I am looking for some advice. My husband just started a new job, and he’s gone from Monday morning to Wednesday evening. I’m in school full-time, leaving the house around 6:45 am.
Before, my husband used to be home during the day, but now our dog is alone a lot more. I take him out for about 30 minutes before I leave, and a friend comes around 11:30 to walk him for another half hour. I usually get back around 3:30 pm and take him on a long walk in the forest for about an hour to make up for the shorter walks during the day.
The issue is, that I can see on the camera that he’s bored and just lies by the door. He’s started barking more, but isn’t destructive. I’m looking for recommendations on toys or activities that can keep him entertained while he’s alone. I’ve heard about Kong toys, but I’m worried about safety—has anyone had issues with their dog’s tongue getting stuck?
I’m doing the best I can with the current schedule, and sometimes I bring him to school when it’s allowed. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!
Don’t stress or think you’re doing something wrong! It’s great you’ve got a friend helping out and keeping him busy. I don’t use Kongs much either because my dogs just chew them apart after the treat’s gone and fall asleep again, lol.
I don’t know your dog’s breed, age, or energy, but if he’s sleeping a lot, it’s probably normal. Dogs sleep tons! When I leave or come home, I try not to make a big deal of it so it’s not a big “event” for them.
And seriously, try not to obsess over the cameras! Check the house, make sure it’s fine, and relax. If your dog isn’t freaking out or destroying things, you’re good.
@BellaWoofington I agree with your comment… We got a puppy about three weeks ago, totally unplanned. We found him and his sister abandoned, and my 6-year-old instantly fell in love. He’s around 10-12 weeks old, according to our vet.
I spend an hour playing with him in the mornings, and he’s tethered near me until we leave. In the evenings, he’s with us for 4-6 hours, either playing, training, or hanging with my daughter or husband.
At night, he sleeps in a crate by my bed, and I take him out once. During the day, he’s in a playpen with a bed, potty pad, and toys. I check on him via Nest while we’re gone, and after playing for a bit, he sleeps the entire time. No crying, no fussing.
Yes, dogs love being with us, but they sleep a lot and can be just fine alone during the day. Of course, this depends on breed and personality
What’s wrong with you coming and going to an event? Dogs enjoy seeing their humans. My dog goes crazy when my wife comes home, even if I’ve been at home all day, and vice versa. We are meant to ignore him?
other humans do, but other dogs are highly dramatic and will weep and experience separation anxiety when their owners leave, so they must make it a calm event. But my dog is fine, and he gets really happy when we arrive home. If your dog is fine, it’s completely fine.
I agree with u/the-il-mostro. Making arrivals and departures emotional can increase separation anxiety in some dogs. I try to keep things calm. Before leaving, I say goodbye about 15 minutes early and then quietly go. When I return, I do the same. This helps my dogs stay relaxed and not expect excitement every time I come or go, making things more manageable in a multi-dog household.
Okay, fair enough. I also believe that too many regulations for dogs limit their personality. Maybe I’m giving my dog extra separation anxiety, but he knows I love him and have been thinking about him while we’re apart. To each their own.
I never said to ignore your dogs, and maybe we just define “event” differently. Every household is unique. I have three dogs who get along well, and I spend two hours with them before work. I’m mindful of how they handle my routine when I leave and return, aiming for consistency and comfort. While some dogs adjust naturally, others need more attention to feel secure.
You’re doing fantastically You are accomplishing far more than many others, and most importantly, you are keeping your baby. It may seem sad to have them alone at times, but you make up for it while you’re together .
I mean you are honestly doing more for your dog than 99% of dog owners, I don’t understand why you are beating yourself up. I doubt the dog is ever bored considering all the activity they are getting, probably peacefully sleeping while you are gone. Dogs sleep a majority of the day.
If your dog isn’t a big chewer, I’d recommend the Snoop by Planet Dog. It’s like a ball you can put treats in and they’ll be dispensed as your dog plays with it. Our dog isn’t usually interested in solo play, but he loves this. I’d be happy leaving him with it unsupervised because he’s not a chewer and isn’t destructive with his toys, but YMMV
Hire a dog walking service. Make sure the service is insured and bonded.
My dogs went to doggy daycare until COVID quarantine. I was home with them for six months. Not sure what happened, after those six months they became dog aggressive. No more dog daycare. The bright side was a professional dog walking service was half the cost of dog daycare.
You are accomplishing far more than many others, and most importantly, you are keeping your baby. It may seem sad to have them alone at times, but you make up for it while you’re together 
.