What To Do With Your Dog While You’re At Work (Gold Coast Guide)

Many Gold Coast dog owners face the same challenge: what should you do with your dog while you’re at work all day?

Between commuting, work hours and daily errands, many dogs end up spending 8–10 hours alone at home. While some dogs cope reasonably well, others can become bored, anxious, or destructive without enough exercise and stimulation.

At Gold Coast Doggy Daycare, we speak with owners about this all the time. Many are looking for ways to keep their dogs happy, active and mentally stimulated during the day while they’re at work.

If you’re unsure what the best option is for your dog, here are some of the most common solutions Gold Coast dog owners use.

1. Dog Walking Services

Hiring a dog walker is a popular option for owners whose dogs are home alone for long periods.

A dog walker can visit your home during the day and take your dog for a walk, giving them a chance to:

• burn off some energy

• go to the toilet

• get a bit of human interaction

For many dogs, this midday break can help reduce boredom and restlessness.

However, after the walk your dog will still spend most of the day at home alone, which may not be ideal for high-energy or very social dogs.

2. Asking Friends, Family or Neighbours

Some owners arrange for a neighbour, friend or family member to check in on their dog during the day.

This might include:

• letting them outside

• feeding them

• playing with them for a short time

While this can work occasionally, it’s not always a reliable long-term solution, particularly if people’s schedules change.

3. Working From Home

If your job allows it, working from home can help reduce the amount of time your dog spends alone.

However, many owners find that their dogs still become bored if they’re not getting enough physical exercise or social interaction during the day.

Even when owners are home, busy workdays often mean dogs still spend most of their time lying around waiting for attention.

4. Doggy Daycare

Doggy daycare has become increasingly popular on the Gold Coast, particularly for owners who work full time.

Instead of spending the day alone at home, dogs can enjoy a safe and supervised environment where they can play, exercise and socialise with other dogs.

At Gold Coast Doggy Daycare in Bundall, dogs spend the day participating in:

• supervised play groups

• structured enrichment activities

• rest breaks throughout the day

• safe socialisation with compatible dogs

For many dogs, daycare provides both physical exercise and mental stimulation, helping prevent boredom and destructive behaviours at home.

One of the biggest benefits owners notice is that their dogs return home happy, relaxed and pleasantly tired after a full day of activity.

5. Pet Sitters or In-Home Care

Another option is hiring a pet sitter who stays at your home during the day.

This can be helpful for:

• puppies

• senior dogs

• dogs that prefer a quiet environment

However, full-day pet sitting can be significantly more expensive than other options, which makes it less practical for many owners long term.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Dog

Every dog is different, and the best solution will depend on their personality, age and energy levels.

Dogs that benefit most from daycare usually:

• enjoy being around other dogs

• have higher energy levels

• become bored when left alone

• need more exercise and mental stimulation

Dogs that prefer quieter environments may do better with dog walking or in-home care.

Understanding your dog’s temperament is the key to finding the right balance.

Dog Daycare on the Gold Coast

For many working dog owners, daycare provides the ideal combination of exercise, socialisation and supervision during the day.

Instead of spending hours alone at home, dogs can enjoy a fun and engaging environment designed around their needs.

Gold Coast Doggy Daycare, located in Bundall, offers a safe and structured daycare environment where dogs can play, socialise and burn off energy while their owners are at work.

Our experienced team carefully supervises play groups to ensure all dogs have a positive and enjoyable experience.

If you’d like to learn more about how daycare works or arrange your dog’s first visit, feel free to get in touch with our team.

Your dog might just discover their new favourite day of the week. 🐶