Joe Videtto asks:
Wow – you can really turn any question into a computer or technology question.
Anyway, I have a little dog I love, and I’m out all day at work. Can anyone suggest some technology, TV shows, or websites that discuss ways to keep your dog happy when she’s alone?
I know a second dog (if it’s the right dog) would probably be the best option – but I’m looking for the next best thing.
5 Answers -
Bruiser
June 3, 2012You might try a Thundershirt.
Josh Vogler
June 3, 2012I have two boxers, but I still leave things for them to be entertained with. They both love laser pointers, and they make ones with motors you can mount in their room. You just set the timer to come on for 5 minutes every hour or so. I watch them with my security camera and they love it when it comes on.
The one downside is you don’t get to choose the path the light takes, so more often than not they get too excited and end up running through their water and food dishes and spilling water all over.
You would want to check your dog is even interested in a regular laser pointer first though, since my first two dogs didn’t care for them too much. My current ones will chase it for as long as I leave it on.
Mike
June 3, 2012Dogs don’t really care for technology…
If by little you refer to the size of the dog maybe you can find an agreement with your employee or find some trustworthy person you can give it to in the meantime. People are often more open to the smaller “cute” once.
Also, maybe there is some “dog daycare” in your place?
In general it’s not a problem to leave the dog at home for several hours as long as you take proper care and give it some attention in the time you are around.
Depending on the schedule you “set for the dog” maybe you can find a trustworthy neighbor, a family member or friend who has the time for the general needs.
We accustomed our dog to get some fresh air in the morning before everyone leaves and then again between 13:30 – 14:00 right before they get their food. This schedule allowed us to always find someone to drop by for 10-20 minutes and take care of it.
Usually when we came home it would still be on it’s pillow sleeping and rested for some playtime. In this whole process they are alone for max. period of 5-6 hours.
If you are referring to the age of the dog you certainly should find someone who can take care of it over the full time. You simply can’t leave a young dog alone over long periods.
My dogs love technology. They play with their electronic toys and puzzles way more than their ropes, balls, and regular toys. Maybe I’m using the word technology a little loosely, but these didn’t exist just a few years back. Some of the puzzles keep them guessing for quite a while before they figure out how to get it to release the treats. Another technology related thing is my security system, which has a screen in their room and speakers. So I can hear and see them, and they can hear and see me when I’m on my Android. They do respond to your voice and image. This could easily be reproduced cheaply if anyone has on old laptop laying around with a built in webcam and they are wondering how to put it to use.
June 3, 2012If it works for you ~ great. I guess everyone has a different opinion about how much human like animals are. Maybe using technology makes them more human?
Personally I see pet’s [like humans] in the way that they are in need and rely on human interaction. Providing this type [technology] of entertainment feels like giving myself a good conscious while not spending enough time with them.
June 3, 2012Sorry for the mixup of numerals ~ we used to have 2 dogs but are (unfortunately) down to zero, both lived ~16 years.
I forgot the most important thing: The wealth of the dog comes first. If you can’t hold it without remorse (well, there always is some) you should consider giving it away.
June 3, 2012Josh Vogler
June 3, 2012**Forgot to add, they also make treat ‘puzzles’. You fill them up with treats, and they have to maneuver they toy just right to get the treat to fall out. The best ones are sort of like a hamster ball with a maze-like route inside of it so it has to roll around just right to get them to fall out. That will keep them thinking for about an hour until it’s empty.
catester
June 9, 2012How about a podcast? Not for your dog to listen to, but for you to listen to. Try The Dog Trainer’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Teaching and Caring for Your Dog. Here’s the website: http://dogtrainer.quickanddirtytips.com/dogs-and-words.aspx, and links to the RSS feed and iTunes are on that page.