Most dog owners need to leave our dogs home alone for some period of time, which can be difficult. Dogs see their humans as members of the same pack and rely on them for companionship and safety. Owners love their dogs and would take them everywhere if they could! Since this isn’t always possible, here are some tips on leaving your dog home alone.
How long is too long?
Most dogs are fine on their own for short durations, especially if you keep them occupied safely. Adult dogs are typically fine from four to six hours per day. Puppies need extra attention, however, and shouldn’t be left alone longer than two hours at a time. These suggestions are just guidelines; every dog is different and every family situation is different. If your dog or puppy suffers from separation anxiety, the definition of too long may be down to minutes! Nevertheless, here are some tips to help your dog get through alone time.
Treat separation anxiety
Teach your dog that being alone is okay and isn’t cause to panic. Some dogs need special training to get over separation anxiety. There are supplements on the market that can be used to calm pets that get extra nervous when facing time alone. Consult your vet to determine the right approaches if your pet experiences separation anxiety.
Occupy their time
Make sure there are constructive ways for your dog to spend time when he or she is alone. Stuff a toy with treats to create interactivity for hours. Hide his favorite toys around the house for him to find while you’re out. Be careful, though, and never leave toys out that can be chewed apart and, potentially, swallowed by your dog. Some pets find it soothing to have background music playing, which can drown out some of the neighborhood sounds that frighten them.
Second banana
Think about getting a companion for your dog, either a carefully introduced feline friend or another dog. If this is more than you can handle, try to arrange for a dog walker to visit a couple times per day for playtime. There are also doggie daycare centers that can be great for socializing your pet plus keeping them from being home alone. Some centers even offer webcam service so you can check on your pet’s social life during their time with friends.
Kennel training
Kennel training or crate training can inspire two schools of thought. On one hand, some people think it’s a calm, safe place for your dog to stay during the day without having the run of the house. Others think that it’s cruel to cage a dog for such a long period of time. Whatever your experience with kennels or crates, they can be a solution for dogs who can’t be left alone due to damage or destruction. Experts believe that kennel or crate training is really only effective if it is begun when the dog is a puppy and doesn’t have any behavioral issues to begin with. The dog has the chance to see the kennel space as their “home” and a safe environment. At any rate, your vet should be consulted before you begin to kennel train your dog.
Morning exercise
A great way to make sure your dog is happy being left alone during the day is to take them for some morning exercise in the form of a long walk or hike. Even just playing with your dog before you leave can tire them out long enough to get them to take a nice nap while you’re gone.
Return reward
When you get back, make sure you spend some time praising your dog for being so good at home alone all day. Take your dog for a walk or play fetch for a while, anything to give them the time and attention they have been missing from you over the long time away.
Overall, avoid giving treats when you’re leaving or when you return. Treat leaving them alone as matter-of-factly as possible so that your dog doesn’t become overly excited by the situation. Your dog will soon be comfortable with being alone for certain periods of time.
