A good daily rhythm makes room for enjoyable activity and time to settle. Start with your buddy’s preferences, age, health and abilities. Notice whether an activity holds their interest comfortably, and adjust when it becomes difficult or overwhelming. [1]
Let your dog use their nose
On suitable walks, allow time to investigate safe smells. At home, a simple search for a favourite toy can offer another way to explore. Choose activities your dog enjoys and adapt them to mobility or health limitations.
Food puzzles can add interest to mealtimes. Choose an appropriate size and design, start with an easy task and supervise, especially with homemade activities. Use some of the usual food allowance rather than continually adding treats. Remove damaged toys or pieces that could be swallowed. Give your dog a chance to rest afterwards. [1]
Give your cat something to stalk and catch
Move an interactive toy so your cat can watch, stalk and pounce, and let them catch it during the game. Offer short opportunities to play and vary the toys to keep things interesting. Check toys for wear and supervise anything that could be shredded, swallowed or tangled around them. [2]
Put fishing-rod toys, feathers on string and similar items away after play. Loose string can become dangerous if swallowed, and string-like toys can entangle a cat left alone. [3] [4]
Teach with rewards and patience
Help your dog learn useful skills by rewarding the behaviour you want to encourage. Food, play or praise can make learning a positive shared activity. Arrange the environment to make success easier and choose a professional who uses reward-based methods.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends reward-based training for all dog training and behaviour modification. Avoid techniques based on pain, intimidation or punishment. More complex concerns, including fear and aggression, deserve an individual assessment and a properly supported plan. [5]
Keep everyday life reassuring
For cats, familiar routines and gradual introductions to change can help home feel secure. Keep meals reasonably predictable while making room for safe novelty. [6] Offer suitable scratching surfaces and separate resting options, and let each cat choose how much interaction they want. Pause if they move away. [7]
- Notice what your buddy enjoys.
- Keep a familiar place available for downtime.
- Leave room in the day for comfortable, unhurried interaction.
When time apart is difficult
Practise a dog’s time alone gradually and reduce the difficulty if they show anxiety. Progress should follow their response, with support that keeps the experience manageable. [8]
Look at the pattern
Pacing, vocalising, toileting or destruction around departures may reflect separation-related distress, but health problems and other causes can contribute. A camera can help you share observations with your vet. Arrange suitable company when needed and seek qualified behavioural help. Avoid punishment or leaving a distressed dog to “cry it out”. [9]
Sources & further reading
General educational information, based on the sources below. Your vet can assess your own animal and advise on care. Source links open in a new tab.
- Dogs Trust — Enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained (opens in a new tab)
- Cats Protection — Cats and play (opens in a new tab)
- Cats Protection — Keeping your cat safe in the home (opens in a new tab)
- Cats Protection — Going on holiday without your cat (opens in a new tab)
- AVSAB — Position statements on humane dog training (opens in a new tab)
- PDSA — How to create a cat-friendly home (opens in a new tab)
- FelineVMA — What your cat needs to feel secure (opens in a new tab)
- Dogs Trust — Helping your dog spend time alone (opens in a new tab)
- RSPCA — Separation-related behaviour in dogs (opens in a new tab)
Sources checked 29 October 2026.