September is Pet Month! Here’s How to Keep Your Dog Occupied When You’re Not at Home

You love spending time with your pet, but unfortunately, you can’t be home with him all the time. If you’re worried about keeping your dog or puppy occupied while you’re out of the house, here are a few tips to ensure that he’s healthy and happy (and stays away from your shoes).

• Create a designated pet area. If you’ve crate trained your dog from day one, then you don’t want to switch up his routine. Many dogs feel safe and secure in a crate, so if that’s the case, don’t feel bad about leaving him in the crate for a few hours at a time. If your dog isn’t crate trained and can be trusted to roam free in the house, you’ll still want to give him a comfortable bed in a place where he feels safe, such as a quiet bedroom or corner of the living room.
• Leave plenty of fresh water. While it’s not advisable to fill your dog’s food bowl all day long, it is important to him to have fresh water the whole time you’re away.
• Zero in on toys your dog likes. Not all dogs like the same toys, so observe your dog to see which he prefers. Certain breeds, such as Australian shepherds and border collies, require toys that keep their minds occupied, while other breeds may just enjoy a nice bone to chew on.
• Exercise your dog before you leave. If you have the time, make sure to take your dog for a jog or a game of fetch on the grounds before you leave the house. When it comes to leaving your dog at home, a tired dog is a happy dog!
• Take advantage of our dog spa. To make sure that your dog keeps your house clean and smell-free, take advantage of our dog spa. Here, you can give your dog a bath to keep him smelling great when you leave the house.