Is Your Dog Bored While You’re at Work? Signs to Look Out For

You head to work in the morning, your dog settles in, and everything seems fine. But what are they actually doing during those hours home alone?

Dogs need more than a potty break before and after work. Exercise, enrichment, companionship, and a consistent routine can all play an important role in their day. If your dog is getting bored while you are away, they may be giving you a few clues.

1. They Are Getting Into Things They Normally Leave Alone

Coming home to a chewed shoe, shredded pillow, or mysteriously emptied trash can is never fun.

While unwanted behaviors can have many causes, a dog who is not getting enough activity or stimulation may find their own ways to stay busy. Unfortunately, their idea of entertainment might not match yours.

If these behaviors tend to happen while you are at work, boredom could be one factor to consider.

2. They Have a Huge Burst of Energy When You Get Home

Does your dog go from zero to one hundred the second you walk through the door?

Excitement when you come home is completely normal. But if your dog regularly seems to have a lot of pent up energy after spending the day alone, they may benefit from more activity during the day.

A midday walk gives them an opportunity to get outside, move around, sniff, explore, and enjoy some attention before settling back in.

3. They Follow You Everywhere After Work

Some dogs are naturally little shadows. But if your dog seems especially desperate for attention after being alone all day, they may simply be looking for more interaction.

Dogs are social animals, and even a relatively short visit during the workday can add companionship and enrichment to their routine.

4. They Are Barking or Whining While You Are Gone

You may not even realize this one is happening until a neighbor mentions it or you notice it on a camera.

Excessive barking or whining can happen for a variety of reasons. If your dog is otherwise comfortable being home alone, a lack of stimulation during a long day may be worth considering.

Pay attention to when the behavior happens and whether adding more exercise and interaction to their routine makes a difference.

5. They Seem Restless in the Evening

You have finished a long workday and are ready to relax. Your dog, however, has other plans.

Pacing, constantly bringing you toys, repeatedly asking to go outside, or struggling to settle can sometimes be signs that your dog still has energy to burn.

A more balanced daytime routine can give your dog opportunities for activity throughout the day rather than saving all of that energy for the moment you get home.

6. Their Routine Has Changed

Sometimes the dog has not changed. Your schedule has.

Maybe you started working longer hours, your commute changed, or you are spending more days at the office. A dog who previously did well with your routine may suddenly be spending much more time alone.

Changes like these are a good reason to take another look at your dog's daily routine and determine whether they could use additional exercise, potty breaks, enrichment, or companionship.

A Midday Visit Can Break Up a Long Day

For dogs who spend several hours home alone, a professional dog walking visit can give them something positive to look forward to during the day.

Our dog walking visits can include walks, exercise, potty breaks, enrichment, companionship, feeding, water refreshes, and other light care tasks based on your dog's routine.

Just as importantly, our team pays attention to the little things. We can monitor for behavioral or health changes, provide detailed visit reports, share photos, and make sure your dog is comfortable before we leave.

Finding the Right Routine for Your Dog

Every dog is different. Age, energy level, health, personality, and your family's schedule can all affect how much activity and interaction your dog needs.

If your dog seems bored while you are at work, adding a consistent midday visit may help give their day more structure, exercise, enrichment, and companionship.

We would love to help create a routine that works for you and your dog.

Reach out today to discuss our dog walking services! (561) 222-1753

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