How to Entertain Your Pets When You are Not Home

Over the years I have had 2 ferrets, a corn snake, a bearded dragon, birds, rabbits, dogs, a squirrel, fish, a turtle, and many others. Some were just being rehabbed and released eventually, while others were my loyal companions.

One thing I have learned is that all intelligent creatures need something to engage and entertain them. Our local zoo calls it "enrichment" and will often do such things as put a gallon bucket of frozen meat and water in the area for the tigers to slowly chew through or they will have a small pond with a "natural looking" rock slide for the weasels.

Right now I just have a wonderful dog, whom I found at an animal shelter. He spends much of his day alone waiting for me to come home from work, so he can go for a run or walk. Before I leave in the morning, I usually make sure he has something to entertain him, which often includes making sure that I leave the blinds open so he can watch the squirrels, birds and people go about their day outside. In addition, I sometimes give him a Kong filled with various sized, low calorie, nutritious treats (often broken up into odd shapes) so that it is difficult to get them out. Also, I make sure that he has easy access to his toys, has freedom to wonder the house (he's trustworthy not to damage anything), and sometimes I hide a treat amongst his toys. I will also sometimes leave the radio on in order to keep him company.

In the wild, animals spend much of their time awake looking for food and shelter. This is their "work." For our beloved cat or dog, however, supper comes in a dish from us. In addition, their shelter is also supplied by us. This means their work is eliminated.

For the physical and mental well-being of your furry little friend, it is important to replace this work with other activities. Just as we provide our fish with things to hide under or a hamster a wheel to spin, we should find creative outlets for our larger, and often more intelligent critters.

Studies have shown that when animals are given an interesting living environment tend to be friendlier, eat less, and live longer.

When you are home, take your dog out for walks, play fetch, get her involved in flyball or obstacle coursework, and teach her new tricks and skills. Spend time interacting with your cat, if he is willing, and pet, play, and snuggle. You could also build or buy a cat tree, which provide cats with premium personal real estate. An added advantage of a cat tree is that it provides a scratching post. Large trees even offer a place to hide, a place to eat, a place to sleep and a place to watch the world around them.

Teach your pet how to do something. I would argue that there is an element of satisfaction, and perhaps pride, in your dog or cat when they learn something new.

First, one of the most obvious ways to keep your dog company all day is to get another dog. You know how the saying goes, the more the merrier, right? Of course, this isn't an option for everybody, but it is a viable way to keep your dog(s) engaged. Especially for a pack animal, such as a dog.

Cats are another story, as some may not appreciate the competition. However, if you have two of the same gender, it is usually more likely that they would get along, and may actually enjoy the company.

One possible option is to leave the television or radio on while you are away. Some pets do respond to such stations as Animal Planet, or to certain music.

Another option is to buy a DVD that is specifically designed to entertain your cat or dog. The best thing to do is see how they respond to something freely available on TV. If they like it, then consider spending the money on a DVD.

Below is a complete selection of just such DVDs on Amazon.

Another option is an audio CD or radio designed for pets. You may find that sounds of birds and other animals works well to potentially keep your pet engaged throughout the day.

You could give your dog or cat a puzzle type toys that challenges them to figure out how to get a treat out of the toy itself. These are great because they work your dog's brain and keep them going until they figure out how to get the treat out.


Courtesy of Wageningen University

As I mentioned above, one thing that I like to do is to give my dog a way to watch the animals outside. You may find that putting a bird feeder or two near a window can provide countless hours of entertainment.


Courtesy of dwittkower

If a bird feeder is not an option, then you could have a fish tank. Just make sure it is out of reach and safe from your other pets.

Another option that I think could be really fun for you and your pet would be to build an "in-house bird window feeder". Although not designed specifically with your pet in mind, they could be a good possibility. As they say, it "promotes healthy bird feeding with an easier than ever way to clean and fills. Simply lift out the center panel for cleaning and adding fresh seed. One way mirrored panels allow up close easy viewing of the birds, but they can't see you. The classic styling reminiscent of sunny Bay Windows will enhance any room. Quality cedar and maple construction. May be assembled with our without window mullions for two different looks. Easy to install. Large feeding area hold several pounds of seed and has enough room for several birds to feed at the same time".

It also appears that it is not permanent, so may be removed during the cold winter months, if heat-loss is a concern.

For more information, check out BirdCentral.com