Top 5 Ways To Keep Your Dog Occupied While You’re at the Store

Whether you’re going out to run a quick errand at the store or planning a long day of marathon shopping, you’ll likely need to leave your dog at home. It’s natural to be concerned about leaving dogs by themselves, even for shorter periods, because many tend to be anxiety-prone. Here are five tactics you can employ to ensure keeping your dog occupied while you’re at the store.

1. Encourage Active Play

Toys can be an optimal way to occupy your dog as well as bring them comfort and calm anxiety. Technology has come a long way in recent years, and now you don’t even need to be present to roll the ball for them. Smart dog toys do all the work by moving automatically to encourage play, sensing when your pet is nearby. Just make sure the toy is adequately charged and in the area where your dog tends to stay.

2. Turn On Some Noise

Leaving your dog with some noise in the background can be comforting and provide a stimulus so it doesn’t get bored. Turn on the television, stream an online video, or switch on the radio. Make sure the content is something calming. Avoid action movies or shows with lots of drama. Calm human voices can help your dog not feel so alone.

3. Hire a Neighborhood Kid

If you have a young neighbor who loves dogs and wants the opportunity to earn a few bucks, hire them to dogsit for an hour or two. Bring the dog to their house if their parents allow it, or have them come to yours. This way, your dog will have good company as well as guaranteed activity. Encourage them to take your dog for a walk or play a game of fetch in a fenced-in outdoor space.

4. Open the Curtains

Dogs are naturally curious creatures that need to stay mentally stimulated when no one is around. Make sure to open the curtains and window blinds so your dog can watch for squirrels, cars, or pedestrians. If the windows are not at eye level, put a bench under the window for your dog to sit on. Make it more comfortable by putting the dog’s bed on top.

5. Create a Game

Take your dog’s alone time to the next level by making it a hide-and-seek game. Place a small amount of your dog’s favorite food in various locations throughout the house. Your dog will delight in sniffing out its treasured treats and finding them in unexpected places. Add a fun element for yourself and try to return from your shopping trip before it finds all the hiding spots.

You’ll inevitably need to leave the house at certain points, so implementing a plan to keep your dog occupied and content while you’re gone is vital. A happy dog makes for a happy owner, at least when it comes to ensuring your house will be in prime condition upon your return. It may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for your dog, but it’s worth the effort.