What Do Dogs Do All Day? (When You’re Not Around?)
Snoozing, in the middle of zoomies, or barking their heads off? Let's find out.
Ever found yourself wondering what do dogs do all day when their owners are at work? Are they napping peacefully on the couch? Secretly reorganizing the trash bin? Barking at every leaf that dares blow past the window? Knowing what dogs should do all day helps us create a healthy, happy daily routine for them – even when we can’t be by their side 24/7. Let’s dig into what’s normal for your dog’s day-to-day, what they might be thinking about, and how you can check in on them from afar. (Yep, there’s a way to get alerts if your dog starts acting…weird.)
Find out how your dog spends their time.
Read moreSo…what do dogs do all day?
What your dog actually does during the day can depend a lot on their age, breed, personality, and environment. A young Border Collie might spend their time pacing and plotting their next game of fetch. On the other hand, a senior Bulldog might barely lift an ear until it’s time for dinner. But for most dogs, a normal daily routine includes:
- Sleeping (a lot – like 12–16 hours a day)
- Short bursts of energy (zoomies, playtime, a bark at the mail carrier)
- Exploring the environment (sniffing around, watching for squirrels)
- Eating & drinking
- Bathroom breaks (yes, hopefully scheduled!)
- Window-watching patrol duty
- Moving from nap spot to nap spot
- Carrying toys around the house
- Grooming or chewing (on appropriate toys—or not)
- Occasional barking or reacting to noises outside
💡A Bark Monitor for dogs can help you pick up on signs of anxiety – like excessive barking or restless pacing – even while you’re not at home. So you can monitor your dog remotely with just a glance at your phone and take action. Like getting a friend or neighbor to check up on them or doing a quick check-in via the petcam.
What should dogs do all day? (And what you can do to help)
If you’re gone most of the day, your dog should ideally be:
- Resting plenty
Set up a cozy resting spot including their bed, a blanket that smells like you, and low-level background noise. (Like a radio or calming playlist). - Occupied with toys
Think squeaky toys, plushies, rope tugs, and chew toys. Rotate these occasionally to prevent them from getting bored. Interactive toys like treat-dispensing balls or food puzzles are all great ways to keep your dog mentally active. - Able to get a view of the outdoors
Leave a window view open – but only partially. You don’t want your dog rushing outdoors at the first sight of a squirrel! This can help keep them occupied if they enjoy watching the world go by. - Mentally stimulated
Even when they seem to be just lying around, dogs are often sniffing the air and taking in scents that mean something to them – like another pet in the house, a visitor from earlier, or even your scent lingering on the furniture. You could hide some treats around the house before you leave and let your dog sniff them out, one by one. - Not left 100% alone all of the time
Every dog benefits from a little company throughout the day. (Especially for toilet breaks.) If you regularly need to be away for long stretches, consider hiring a pet sitter, scheduling doggy daycare, or coordinating with friends or family to pop in. - Following a predictable routine
Many dogs thrive on predictability – and a change in routine can majorly stress them out. Try and feed them, take them out for breaks, and come home around the same time to keep things “normal.”
⚠️ Without enough stimulation, dogs can get bored – or worse, anxious. And that’s when you might come home to shredded pillows or a very dramatic “I missed you” chorus.
What do dogs think about all day? (Most likely?)
This one’s tough to answer definitively (we’re not fluent in Dog just yet), but experts believe dogs often think about:
- You (yes, really – your scent, your return, your socks)
- Food (shocking, right?)
- Routine and territory (who’s walking by the window? When is dinner?)
- Comfort and safety (is this spot cozy? Are there any new sounds?)
And while we can’t ask them directly, body language can offer clues: a calm, stretched-out snoozer is probably feeling safe and content. A dog pacing or whining may be fixated on something worrying – or waiting for their favorite human to walk through the door. Some dogs, especially those who are more sensitive or attached, may spend part of their day wondering where you are and when you’ll be back. For dogs who experience separation anxiety, your absence may be a central focus of their thoughts and behaviors until you return.
Read more: How To Manage Separation Anxiety In Dogs
How you can check in on your dog while you’re not around
If you’re worried about leaving your dog home alone, here are a few ways to make sure they’re okay (and maybe ease your own anxiety too):
- Set up a petcam
These let you watch your dog in real time and even talk to them. Some cameras even toss treats! But keep in mind – some dogs might get spooked if a camera starts making noises or moving suddenly. Test it out while you’re still home to make sure it doesn’t trigger barking or fear. And always place cameras in safe, high spots where your dog can’t knock them over. - Ask a friend or neighbor to stop by
A familiar face can break up the day and give your dog a potty break. Make sure they know where your dog’s leash, treats, and cleaning supplies are kept. - Hire a dog walker or sitter
If you go this route, always check references or use a trusted service. Do a meet-and-greet beforehand so your dog can get comfortable, and consider using a lockbox or smart door lock to keep your home secure. - Visit home on your lunch break
Even a 10-minute cuddle sesh can make a big difference. It gives your dog reassurance – and gives you a chance to check the water bowl, take care of any accidents, or reset a toy puzzle.
And if you want to take things up a notch…
Use a GPS & Health Tracker with built-in Bark Monitoring
Technology has gone to the dogs – in the best way possible. A GPS & Health Tracker (like the one from Tractive) goes beyond just showing you where your dog is. Strapped to your dog’s collar, you can now:
🐶 Get notified if your dog is barking more than usual
And even see patterns over time. Tractive’s Bark Monitoring doesn’t just react to barking; it tracks your dog’s vocal behavior throughout the day so you can tell the difference between normal barking and something that may signal anxiety, boredom, or an unfamiliar situation.
🐾 Check if your buddy’s experiencing separation anxiety
The Separation anxiety monitor combines bark levels and activity data (like restless pacing) to help you understand how your dog is coping while you’re away. Just switch on Separation Anxiety monitoring before you leave home. Your tracker will send you an alert if your dog shows signs of restlessness, like excessive movement or unusual barking, while you’re out. You can also view a timeline of their behavior and check in more quickly if something seems off.
📍Track your dog in real-time
If your escape artist manages to slip out the gate, you’ll know exactly where they are. Just switch on LIVE tracking and intervene before they manage to run off a mile down the street. Else, set up a “safe zone” around your home or backyard that sends you an escape alert if your dog ventures past it.
Basically, your trusty Tractive device gives you a real-time window into your dog’s world – and helps you take action before something becomes a problem. You’ll know what’s normal, what’s not, and how your dog is really doing when you’re not around.
So, what do dogs do all day?
The short answer: whatever you set them up to do. They might spend parts of the day anticipating their next meal, waiting for the sound of the door, or reacting to patterns they’ve picked up on (like the mail carrier’s daily arrival).
So make sure you build a routine, set up an enriching home environment with a ton of toys and treats, and don’t forget: sometimes, they really are just lying on the couch daydreaming about dinnertime.
Plus, if you want to keep an eye (or ear!) on them remotely…
Follow your dog anywhere
Get real-time location information, wherever they go. And find out when they try to make an escape, or just when they go somewhere they shouldn’t, with Virtual Fences.
And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.
