We as humans have day to day tasks that we must do, that means spending less time at home and potentially leaving our dogs to themselves. But this has been proven to be quite challenging in some households.
Dogs are very social animals, so when left alone for longer periods of time they start to develop feelings of anxiety and boredom. When looking at the bigger picture that becomes a problem for the owners and the dogs themselves.
It is important to keep in mind that for your dog to be happy and healthy there needs to be enough mental and physical stimulation during your absence. With introducing them to interactive toys, puzzle feeders and leaving radio and TV on to give off the illusion that someone is there with them, these things help to cure your dogs boredom when home alone.
You can also establish a consistent routine and gradually desensitizing your dog to the idea of being alone by spending less and less time with them.
Here are 10 tips for leaving your dog alone at home
Gradual separation
This process will start by leaving your dog for shorter periods of time, like for a few minutes and then gradually adding more and more minutes of you not being in the same room with your dog. If you live in a house or an apartment building try to exit the front door and the immediately return back in your home.
By repeating this process for over a few weeks you will slowly extend the time that you are absent. Just by doing this process you allow your dog to feel more confident in themselves and have trust in you that you will eventually return back to them.
Creating a safe space
Creating a safe space is very beneficial for your dog, it can reduce fear and anxiety because of the familiar scents that will be present around them. To make them a safe space first of all scan your home and find a place that is just perfect to but a bed in.
After placing a soft bed in your desired spot fill the bed or place some toys around it and familiar scents like your dogs little blanket or and unwashed t-shirt of yours that you might not even use that much. This safe space should only have your dog associate it with positive feelings so just give them some treats or toys exclusively in that area.
Practice departure cues
Dogs are very perceptive creatures so you can train them cues on when they will have to stay alone at home. To prevent your dog from becoming anxious when they see these cues, such as picking up your keys or putting on your coat, practice them without actually leaving.
What you can do is pick up your keys and then sit back down or put on your coat and act as if nothing is happening and continue on with your day. By doing this you are actively helping break those negative associations with these cues.
Reward calm behavior
Acknowledge and encourage your dog’s composure and relaxation when left alone by utilizing positive reinforcement methods. This includes rewarding them with treats, verbal praise, or engaging in playtime.
For instance, upon returning home, if your dog displays tranquility without signs of distress, offer praise and a treat. This consistent positive reinforcement establishes the concept that solitude is a pleasing and stress-free experience.
Use interactive toys
Another suggestion coming from the 10 tips for leaving your dog alone at home, enhance your dog’s mental well-being during your absence by introducing interactive toys or food puzzles into their routine. These toys are designed to dispense treats or involve problem-solving activities, effectively addressing potential boredom and anxiety.
To implement this, integrate these toys during your training sessions, gradually expanding their use when you’re away. Ensure the selected toys are safe, considering your dog’s size and chewing habits, to provide a stimulating and secure environment.
Desensitization to departure triggers
These kind of “departure triggers” are often like jingling keys or just simply putting on your shoes can cause an anxiety trigger in dogs because in their mind it means that you will leave and they will be left all alone. When it comes to desensitizing your dog to these kinds of triggers you can start by exposing them to more watered down versions of the main trigger and see how they will adapt.
You can do that with your own keys just go further away from your dog maybe in another room and softly start jingling your keys as you repeat that for multiple days you will gradually start to jingle the keys louder and louder until your dog starts showing signs that they are relaxed and unbothered by this trigger.
Avoid emotional departures and arrivals
Of course it is normal to miss your dog when you are apart from one another it is also normal to feel a sense of guilt when you have to leave them at home all by them self. What you are not going to do is reinforce the separation anxiety by making your departures very emotional. Instead just play it cool keep your comings and goings low key and try to avoid excessive goodbyes or overly excited greetings.
Try acting as it is not that big of a deal, at the end of the day your arrivals back at home and departures are just part of everyday life and are pretty normal. Your dog will eventually get the hint and that there is absolutely nothing to worry about because you will come back.
Establish a routine
Dogs are very focused on routines, they thrive on them because it gives them a sense of predictability and security. Try to establish a consistent daily routine where the dog goes through a whole day doing his things like eating, daily walks, and alone time.
For one dog to be a happy dog he must feel stimulated to achieve that level of bliss. So make sure that you so your job at keeping him. By going though a routine with your dog the start to realize that staying alone isn’t that bad and that they will never truly be alone and forgotten.
Use calming aids
Helping you get a calming and soothing environment for your dog, calming aid can come off as a great way to do that. Those calming aids are usually pheromone diffusers, which emit synthetic pheromones that mimic the natural ones produced by nursing mothers. These pheromones are a great way to reduce anxiety in dogs and create a sense of easiness when they are around this smell.
Moreover, incorporating the practice of playing soft and calming music or leaving a television turned on with tranquil sounds can contribute to creating a serene background ambiance. This, in turn, aids in concealing external noises and fostering a more peaceful environment.
Seek professional help if needed
The last tip of the 10 tips for leaving your dog alone at home is seeking professional help. Separation anxiety is no joke especially when it comes to pets. If your dog displays clear signs of severe separation anxiety and none of these tips above help then it is strongly advised to seek professional help.
A professional dog trainer veterinary behaviorist can assess your dog’s behavior and develop a customized training plan. Professional trainers possess a ton of knowledge and can offer valuable insights into addressing the issue with separation anxiety in your dog.
These experts may suggest a variety of techniques tailored to your dog’s specific needs, ranging from counter-conditioning to desensitization exercises. In severe cases, they might even recommend medication as part of the comprehensive approach. Their expertise and guidance play a crucial role in shaping your dog’s training journey. Understanding the unique nature of each dog, they provide personalized strategies that can significantly impact the progress of your dog’s training.
Recognizing that every dog is an individual, and training outcomes may differ is very important. Patience, consistency, and understanding are key elements throughout the training process. With time and proper training, the majority of dogs can learn to feel at ease and secure when left alone.
Leaving this previous solution aside. Imagine your dog is alone in your home so how will they keep themselves entertained? Well, when it comes to entertaining a dog who is left alone, there are a few things you can do to keep them busy and happy.
Provide them with many interactive toys that can have their bodies active and keep them focused on the toy and not the fact that the dog is alone by itself. Secondly, there are many puzzle toys and treat dispensing toys that can keep your doggo quite occupied.
Thirdly, an effective method to alleviate your dog’s anxiety during your absence is to leave a radio or television on, featuring calming music or shows thoughtfully crafted for canine relaxation. This auditory stimulation can contribute to a more soothing environment for your furry friend.
Moving on to the fourth suggestion, consider incorporating food puzzle toys or offering frozen treats. These engaging items not only serve as a source of entertainment but also keep your dog mentally stimulated, helping to divert their focus and reduce anxiety.
As the fifth step, ensuring your dog has access to a comfortable blanket or bed becomes crucial. Providing them with a cozy and familiar space allows them to snuggle up, fostering a sense of security and comfort in your absence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leaving Your Dog Alone
- Can I leave my dog home alone for extended periods?
Dogs, being naturally social animals, can tolerate some alone time. However, it’s crucial to ensure they receive adequate mental and physical stimulation during your absence.
- How long is it safe to leave my dog alone?
The duration a dog can be left alone varies based on factors like age, breed, and overall health. Generally, adult dogs manage well for 4-6 hours, while puppies and senior dogs might need more frequent breaks.
- What can I do to keep my dog entertained during my absence?
To combat boredom and separation anxiety, offer interactive toys, engage them with puzzle games, or provide treat-dispensing toys. Leaving on a radio or TV can also offer background noise, making them feel less isolated.
- Should I confine my dog to a specific area when I’m away?
Creating a secure and comfortable space for your dog is advisable. Utilize a crate or designate a specific area with access to food, water, and their bed, ensuring it’s hazard-free.
- Is it okay to hire a dog walker or pet sitter?
For extended periods away, consider enlisting a reliable dog walker or pet sitter. They not only offer companionship but also provide essential exercise and bathroom breaks. Opt for someone experienced and trustworthy.
- How can I help my dog adjust to being alone?
Ease your dog into solitude by gradually increasing the duration of alone time. Provide positive reinforcement and rewards for calm behavior. Establishing a routine can contribute to their sense of security during your absence.
Hopefully these 10 tips for leaving your dog alone at home were very helpful to you as a reader. To end this discussion, dogs thrive off of companionship and yes at first it will be a challenge to leave them alone.
Having interactive toys at their disposal at any given moment is a good step in the right direction, while also having a comfortable environment and a pretty normal routine to follow.
By placing their well being up front, and showering them with the love and attention they deserve, you can very easily extinguish any anxious thoughts, fostering a joyful and contempt canine companion.