Read these fantastic tips before leaving your pup home alone!
We know that this is hard, but as a dog owner, you will have to leave your friend alone once in a while. This is a normal part of the life of any dog parent, and this is why we think you need to know how to handle it properly.
How this experience will go depends mostly on your pup because some of them are not bothered at all and don’t mind staying alone for longer, but there are also dogs that hate it and can develop separation anxiety issues.
If you want to avoid any bad experiences, you can use a couple of tricks that generally work wonders. They are meant to help your beloved companion have the best time possible and make the home-alone time more bearable for them.
So, read on and discover what you can do to make things better. Follow these steps and your pup might become more comfortable with alone time!
Always leave water, food, and a temperature-controlled room
Leaving your pup home alone can be incredibly stressful for both of you, but making sure you create a comfortable space makes a huge difference. This is the easiest way to keep your dog happy, and it is also a necessity.
A safe space has enough water, food, and a place where your dog can go if it is too cold or too hot. No matter the season, your companion deserves a cozy space. In winter, keep the heat at a comfortable level so they don’t shiver while waiting for you. During the summer, if you live in an area that is very hot, it’s a good idea to leave the AC turned on or at least give your dog access to a fan.
Water is a must-have all year round! Make sure they have enough to stay hydrated. This is especially true if you leave for an extended period of time. Taking these precautions will make alone time much more manageable for your friend.
Some background noise can help
Are you listening to music when you are home alone? You are probably doing this, and it helps! This can also be the case for your dog. Total silence might seem scary, and you are the one who can take care of this.
Dogs are highly sensitive to sounds and sudden noises from outside. For example, other dogs barking, cars, and the neighbor’s lawnmower—all of these are loud and can make the puppy feel scared. This is especially true if they are alone and you are not there to comfort them.
The solution for this is to play some music or simply turn on the TV. There are also dedicated channels such as DOGTV. These channels are scientifically designed to soothe and engage your furry friend.
Another thing you can try is podcasts. These might feel more familiar to them because there are people talking just like it is when you are at home.
Give them access to a window
Some dogs are natural watchdogs, while others just like to observe the world outside because they are curious. If this is the case for your dog, make sure you let them have this while they are home alone and give them access to a window.
This can provide them with entertainment, comfort, and even a sense of security while you’re away. Now, keep in mind that the window needs to be closed completely because you don’t want them to escape while you are not there.
Maybe watching people pass by and birds flying around comforts them while also keeping them engaged. This is a great way to pass time while home alone, so why not take advantage of it?
If you know that your pup gets overstimulated by the outside world, manifested through barking when people pass by or lunging at the window, it is a better idea to restrict their access to windows. Not doing so might stress them and make the time they have to spend at home alone a terrible experience.
Show them that alone time is not that bad
If you want to make them feel comfortable while they are home alone, you should start building this trust. Positive associations are the key here. The goal is to show your pup that being by themselves isn’t scary or boring but rather a great opportunity for fun and relaxation.
You can start by giving them the chance to enjoy independent activities. You can do this while you are at home. For example, while you’re watching TV, let them solve a puzzle toy or give them a chew toy. This teaches them that they don’t always need your constant attention in order to feel safe.
To make it extra rewarding, feed meals or give treats. In this way, they’ll start associating the alone time with good things!
Ask a friend or neighbor to visit
If your pup needs to be left home alone for a longer time, you should call someone to help you. A friendly visit from a neighbor or friend can be a great way to make their day more fun because this provides some company, and they will also get a food and water refill.
Also, if you call someone to help, make sure they also take your beloved friend out for a walk. This gives them the chance to get a much-needed bathroom break! Well, you are probably leaving them alone with some absorbent pads but nothing compares to a walk in the park.
Then there is also the playtime your pup gets when outside, which is probably so much better than playing alone inside the house. This is why having a visitor over is an amazing idea that will greatly benefit your furry companion.
No emotional blackmail should be involved
Leaving them alone can be a tough experience, and this is even more real when they give you those big, sad puppy eyes or start whining right when you are about to grab your keys. But as hard as it might seem, just don’t look back! This is the best approach for both of you.
If you want to re-enter the room, wait until they are calm. For this good behavior, you should reward them with some gentle praise. This is how you reinforce good behavior. Another important trick? Give them the treats when you leave and do not save them for when you return.
Giving a treat as you walk out the door helps create a positive association with your departure. On the other hand, giving your pup the treats when you return will only make them more anxious for your arrival and simply make goodbyes even harder.
What was your experience with leaving your pup home alone? Tell us more about it in the comments!
This is an amazing puzzle toy that will keep your dog busy for hours: Dog Puzzle Toy, Interactive Dog Game, Mentally Stimulating Treat Dispenser
You should also read: 10 Reasons the Bond Between Dogs and Humans Is Special
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