How to Keep Your Pet Out of Mischief While You're Away at Work

A basted bone keeps this pup occupied for hours

It’s hard to get work done at work when all you’re doing is fretting about what your dog may be chewing up, digging up or peeing on at home. You can keep a dog out of mischief while you’re away at work with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Treats
• Toys

Instructions

1. Remove all temptations. If your dog likes to chew up shoes, put them all in the closet. If he eats pillows, pile them high out of his reach.

2. Hide treats strategically around the house, under cushions, behind couches and all around his dog bed.

3. Leave toys strewn about so he has plenty of things to chew on besides your shoes.

4. Pick toys that engage the dog in an activity, like those hard rubber toys you can stuff with peanut butters, a rolly ball filled with biscuits and anything that makes noise when he pushes or chews it.

5. Leave the radio on so he doesn’t think he’s alone and will be soothed. This means picking a station other than heavy metal.

Tips & Warnings

• Dogs get into mischief when they're bored. Make sure he's not.

• Practice leaving your dog while you pretend to go to work. Start with five minutes then sneak back to peek into the house to see what he’s up to. Increase the length of time until you’re secure in knowing he’s not going to ruin things.

• If your dog insists upon misbehaving while you’re away all day, you may want to invest in a crate to keep him in until you get home.

• Don’t leave him with toys he may destroy and choke on.

• Dogs will surprise you with things they decide to wreck. One of my dogs got into a beach bag to chew open the tube of sunscreen. At least my carpet will never get sunburn.