Okay, so, I’ve got this energetic Border Collie, Max. Super smart, but man, when I’m at work, he gets bored. And a bored dog? That’s a recipe for disaster. I learned that the hard way after coming home to a chewed-up sofa one day. So, I started experimenting with ways to keep him busy while I’m grinding away at my desk.
First off, I established a routine. Dogs dig routines, it’s like their thing. So, every morning, it’s the same drill. We wake up, I grab my coffee, and we head out for a solid 30-minute walk. Not just a sniff-around-the-block kind of walk, but a proper, heart-pumping, get-that-energy-out kind of walk. Then, it’s breakfast time. I fill up his bowl, and while he’s chowing down, I get ready for work.
Next, I started leaving him with puzzle toys. You know, those things you can stuff with treats or kibble? They’re lifesavers. I fill up a couple of those before I leave, and it keeps him occupied for a good chunk of time. He has to work to get the food out, so it’s like a little job for him.
Then, I discovered these long-lasting chews. I’m talking about the kind that can keep a dog busy for hours. I give him one of those, and it’s like he’s in his own little world. I check on him through a doggy camera sometimes, and he’s just going to town on that chew. It is quite helpful as I realized that dogs need about 12-14 hours of sleep a day.
I also make sure he has a comfy spot to chill out. He’s got his own bed near my desk, and I put a blanket there that smells like me. I think it comforts him when I’m not around. Sometimes, when I’m on a break, I’ll toss a ball around with him for a few minutes. Just a quick play session to break up the day.
And I make sure to give him another walk when I get home. It is very important to let them get rid of the energy after being in the room for a long day. After the walk, we will have dinner together and then go to bed. That’s what I do every day.
The Results
- Reduced Destructive Behavior: No more chewed-up furniture or shoes. Max is way more chill when I get home.
- Happier Dog: He seems less anxious and more content overall. He greets me with a wagging tail instead of a guilty look.
- Peace of Mind: I can focus on work without constantly worrying about what kind of mischief he’s getting into.
It took a bit of trial and error, but figuring out how to entertain Max while I’m at work has been a game-changer. It’s all about keeping him physically and mentally stimulated. A tired dog is a good dog, as they say!
