If you are leaving your dog alone at home whilst you go to work, they may begin to bark a lot. This can cause issues with your neighbours, you may become worried they are annoying people and they may not settle when you return.
Dogs will bark for a number of reasons. It could be that they are bored, looking for attention or are struggling being left alone. Knowing why your dog is barking will help you find the right solution.
Providing enrichments will help your dog to have a more interesting day. Providing them with things to sniff, search, lick and problem solve will give them a positive way to use their brain. As you are busy working, providing them with a few easy things to do will be a great routine.
Here are some ideas for enrichments to try at home to help reduce barking:
Why Is My Dog Barking When Left Alone?
Before providing enrichments it is important to know why your dog is barking. Adding extra toys may help some dogs but will not solve the issue.
Common reasons are:
They may have nothing interesting to do.
They may be barking due to sounds coming from outside including neighbours, traffic, delivery drivers and other dogs.
Some dogs will bark to gain attention or have learnt that they will get a reaction.
They may be uncomfortable with unfamiliar sounds and changes around the house.
Some dogs may become anxious when you leave. They may bark, howl, circle and scratch at doors.
Think about when they start barking. Do they bark as soon as you close the door or only when they hear someone walking past?
Knowing what is causing them to bark will help you find the right solution.
How Enrichments Can Help Reduce Barking
Enrichments will help your dog use their natural behaviours. Rather than them having a boring day, they will enjoy searching, sniffing and foraging for food.
Benefits include:
Simple puzzles and foraging games will help them to focus.
They will have something interesting to do.
They will enjoy using their natural skills by sniffing, licking and foraging.
They will get into a routine by having regular enrichments.
Some good enrichments will allow them to be independent.
Enrichments may not stop your dog from barking. If they are barking due to fear or separation issues then they may need a behaviour plan and help from professionals.
7 Enrichment Ideas for Dogs
You do not need any expensive items to provide mental stimulation. Many can be made using your dog's usual food and everyday items.
Try starting with easy ideas and supervise them whilst playing.
1. Treat Hunt
A treat hunt is a simple way to get your dog to use their nose.
Dogs love to investigate interesting smells. Foraging for small food rewards will make meal times more interesting.
You will need:
- A few pieces of your dog's usual kibble.
- Small dog treats.
- A safe room to play in.
How to Play:
- Ask your dog to wait in another room or have someone with them to keep them occupied.
- Place a few pieces of kibble in easy to find spots around the room.
- Let your dog in and encourage them to forage.
- Let them sniff and find the food.
- Gradually make the hiding spots a bit harder.
Start by hiding the food next to furniture or on an open mat. Don't hide the treats where they could get stuck or reach anything unsafe.
This helps them to forage for food and encourages them to sniff.
2. Snuffle Mat
Snuffle mats are designed to hide food in the mats. Your dog will have to sniff to find individual pieces of kibble.
This can be a great way to make mealtimes more interesting.
You will need:
- A dog friendly snuffle mat.
- Your dog's usual dry kibble.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle a small amount of kibble onto the mat.
- Hide some kibble in the mats.
- Place the mat on a flat surface that is non slip.
- Encourage your dog to sniff and forage.
- Let them work at their own pace.
If they are new to snuffle mats then start with easy to find food. You can make it harder once they become familiar.
This is a simple foraging game which encourages them to sniff.
Always supervise whilst they play. If they start chewing or pulling the mat apart then take it away. Don't leave them with a snuffle mat if they may chew or swallow parts of it.
3. Food Puzzles
Food puzzles can be a fun challenge for your dog. Usually they will have to manipulate and investigate parts of the puzzle to find the food.
Make sure you choose a puzzle appropriate for your dog.
How to Use:
- Choose a suitable dog puzzle.
- Add a small amount of kibble or appropriate treats.
- Show your dog how to find the food.
- Let your dog investigate and figure out how to use the puzzle.
- Once they have finished take the puzzle away.
Start with an easy puzzle. If they become frustrated then make it easier.
This encourages them to problem solve. They will have something to focus on.
Introduce new puzzles when you are there. Only leave them with a puzzle if you know it is safe for your individual dog.
4. Lick Mat
Lick mats have different textures and you can place soft foods onto them. Your dog will have to lick to get the food. This makes a small snack more interesting.
You will need:
- A dog friendly lick mat.
- Plain pumpkin puree.
- Plain unsweetened yoghurt (if suitable).
- Your dog's usual wet food.
How to Use:
- Choose a clean lick mat.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of suitable food onto the mat.
- Place onto a stable surface that can be easily cleaned.
- Let your dog enjoy whilst supervised.
- Clean the mat thoroughly.
Use one suitable item or mix together foods your dog can tolerate. Don't use anything with xylitol or anything else that could be harmful to dogs.
This provides a fun food game for your dog to lick. They will have to work to get their snack.
Some dogs will chew the rubber or silicone mats. Don't leave them with a lick mat if you haven't confirmed it is suitable for them to use unsupervised.
5. Cardboard Box Treasure Hunt
Cardboard boxes can be a simple enrichment for dogs who like to investigate.
You will need:
- A clean cardboard box.
- A few pieces of kibble.
- Some crumpled plain paper (if suitable).
How to Use:
- Choose a clean box with no staples, sharp edges or tape.
- Place a few pieces of kibble inside.
- If your dog doesn't try to eat the paper add some loose paper.
- Let your dog investigate and find the food.
- Take the box away once they have finished.
Keep it simple. Don't use anything small that they could swallow.
This provides them with something to sniff, investigate and forage.
Always supervise. If they start tearing the cardboard or paper up and eating then choose a different game.
6. Short Training Session
Training can be a great way to provide mental stimulation. You don't need to spend lots of time or do complicated tricks.
Practicing known commands will provide them with a positive activity before you leave.
Try practicing:
- Sit
- Down
- Stay
- Touch
- Give a paw
- Turn around
How to Use:
- Choose 2 or 3 commands your dog knows.
- Find a quiet area with minimal distractions.
- Practice each command for a short time.
- Reward them for doing the command correctly.
- Finish with an easy activity they enjoy.
Keep it positive. If they become frustrated or lose interest then take a break.
This will encourage them to focus and use their brain.
7. Find Their Favourite Toy
Some dogs enjoy searching for their favourite toys. This can be a simple game to play before you leave.
How to Use:
- Choose one of your dog's favourite toys.
- Let them see and smell the toy.
- Ask them to wait whilst you hide it in an easy to find spot.
- Encourage them to search for their toy.
- Praise them when they find it.
Start with easy hiding spots.
This encourages them to search. They will have to use their senses.
Play whilst you're there. Don't leave them with a toy if they may chew it.
Enrichment Ideas for Busy People
If you're working outside the home it can be tricky to spend a lot of time setting up activities. Luckily you don't have to do all of the activities every day.
Choose 1 or 2 activities that would be suitable for your dog and fit around your usual routine.
Below is an example routine:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Before Work | Appropriate walk or gentle play. |
| Before Leaving | Short treat hunt or training session. |
| During the Day | Safe and familiar enrichment if suitable to leave unsupervised. |
| After Work | Walk/play/other activity. |
| Evening | Calm sniffing game or food puzzle. |
Tailor this to your dog's age, health, exercise requirements and usual behaviour.
Most importantly not all enrichments are suitable to leave your dog with. Introduce new toys/games whilst supervising. Remove anything that they could break, swallow or get tangled up in.
Other Ideas to Reduce Barking Whilst You're at Work
Enrichments can be a great way to help but here are a few other ideas.
Reduce Outside Noises and Distractions
If your dog barks every time someone walks past the window then try to limit their view of the street.
- Close the curtains/blinds.
- Move their resting area away from busy windows.
- Use a quiet room.
- Consider using some gentle background noise.
Provide a Comfortable Resting Area
Dogs need to have a rest between activities. Ensure they have a comfortable bed, fresh water and a safe place to rest.
Don't place their bed somewhere they will constantly be disturbed by people walking past or noises in the house.
Provide a Routine
Providing them with regular meals, suitable exercise, rest and enrichments will make their day more predictable.
Their routine doesn't have to be exact. It just means they will have familiar patterns throughout the day.
See What They Do Once You've Left
If you're unsure why your dog is barking consider recording them for a short time once you've left.
Look for patterns such as:
- Barking straight away.
- Reacting to people/dogs outside.
- Circling.
- Scratching at doors/windows.
- Howling, drooling or trying to get out.
This can help you understand if they are barking due to outside noises, boredom or possible separation issues.
Common Mistakes
Even if you're trying to provide enrichments they may not be suitable for your dog and therefore won't be effective or safe.
If they can't work out the puzzle they may become frustrated. Start with easy activities and gradually increase the difficulty.
Toys that are safe to use whilst you're there may not be suitable to leave them with. Don't leave them with anything they could break, swallow or get tangled up in.
The food you're using for enrichments still count towards their daily intake. Try using part of their usual meals.
There can be many reasons for barking. If they're suffering from separation issues then they may need more than toys and food puzzles.
If they're constantly barking, circling, scratching, drooling or trying to get out they may be stressed. Speak to your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use enrichments to stop my dog from barking whilst I'm at work?
Enrichments can help reduce boredom and provide mental stimulation but can't guarantee to stop them from barking. It depends on why they're barking.
2. What is the best enrichment for my dog whilst they're alone?
Some dogs may find a suitable food puzzle or other familiar enrichment toy useful. Always supervise whilst introducing new activities. Only leave them with items that are safe to leave unsupervised.
3. How long should I do enrichments for before work?
There isn't a set time for all dogs. Even a short treat hunt or training session will provide them with an interesting activity. Choose something that will fit into your routine and not over excite them.
4. Why does my dog bark when I leave but not when I'm there?
They may be reacting to you leaving, outside noises or struggling to be left alone. Recording them can help identify any patterns. If you think they have separation anxiety then contact your vet.
5. Should I leave the TV or radio on?
Some dogs may find gentle background noises helpful especially if it helps reduce outside noises. Other dogs may not need it. Watch how they react and keep the volume at a comfortable level.
6. When should I contact a professional?
If your dog is barking excessively, seems stressed, damaging doors/windows, trying to get out or struggling whenever you leave then contact your vet. A qualified behaviourist can help identify why they're barking and create a suitable plan.
Final Thoughts
You don't need to do anything complicated or expensive to keep your dog's brain busy whilst you're at work. Simple activities such as treat hunts, snuffle mats, food puzzles, lick mats and short training sessions will provide them with variety.
Start with activities they enjoy and create a routine that will fit around your work. Ensure their home is safe and provide them with suitable rest. Only leave them with enrichments that are safe for them.
Remember barking is a way of communicating. If they're barking due to feeling anxious or stressed then enrichments may not solve it. The best thing to do is understand why they're doing it.
Happy Paws, Happier Homes!
