Let’s be honest—if your dog could text, your workday would probably be filled with messages like:
🐶 “Hey. What are you doing?”
🐶 “I’m bored.”
🐶 “Sooo… I chewed up the couch cushion. No big deal.”
🐶 “When are you coming home? Also, the trash can was delicious.”
Sound familiar? If you come home to shredded paper towels, suspiciously relocated shoes, or a very guilty-looking pup, there’s a good chance your dog is bored while you’re away! But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there’s a fix. Let’s dive into the signs of a bored dog and what you can do about it.
Signs Your Dog is Bored While You’re at Work
🦴 Destruction Mode: Activated
If your dog is turning your furniture into their personal chew toy, they’re not trying to redecorate—they’re just looking for something to do! A bored pup will find their own entertainment… and it’s usually not landlord-approved.
🎤 Barking Concerts (For One, But Heard by Many)
Does your neighbor text you mid-day with, “Hey, uh… I think your dog is auditioning for American Idol”? Excessive barking, whining, or howling can mean your pup is feeling lonely or under-stimulated.
🚀 Zoomies… But Indoors
Some dogs get their zoomies out at the dog park. Others wait until you leave and then turn your hallway into a racetrack. If your pup is pacing, bouncing off the walls, or knocking things over, they might have some pent-up energy to burn.
💩 Mysterious ‘Accidents’
Your fully house-trained dog suddenly leaving you a surprise puddle or present? They might be stressed, anxious, or just breaking up their day with a little extra “excitement.”
⛏ Digging to the Center of the Earth
If your yard is starting to look like a moon landing site, your dog might be trying to entertain themselves with some home improvement. Digging is a great activity—just maybe not for your landscaping.
How to Keep Your Dog Happy While You’re at Work
Dogs need jobs—and if you don’t give them one, they’ll make up their own (usually involving shredding something you love). Here’s how to keep your pup’s boredom in check:
🎾 Brain Games & Puzzle Toys
A good ol’ Kong stuffed with peanut butter or a puzzle toy filled with treats can keep your dog entertained for hours (or, like, at least 15 minutes, which is still a win).
🚶 Midday Walks = A Game Changer
Think about it—if you were stuck inside all day with no one to talk to, you’d go a little stir-crazy too. A midday walk lets your pup stretch their legs, sniff some new smells, and get some fresh air. Bonus: They’ll be way calmer when you get home!
🏡 Create a Doggy-Friendly Space
Leave the blinds open for some neighborhood squirrel-watching, put on some relaxing doggy TV (yes, it’s a thing), and make sure they have a cozy, safe space to chill.
🐶 Hire a Dog Walker (Ahem, Like Us!)
Okay, we’re trying not to be salesy, but hear us out—having a friendly human pop in during the day to walk your dog, give them some belly rubs, and break up their alone time? Total game changer.
Because No One Likes a Bored Dog (Especially Your Shoes)
At the end of the day, dogs just want to be part of the action. A little extra stimulation during the day can make a huge difference in their happiness (and the longevity of your furniture).
So if your pup is showing any of these signs of boredom, mix things up! Whether it’s new toys, a lunchtime walk, or just some extra snuggles before work, keeping your dog happy while you’re gone makes life better for everyone.
And if you ever need an extra hand? Well, you know we’re always here for extra walks, belly rubs, and mid-day adventures. 😉
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