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Many dog owners have full-time jobs that require them to be away from home for 8 or more hours a day. This can be stressful for both the owner worrying about their dog, and the dog left home alone. However, with proper planning and preparation, dogs can do just fine left alone during work hours. Here are some tips:
Crate Train Your Dog
Crate training your dog is highly recommended if you will be leaving them unsupervised for long stretches. The crate becomes a safe space and den for the dog to relax in. Be sure to give them a comfy bed and toys to keep them occupied. Stick to a regular feeding schedule, taking them out immediately in the morning and as soon as you return. Adult dogs should NOT be crated for more than 8-9 hours maximum.
Provide Plenty Of Exercise
Make sure your dog gets ample exercise before and after you leave for work. A long walk, play session, or trip to the dog park helps them burn off energy so they are more likely to sleep instead of getting bored and destructive at home. Tired dogs are happy dogs. Consider hiring a dog walker or sending them to day care once or twice a week if your schedule prohibits daily exercise.
Dog-Proof Your Home
Dogs left to roam the house unattended can get into all sorts of mischief. Make sure you dog-proof your home by removing anything they could choke on and locking up trash cans. Keep countertops cleared off and secure any medications, cleaners, or toxic products away in cupboards. Shut doors to rooms you don't want them accessing.
Provide Interactive Toys
Keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated by providing interactive puzzle toys stuffed with treats, Kongs frozen with peanut butter, durable chew toys, and access to their favorite Nyla bones or ropes. Rotate different toys out daily to prevent boredom.
Consider Doggy Day Care
For some dogs, being alone for over 4 hours is extremely stressful. High energy breeds like Labradors also need more activity daily than a simple walk can provide. In these cases, a couple days a week at doggy day care can give them socialization, play, and a change of scenery. It can be pricey, so consider staggering days with a dog walker to cut costs.
Set Up A Camera
Use technology to your advantage! Install a pet camera like WaggleCam Pro facing main living areas, crates, and entry points so you can check in anytime on your phone to give you peace of mind. Some cameras even have two-way audio so you can talk to your anxious pup.
Start Slowly If Needed
If your dog has severe separation anxiety, start leaving them alone very gradually. Get them accustomed to you putting on shoes, grabbing keys, and exiting doors as cues you'll leave but initially only separating for seconds to minutes at a time, building up duration slowly over consistent training. Seek help from a veterinary behaviorist if extreme anxiety is present.
Comfort Them With Your Scent
Your scent can help soothe your dog when you're gone. Place an unwashed shirt or blanket on their favorite sleeping spot and rotate these items out occasionally to renew the comforting smell. Some owners swear by clocks that simulate a heartbeat as well. Anything with your scent helps them feel like you are still close by.
Returning Home
Ignore hyper puppy greetings when returning home after an absence. Wait for your dog to calm down after a few minutes before giving them affection to avoid reinforcing frantic behavior. Keep arrivals and departures low key.
With the proper care, toys, and training, most healthy dogs over 6 months old can learn to be content left home alone during their owner's workdays. By making them comfortable in their space and meeting physical and mental needs before and after the workday, both dog and owner can live happy in their arrangement. Reach out to your veterinarian with any concerns about separation issues in your unique situation.
