tube on how to introduce a dog or pup to stuffed toys so that they can really learn to enjoy them.

The dogs daily kibble can be mixed with some water to soften and then stuffed into a Stuffing Toy, such as the Peanut Stuffer in the picture, or a Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude (BBSQ), or even a Kong. and then frozen. An alternative is to soak in a bit of stock to soften.
Smear your finger with peanut butter or honey and then insert your finger and smear on the inside of the (BBSQ) and then toss in some dog treats so that they stick. Honey is a natural anti biotic but do not use too much and if the dog has sugar related problems then avoid. Where peanut butter is concerned, dogs love this but not too much as in large quantities it can be toxic - if possible use organic peantut butter instead.
As above with the smearing and then insert some of the kibble and even some cut up apples or carrot and then freeze same.
Smear some peanut butter on a slice of bread. Fold up the bread and cram it into the (BBSQ) Freeze & serve. Alternatives are some cheese spread or even some liver paste if available.
Combine bran cereal with some peanut butter.
Combine a ripe banana, 3 spoonfuls of peanut butter, and a slice of cheese. Mix until blended well. Fill and freeze.
Instant mashed potatoes (without the salt) — or leftover mashed potatoes from dinner — mixed with crushed dog biscuits.
The equivalent of a Popsicle… Seal the small hole of the (BBSQ) with peanut butter. Fill to the rim with water and a pinch of bouillon (or just use chicken broth instead). Place a stick or two of beef jerky inside. Freeze. (This one gets messy in a hurry, so it’s recommended only for outdoor use.)
Combine cheerio’s and peanut butter. Freeze.
Mix together some dried fruit, cooked pasta, banana and dry cat food.
Plain yogurt and mashed bananas. (You can also add a little peanut butter or other fruits.) Then freeze it.
Fill (BBSQ) 1/3rd full of dog food. Pour in melted peanut butter (after it has cooled from microwaving). Add more dog food, followed by more melted peanut butter until the (BBSQ) toy is full. Freeze until solid.
Combine some of the dog’s regular food with cream cheese, which acts as a cement, keeping everything inside.
Smear peanut butter on a piece of bread. Fold it over and stuff inside the Kong. Mix together plain yogurt with some fruits or vegetables (carrots, celery) and pour inside. Freeze. The yogurt sticks to the bread holding everything together.
Squeeze a small piece of apple into the tiny hole. Fill the (BBSQ) a small amount of plain yogurt. Add a few slices of mashed banana, more apple, yogurt, and banana. End with a slice of banana and chunk of peanut butter on the top.
Combine crumbled rice cakes and dried fruit with some cream cheese and plain croutons.
Combine some plain yogurt, canned pumpkin, and cooked rice in a small baggie. Mix well inside the bag, then snip off a corner of the bag and squeeze it into the Kong toy. Freeze.
Put a glob of peanut butter into the (BBSQ) first. Then add some dry dog food. Pour in some chicken broth. Add some more peanut butter, followed by more dry dog food. End with another glob of peanut butter at the very top. Freeze until solid.
Melt a cube of Velveeta cheese in the microwave, until it’s gooey — not runny. Fill the (BBSQ) with cooked noodles. Pour cheese over noodles.
Mix up some bananas, unsweetened applesauce, oatmeal, peanut butter, and plain yogurt. Freeze.
Combine small chunks of cheese (or cheese spread) with some dry dog food and microwave until the cheese melts. Let it cool completely, and then pour into the Kong toy. Freeze thoroughly.
Combine some canned dog food with pasta noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, and some of your dog’s dry dog food. Freeze.
Take 2-3 dog biscuits and crunch them a bit into very tiny bite-sized pieces. Add a couple spoonful’s of peanut butter. Then add a couple spoonful’s of plain yogurt. Mix in bowl until soft, but not runny. Stuff inside (BBSQ). Mix together some fat-free cream cheese, peanut butter, and either sugar free applesauce or a jar of baby food (like bananas, carrots). Cram a solid food item into the small hole at the end of the (BBSQ) and then fill with the mixture. Seal the large hole with either more cream cheese or peanut butter. Combine applesauce with chunks of fruit. Freeze.
Fill the (BBSQ) with some cashews (unsalted) and freeze-dried liver bits. Add some dry dog food and/or dog crushed dog biscuits and some Cheerio’s. Drop in a spoonful of peanut butter, followed by some dried fruit. Finally, top it off by using a piece of ravioli or tortellini to close the large opening.
Smear the inside of the (BBSQ) with peanut butter. Put a tiny piece of apple into the small hole, and then drop some more apple pieces in next. Drop in a scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese), then drop in some dog food or broken dog treats. Add another scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese), then more apples. Plug the large opening with a final scoop of peanut butter (or cream cheese) and freeze.
Mix together well: 1 6oz can of light tuna, 2 T. plain yogurt, and 1/4 C. grated carrot. Spoon into .(BBSQ) Freeze.
Put a glob of peanut butter into the (BBSQ) . Then add some dry dog food. Pour in some chicken broth. Add some more peanut butter, followed by more dry dogfood. End with another glob of peanut butter at the very top. Freeze until solid.Mix together some dried fruit, cooked pasta, banana and dry cat food.
Combine some of your dog’s regular food with cream cheese, which acts as a cement, keeping everything inside.
Smear peanut butter on a piece of bread. Fold it over and stuff inside the Kong. Mix together plain yogurt with some fruits or vegetables (carrots, celery) and pour inside. Freeze. The yogurt sticks to the bread holding everything together.
Combine crumbled rice cakes and dried fruit with some cream cheese and plain croutons.