No matter how much you love your dog, you’ll eventually find yourself in a situation where you have to leave them home alone while you’re at work, or trust in the care of a dog boarding facility while you’re out of town. Some dogs experience separation anxiety when their owners leave, which can result in bad behavior due to stress and anxiety. Other dogs will act out simply because they’re bored. Either way, there are a few steps you can take to help your dog feel calmer and more engaged when they’re left alone.

5 Ways to Keep Your Dog From Being Bored When They’re Alone

1. Help Them Get Used to Your Absence

If your dog is new to your family, you can train them to overcome separation anxiety and boredom by leaving for short periods of time as early as day one of your relationship. Leave the house for 10 minutes at a time. It will help teach your dog to trust that you’ll eventually return home.

2. Provide Plenty of Exercise

Dogs need exercise and should be taken on a long walk at least once a day. Some breeds have more energy than others and should be given some off-leash time to run. Take your pet to a dog park or let them loose in your fenced yard. A tired dog has an easier time staying relaxed.

3. Stick to a Routine

Dogs thrive on a routine. When they’re on the same schedule every day, they know what to expect and will show less signs of anxiety. They should be fed at the same time each day, walked around at the same times, and be put to bed on a schedule.

4. Leave Your Worn Clothes for Them

If you have an old sweatshirt or shirt you don’t mind being sacrificed, wear it for a day and then leave it with your pup while you’re gone. Sure, they might chew it up, but it’s more likely to comfort them with your scent. If they are visiting a dog boarding facility, doing this will also help comfort them while you’re away.

5. Give Them a Few Toys to Play With

Dogs are like children and love to play, so make sure your dog has access to some toys while you’re gone. If they’re prone to chewing, only leave behind durable toys they can’t destroy and ingest.

Of course, leaving your dog with trusted caregivers is also a great way to help them avoid boredom. The staff at All Creatures Inn in Nicholasville, KY, treats every dog like their own. A member of the American Boarding Kennels Association, the dog boarding facility also offers other services like pet grooming. Call (859) 233-9000 or visit their website to learn more.