14 tips to keep your dog relaxed while you're away
Leaving your dog home alone can be tough — for both of you.
I still remember the first few times I left my Ridgeback pup by himself. I'd come home to shredded couch cushions and a guilty little face staring back at me.
The message was loud and clear: he was bored, anxious, and desperate for something to do.
Over time, I stumbled onto a handful of tricks that made those hours apart easier — and saved my furniture in the process.
Here's exactly what worked for me. Steal whatever fits your dog.
Quick poll
What does your dog do when you leave?
Make the View Worthwhile
Dogs love to watch the world go by.
If you've got a window with a decent view of the yard or the street, set up a comfy perch. A dog bed or a firm pillow works perfectly.
My dog could sit there for ages, tracking squirrels and cars like a tiny four-legged security guard.
A good view helps — but the real magic happens inside their head.
Keep Their Brain Busy
Boredom is the enemy. A tired mind is a calm mind.
Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are absolute lifesavers here.
Here's the trick I swear by: I rotate a few of them so they never feel stale.
And my all-time favorite? Stuff one with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. It becomes a long-lasting challenge that can keep a dog happily occupied for a solid chunk of the morning.
Frozen stuffed toys
Pack with peanut butter or wet food and freeze. The frozen challenge lasts far longer than a plain treat.
Puzzle feeders
Make your dog work for kibble instead of gulping it. Slows down eating and burns mental energy.
Treat-dispensing balls
Rolling and nudging for rewards taps into natural foraging instincts.
Hide-and-seek treats
Scatter a few treats around the house before you leave for a game of "sniff and seek."
“A departure your dog associates with peanut butter is a departure they stop dreading.”
Safe Space = Happy Pup
Whether it's a playpen or a dog-proofed room, a secure spot to relax does wonders for anxiety.
Fill it with familiar toys and soft bedding so it feels like their own little den.
One thing I learned the hard way: if you're using a pen, make sure your dog can still see out.
Dogs hate feeling cut off from the world. A view of the room keeps them from feeling trapped.
Comfort isn't just about space — it's about sound, too.
Leave Some Background Noise
Silence can make a dog feel isolated and on edge.
I usually leave the radio or the TV on before I head out — ideally something with nature sounds or calm background music.
Some dogs even enjoy watching other animals on screen.
Just make sure the TV is well out of tail-swatting range.
Try a Pet Cam
Installing a pet camera was a genuine game-changer for me.
It gave me peace of mind and let me check in on my pup throughout the day.
Some cameras go even further — you can talk to your dog or toss treats remotely.
It's not quite the same as being there. But honestly? It helps more than you'd think.
Can you guess?
The most useful thing a pet cam taught me...
Consider Doggy Company
If your dog is very social, a second pet might help.
But — and this is a big but — only if you're genuinely ready for the commitment.
I've seen it work beautifully. I've also seen it backfire when introductions were rushed.
A gentler alternative? Set up regular playdates with a neighbor's dog. You get the social benefit without doubling your responsibilities.
Pros
Adding a second dog
- Built-in companionship all day
- Play and shared naps reduce boredom
- Can ease separation stress for social dogs
Cons
Things to weigh first
- Double the food, vet bills, and time
- Needs slow, proper introductions
- Not every dog actually wants a roommate
Bring in Human Help
If you're out for long stretches, a trusted dog walker or pet sitter can break up the day.
Even a quick midday walk or a short hangout session can take the edge off separation anxiety.
My favorite low-cost version: playdate swaps with friends.
One of us watches both dogs while the other's at work — then we switch the next day. Free, social, and it works.
- Do a meet-and-greet before booking any sitter
- Share feeding, walking, and emergency instructions
- Start with a short trial visit
- Leave a dog alone for very long stretches with no check-in
Doggy Daycare or Hotel
This one isn't for every dog.
But if your pup thrives on company and playtime, daycare can be an absolute blast.
Before you commit, do your homework: ask around, read reviews, and — most importantly — do a trial run.
A good facility will happily let your dog test the waters first.
Don't Forget the Basics
All the enrichment in the world doesn't matter if the fundamentals are missing.
Always leave fresh water. A dog fountain is a great option — mine was so fascinated by the bubbling water that he actually drank more.
And if your dog is sensitive to outdoor noise, a white noise machine can help muffle passing traffic or barking neighbors.
The non-negotiables before you head out
- Fresh water, alwaysA fountain can encourage a picky drinker to stay hydrated.
- A safe, dog-proofed spaceRemove anything chewable, swallowable, or dangerous.
- One thing to doA puzzle, a chew, or a frozen toy given right as you leave.
So what actually keeps a dog happy while you're gone?
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.