Leaving Your Dog At Home

Most of us have been stuck at home the last 2 months which meant we spent a lot more time with our pets. Your dog will have been so excited to have you around more! I bet their little tail never stopped wagging. Now, as lockdown begins to ease, we have to consider how going back to work may affect our furry friends. Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs that aren’t used to being on their own, they are a social species so they can quickly fall into the need of having someone there all of the time.

Every dog is different and separation anxiety can show itself in a number of ways. The most common behaviours shown by dogs with separation anxiety are: vocalising (barking, howling or whining), destruction in the house (scratching, chewing etc), toileting indoors, panting, salivating and increased movement (pacing, zoomies etc). Most of the behaviours will be shown when you are away so it can be difficult to see, if you are worried you could set up camera so you can monitor your dog while out the house.

I know it sounds worrying and you might be thinking you are never going to leave your dog alone again. But there is an easy way to get your dog used to being alone and that is to practice. Our dogs need to learn that being alone is a normal part of life and that they can cope. Start preparing your dog long before you have to leave them, so you have time to build up the duration, and make it part of their daily routine.

Tips for Successful Separation

Location - Choose where you want your dog to be when you are out the house. Whether they are put in a specific room or free to roam the house, it is up to you but choose the same place when you leave so your dog gets used to being in that area. Try and choose a place they already feel comfortable and safe.

Comfort - Ensure that they have a cosy bed, blankets, teddies etc. Make this area a nice place where they can relax while you are away. A crate can be a great safe space for dogs if they are taught that it is a positive space. However do not use a crate unless your dog is used to it and happy to be inside (there will be a blog about how to use crates in the future)

Distraction - when your dog is in the area give them a tasty long lasting chew or a puzzle toy that will keep them occupied for a while. While your dog is enjoying their treat you can move away, start by moving to the other side of the room and waiting a few moments. If your dog stays relaxed then go and reward them with a treat.

Increase - gradually increase how far you move away and the amount of time you leave them as long as they stay relaxed. You should soon be able to leave the room and close the door, start spending periods of time in different rooms from your dog or leaving the house for short periods. If your dog shows any sign of stress or anxiety reduce the amount of time or how far you move away.

By practising this now, it will become part of the dog's routine to spend part of the day alone and will reduce anxieties when you go back to work.