Dog Home Alone: How to Keep Them Busy While You Work

You head off to work, the door closes… and your dog is on their own for several hours. Some dogs sleep peacefully, others pace around, bark or take it out on the sofa. The good news: with a little planning, you can make those hours much easier for them. Here are simple ideas, tried by lots of owners, to keep your dog busy when they're home alone.

Before you leave: a dog who has burned off energy waits better

A dog who has moved, sniffed and played in the morning is far more likely to rest afterwards. It's often the most effective tip, and it costs nothing.

• A proper walk before you leave, even a short one. Let them sniff: for a dog, exploring smells is as tiring as running.
• A few minutes of play or training (sit, down, paw) to get their brain working.
• Meals at the right time: many dogs nap after eating. Keep part of their daily portion to keep them busy while you're away (more on that below).

Calm departures and returns

Long goodbyes and over-excited reunions can raise the tension. Try to leave calmly, without any fuss, and wait until your dog has settled before saying hello when you get home. It helps them understand that you leaving is no big deal.

Set up a calm, safe space

Before you think about toys, think about where your dog will spend the day.

A spot of their own

A comfy bed in a quiet room, with fresh water always available. Some dogs feel better in a smaller space than with the whole house to keep an eye on. A piece of clothing that smells of you can also be reassuring.

Make the room safe

• Put away cables, shoes, medication and any small object they could swallow.
• Close the bin and don't leave food within reach.
• Only leave out toys you've already seen them use and that suit their size.

Activities to keep them busy while you're out

Treat-dispensing toys

This is the most commonly recommended idea: a toy that releases kibble when your dog pushes it, rolls it or plays with it. They have to sniff, search and try again… and they're rewarded regularly. The result: their meal becomes an activity instead of being wolfed down in a few seconds.

When you're around, or just before you leave, a ball like the Pattoune treat ball does exactly that: 8 cm, made of soft rubber (TPE), it rolls and drops kibble one piece at a time. It's designed for cats and small dogs; don't give it to a large dog, who could swallow it.

One important point: a small toy like this one should only be used under supervision. For the times your dog is alone, choose a toy designed for that purpose, suited to their size and the way they play, and always test it with you there first. If your dog chews, rips or shreds their toys, don't leave them any toy unsupervised. No toy is indestructible.

Hidden kibble

Before you leave, hide a few pieces of kibble from their daily portion around the room: behind a chair leg, under the corner of a rug, in an open cardboard box. Start with easy hiding spots. They'll spend a while "hunting" for their meal with their nose.

Something to chew, if it's suitable

Chewing calms many dogs. Choose a chew that suits their size and chewing style, and check first, with you there, that they can't tear off big pieces. If in doubt, ask your vet for advice.

Background sound

Some dogs seem calmer with the radio or soft music on to cover noises from the stairwell or the street. It doesn't work for every dog, but it's easy to try.

Teach your dog to stay alone, step by step

Being alone is something dogs learn. If your dog isn't used to it, start with very short absences: a few minutes, then a little longer, always ending on a success. Just before you leave, give them a short search session with their treat-dispensing toy: they burn off energy and link that moment with something enjoyable. Then put the toy away: a small toy like a treat ball is meant for supervised use, and that way it stays special.

With a puppy, go even more slowly: puppies need to go out often and can't stay alone as long as an adult dog.

What if your days are long?

Even when kept busy, a dog is still a social animal. If you're away all day, there are several options:

• come home at lunchtime, if you can;
• ask a neighbour, friend or family member to drop by and take them out;
• book a dog walker or doggy daycare a few days a week.

When to worry

A dog who howls for a long time, destroys doors, has accidents all over the house despite being house-trained, or drools and pants a lot when you leave may be suffering from separation anxiety. In that case, a toy won't be enough. Talk to your vet (to rule out a medical cause) and, if needed, to a dog trainer or a behaviourist.

Looking for more ideas to get their brain working? Read our brain games and sniffing games to play at home, and our guide to using a treat ball the right way.

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave a treat-dispensing toy with my dog when they're alone?

Only a toy designed for that purpose, suited to their size, and that you've seen them use several times with you there without trying to destroy it. Small toys like our treat ball are for supervised use. Remove any damaged toy.

Should I add kibble on top of their meal?

No, the easiest way is to take the kibble from their daily portion. They stay busy without eating more than usual.

How long can a dog be left alone?

It depends on their age, health and personality. A puppy or a senior dog needs to go out more often. If you're unsure, ask your vet.