How to Keep Your Dog Busy While You're Away

You grab your keys. Your dog's ears go up. You walk out the door — and the countdown to chaos begins.

Sound familiar? The good news: you can set your dog up for success before you even leave. Here's exactly how.

The Problem With Leaving a Bored Dog

Dogs aren't wired to do nothing. When left with zero stimulation, they create their own entertainment — and it's never the kind you want. Chewing, barking, digging, destroying. It's not bad behavior. It's a dog doing what dogs do when they're understimulated.

5 Things to Do Before You Leave

1. Exercise First

Even 15 minutes of fetch or a brisk walk before you go makes a huge difference. A physically tired dog is a calm dog.

2. Leave a Frozen Treat Toy

Fill a toy with peanut butter or wet food, freeze it overnight, and leave it when you go. It keeps them busy for 20-40 minutes and the licking is naturally calming.

The Yipetor Frozen Treat Dispensing Toy is perfect for this — easy to fill, easy to clean, and dogs absolutely love it.

3. Set Up a Snuffle Mat or Puzzle

Hide kibble in a snuffle mat or puzzle toy before you leave. Your dog has to work for their food — which burns mental energy fast.

Try the Snuffle Ball Foraging Puzzle Toy — just hide treats inside and let them figure it out.

4. Leave a Long-Lasting Chew

After the puzzle toy is done, a durable chew keeps them occupied. The Peanut Butter Flavor Dental Chew Toy is long-lasting and great for their teeth too.

5. Keep Departures Low-Key

No big goodbyes. No drawn-out farewells. The more calm and routine your exit, the less anxious your dog becomes about it.

The Goal

You want your dog to be tired, fed, and chewing something great by the time you walk out. Do that consistently, and coming home to a destroyed house becomes a thing of the past.

Start with the right setup. Your dog — and your furniture — will thank you.