Teach your dog to relax when at home alone.
At some point in your dog’s life, he or she will need to be left at home alone. However, trying to find out what is the legal and right amount of time to leave your dog alone is confusing. Why? Because there is lack of research and some personal views and any agreement between professionals. So, what we have is a broad range that differs for both dogs and puppies. The general consensus is that a puppy should only be left for a maximum of a couple of hours and an adult dog for a maximum of four hours. Another factor to take into consideration is the dog or puppy as an individual. However, your dog or puppy should be left alone for the least length of time possible.
The most stressful time for any dog or puppy is right after the owner leaves. It is therefore important to teach the puppy or dog to relax when the owner is not at home. Here are some simple steps to help:
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- Training your dog from a young age (puppyhood) that it is ok to be alone. This should be
carried out in very short stages rather than just leaving your dog alone for hours. - Make sure that your dog has had a walk before you leave. This will help tire him or her and
it will help with a daily routine. - Create a secure and comfy area for your dog/puppy this can include some toys, perhaps an
item of clothing that smells like you and a safe chew. - Have a radio on that will help with background noise.
- Teach your dog that it is ok to be alone in the home when you are in another room or
upstairs. - Have areas of the home that are off limits.
- Have some dog toys around to keep your dog occupied when you are not there. The food
activity toys can be another fun way to keep your dog occupied. However, you must never
leave your dog with a toy that could be chewed, and small pieces swallowed. - Be calm when you are going to leave.
- Teach your dog to greet you and your family calmly and away from the front door.
- Training your dog from a young age (puppyhood) that it is ok to be alone. This should be
If you are going to have to leave your dog for a longer period of time, then employing a dog walker or
pet sitter to go in and break up the time to either give your dog a lovely walk or play some games in
the garden.
When you return to spend some time with your dog, such as taking him or her out for a walk, play
some games in the garden such as fetch or hide and seek, plan a meet up with a doggy friend.