Owning and caring for a dog can be a truly rewarding experience. Just like a kid, when your dog starts to show you affection it can be one of the best feelings in the world.
With that said, the world of rearing dogs and kids has greatly changed. Maybe in the past, you had more time at home, or maybe your spouse didn’t have a job.
However, with the recent turn in the economy, most households now require two full-time working parents, which leaves little free time for home life during the week.
So, how do you make sure that your furry little friend is safe and cared for when he’s home alone while you spend 9 to 10 hours a day in the office?
Tire out your friend
It is highly likely that your dog maintains the same schedule as you. When you wake he or she probably wakes, as well.
Well, since your dog is going to be home alone all day just lounging around, the only chance for him or her to get any exercise will be before you venture off to work.
Make sure that you are waking early so that you have enough time to make your dog exercise before leaving for work. This could be a brisk walk, a quick jog, or even a game of fetch.
The type and intensity of the exercise really depend on the age of your dog, his or her fitness level, health condition, and body type. If you have future questions about exercise and intensity, you will want to have a long discussion with your vet.
Allow your dog access to outside world
It is always a good idea to make sure that your dog has some kind of access to the outside world, when he’s home alone.
Daycare is one option, where your dog can interact with other pups and people, but it is an expensive option. Another less expensive alternative is to hire a dog walker.
Of course, you always have the option of installing a doggie door and an electric dog fence. This will give your dog free roaming access to the outside world while ensuring that he or she can’t escape.
This will eliminate the costly fee of a doggie daycare or dog walker. However, if your dog has an aggressive nature like barking at neighborhood kids or strangers, it is possible that he or she will spend a great deal of time outside barking. Keep in mind there are other alternatives and products that you can turn to in order to stop this kind of behavior if necessary.
Keep your dog active when he’s home alone
Just because your dog is home alone, it doesn’t mean that you cannot ensure that your furry friend isn’t active throughout the day.
Get rid of those food bowls and invest in some food-dispensing toys.
These toys can be stuffed with several different types of foods and treats, and they actually make your dog work in order to get the food out.
Some are available with different difficulties in order to make your pet work harder.