HOME ALONE

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LEAVING YOUR DOG AT HOME WITHOUT THE GUILT

If we could, we would take our dogs with us wherever we went. We’d probably also work from home, with little - or big -bodies curled up around our feet. We’d take breaks so we could have plenty of playtime and make sure our loyal friends never spent a moment alone.

Yet, for most of us, spending every day at home is far from possible, and when we walk out the door, the pet parent guilt is impossible to ignore. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to make your dog’s time alone at home much more enjoyable.

Some considerations when leaving your dog at home

Different dogs have unique needs, and deciding how to make your dog’s alone time more bearable depends on his individual personality. Consider the following when coming up with a home alone routine that works for you both:

• His bladder control: How often your dog needs to go outside depends on several factors, including his age, size, and breed. Puppies and older dogs typically need more bathroom breaks, so if you have to lock your dog in the house, come up with a routine so he doesn’t have any accidents.

• His emotional needs: Think about your dog’s personality. Is he super social, or does he like his alone time? Does he need lots of space to move, or is he happy curled up on the couch? If he needs plenty of exercise and human interaction, he may become destructive if he’s left alone for long periods.

• Changes in behaviour: If you’ve noticed behaviour changes in your dog when you leave him alone for long periods, it might be time to take more decisive action.

Tips and tricks to make alone time fun for your dog

With these simple tips, you can transform your dog’s alone time from something stressful into something fun.

1. GIVE YOUR DOG A SAFE SPACE

A safe space is an excellent tool for lowering your dog’s stress levels and also ensures your belongings are still intact when you come home after a long day. If he feels anxious when you’re not home, he’ll draw comfort from having his own space.

Ensure he doesn’t have access to dangerous chemicals, electrical cords or food, and take his collar off when he’s home alone — if it gets caught on something, he could asphyxiate.

2. THINK ABOUT THE TEMPERATURE

If your dog doesn’t have much space, ensure the rooms he can access are at an appropriate temperature. In summer, there should be a cool breeze running through the room, and in winter, have some hot water bottles or a heater to regulate the temperature.

3. LEAVE SOME BACKGROUND NOISE

Soft noise in the background can help alleviate loneliness and break up the monotony of the day. It also drowns out background noise that might cause anxiety or excessive barking, like people walking past your gate.

4. GIVE YOUR DOG SOMETHING TO DO

There are plenty of toys on the market designed to keep your dog busy when he’s home alone. Find a food puzzle toy that rewards him when he figures it out. Find a few toy options and swap them around to keep him entertained.

5. EXERCISE BEFORE YOU LEAVE

One of the best things you can do before you leave for the day is to give your dog some exercise. If you tire him out beforehand, he’ll nap while you’re out, which is better for him, and your furniture!

6. HIRE A DOG WALKER

A short interlude with some company and a little exercise will change your dog’s day. There are plenty of reputable dog walking businesses out there, so ask some fellow dog lovers in your area for recommendations.

Particularly active breeds need lots of exercise, or they may become destructive and anxious, so if you have a high-energy breed, dog walkers may be a necessity, not a luxury.

7. CONSIDER DOGGY DAYCARE

As the name suggests, doggy daycare is a place where you can leave your dog while you’re at work. They are filled with activities, and the staff walk and play with your dog during the day. Most doggy daycare businesses allocate days for different breeds and sizes, so check with your local dogloving community and schedule a viewing.

8. GET ANOTHER DOG

If your dog is well-socialised, he would probably love having a friend to keep him company when you’re out. Dogs are pack animals, and they do best when they have company. Of course, some dogs don’t like the company of other dogs, and if your dog is one of those, pushing another dog into his space could have tragic consequences.

What you shouldn't do when leaving your dog at home

Without even realising, there are things you might do that make your dog’s alone time more nerve-wracking. Keep the following ‘don’ts’ in mind when you set out for your work day:

DON’T

• Make a big fuss of your dog before you leave: Dogs thrive on routine, and a sudden change in your behaviour will elevate his stress levels. Don’t act stressed before you leave, or cover him in hugs and kisses. Rather walk out the door like there’s nothing wrong, and he’ll pick up on that instead.

• Forget midday walks: If your dog doesn’t have access to the outdoors while you’re out, he’ll need to get outside around lunchtime for a bathroom break. A dog walker is a perfect option if you can’t make it home yourself.

• Leave anything chewable lying around: Put shoes, books and remote controls away before you leave.

• Leave him for too long: Even the most well-adjusted dog will start to get anxious when you’re gone for extended periods. Have a friend or family member on call if you get held up, and hire a pet sitter if you need to travel.

Final thoughts

Following these simple steps will make your dog's life that much more pleasant while you’re at work. If, however, your dog suffers from separation anxiety, the steps outlined above might not be enough, and you may need a more comprehensive approach with the support of your vet and a behaviourist to negotiate alone time.

But, for your average dog, these steps should be more than enough to keep him happy and waiting to greet you with a wagging tail after a long day in the office.