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He is not that skittish pooch anymore but your dog still loves to sniff you and always recognizes your scent. To make sure your dog won’t get extra stressed due to certain sounds coming from outside while he is home alone, it’s a good idea to leave the radio on. Not only will the radio reduce the sounds coming from outside, but light music could also help your pooch relax in his home. They are able to smell various scents, not to mention their hearing.
Make this time alone pleasant for them by ensuring they have everything they need. Toys that can occupy them such as a Kong for dogs or a puzzle toy are best. Dogs get used to us being around all the time pretty quickly so an abrupt change can upset them. It grabs their focus and keeps them occupied at least for a little while. That seems to help – they’re not focused on you walking out the door, leaving them behind all alone.
Use Doggy Daycare Facilities
Generally, adult dogs need to go anywhere from three to five times every day. So, you can work out that an average adult pup needs to pee roughly once every eight hours. Dogs are social animals, and some pups can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. There’s also the practical issue of your dog needing to go outside for several potty breaks during the day. You will surely find at least a few people with good reviews with whom you will be comfortable leaving your dog with for an hour a day.
Please don’t forget that if you have to leave them during your work hours, make sure you give them some quality time when you get home to make up for it. NOTE – A Puzzle feeder is a good way of keeping the new dog entertained for a while. Just pop some treats in it and give them to them as you leave for work.
What Kinds of Dogs Can Be Alone and Can’t?
It’s cruel to shut your dog in a crate for 12 hours or more. However, you can still enjoy keeping a dog as a pet if you have a full-time job. The last thing you want is for your dog to develop fears of crate time, as that can lead to difficult behavior. Observe your furry friend; you’ll probably notice him sneaking under a table, behind your sofa, or even into a kitchen cupboard space.
When dogs are left alone and distressed, they might feel confined, so they try to escape. Being separated from their guardian can trigger this sequence of events. Again, if your dog doesn’t try and escape when you’re home, it means that separation anxiety is probably the reason.
Alternatives to leaving a dog home alone overnight
If you’ve ever arrived home to find your kitchen trash thrown all over your house, chances are your dog is a bit of a troublemaker. It allows you to see if burglars have entered your home and gives you the opportunity to contact the police as the crime is happening. Taking quick action while the crime is being committed increases the possibility of the police catching them in action. If you don’t provide entertainment they will find their own.
It will allow you to understand better your dog behavior and how he manages being home alone. This will enable you to act accordingly and be able to provide the help he needs. Each pup has its own toy preferences that will keep him entertained and engaged and spend time in a positive and fun way. Chewing toys, like the Kong, are another way to keep your dog entertained and even help direct their chewing habits and prevent them from chewing everything they find. A small tip that can help your dog feel more secure and calm, is to leave an old shirt with your smell in his bed. Keep in mind to feed him before taking him out to make sure he does his things outside.
Give your pup a designated space
Because, later on, they must also be ready to be alone for a few hours at any time. To avoid your dog jumping on people every time they're left alone, don't greet them differently from usual. Leaving your dog home alone is normal and nothing to be sad about. It's important that no one stays with your dog during the training sessions.
How long a puppy can be left in a crate is dependant upon their age. As a general guideline here is the recommended lengths of time. Creating a predictable schedule that you follow weekly can help your pet feel more secure and less anxious since they know what to expect.
Don’t have time to take your dog out for a walk before you head out for the day? Hiring a dog walker can take this off your plate and get your pup the exercise they need. Not only does burning their energy make them less likely to chew on your dining chairs, but it also could help them fall asleep while they’re home alone.
For a dog that is confident being alone they will probably find it more enriching to have the option to be in whatever room they like. For dogs that have separation or isolation stress issues, they would feel more secure and relaxed in a more confined area. Obviously, you will need a room that is safe from hazards such as electrical wires they could chew on.
Consider also leaving a light on for them or having a light on a timer. Even though dogs can see in the dark anyway, this will may help them feel more relaxed. Ensure your dog as toys and activities that they can keep themselves busy with. For a full list of ideas to occupy and entertain a dog home alone see here. If you are going to keep your dog inside you will need to consider whether they have the full run of the house or will need to be confined to a dog safe room.
Pankratz stresses that each dog has a unique personality, and while some dogs may prefer playing with toys while alone, others might destroy approved toys. To reduce the likelihood of pets demonstrating these unsafe behaviors, keep them safely stimulated with toys and engaging activities. I used a dog walker for many years while working away from home. The peace of mind was well worth the cost, and my dog loved her walks.
When it’s time for you to go to work, plan for some one-on-one time at least 30 minutes before heading out. You want the time spent with your dog to be a no phone zone, so keep all electronics in another room. Play a game, engage in tricks for treats, or show him how much fun a brain game or DOGTV can be. I sit down and watch programs on DOGTV with my Cocker Spaniel.

The last thing you want to do is allow your dog to choose any place they want to relieve themselves. After a long day of work coming home to a house full of messes and hidden surprises is quite unpleasant. Dogs are intelligent and need mental stimulation to keep them occupied. “Having a dog is a big commitment but that doesn’t mean you have to quit your job,” Bonk says.
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