Sometimes it’s necessary to leave a dog at home by himself while you’re at work. This is unavoidable given the busy lives we lead today with work, family, and other commitments.
A dog that is lonely or bored will look for activities to engage in. Sometimes this can be in destructive or unwanted ways. This can include negative behaviors like chewing or annoying behaviors like constant barking.
After a long day at work, arriving home to a construction site or disgruntled neighbors is the last thing you want.
Therefore, you must learn how to keep a dog content when left alone at home. Here are some suggestions and ideas to keep your dog busy and amused when you aren’t around.
The fact that many dogs are left alone is something they just accept Other dogs that experience separation anxiety might benefit from some separation conditioning. Whether you have an adult dog or a puppy, it is best to do this when you first bring them into your home. Your dog can still be trained to be at home alone if this is not the case. However, it might take more time, effort, and persistence.
You can train your dog to accept separation by first leaving him home alone for brief intervals of time and then gradually extending your absence. Start with around twenty to thirty minutes. Follow the routine you would normally when going out. If you normally leave in your car, do the same. Don’t make a big deal out of your dog when you go and come back. Come in and carry out your regular activities, such as making coffee. Once your dog has settled and become calm, you can give them some attention.
I advise using a calming vest if your dog does experience anxiety. These calming vests function by applying constant, light pressure to your dog’s torso. This has been shown to comfort dogs and keep them relaxed.
Another choice is to use calming chews or a natural calming spray, both of which are also available as plug-in diffusers.
When leaving your dog at home alone, one of the first things to think about is where they will be kept. Do you want them inside, outside, or to have access to both?
We will look at each of these options so you can decide which is best for you and your dog. Do you want to have them in a playpen, crate, or restricted to one room? Do they have full run of the house or be confined to certain areas?
Many individuals believe that confining a dog or puppy in a crate is cruel. The crate, however, serves as a den for your dog or puppy, much like a dog in the wild. It provides them with a secure setting where they can feel at ease and at ease
A crate is really only useful for a short amount of time. Putting your dog or puppy in a crate if you plan to be gone for a couple of hours or more is acceptable. I do not advise keeping a dog or puppy in a crate all day, for example, while you are at work.
A puppy is unable to hold its bladder for the eight or more hours that you will be away from home at work. This would be counterproductive to crate training’s goal of assisting with toilet training. Typically, a puppy won’t want to go potty in their den. Even though an adult dog’s bladder can be held for up to 24 hours, leaving them in a crate all day would not be kind to them.
Age determines how long a puppy can be left in a crate. The suggested durations are listed below as a general guideline.
When you leave the house, you should crate-train your dog or puppy to prevent any destructive behavior or property damage. Additionally, it is an effective method of reducing obtrusive barking because, with proper crate training, the dog will learn that barking will result in crate release.
A crate has the added benefit of preventing your puppy or small breed dog from escaping, which is another benefit over a playpen. Many puppies can climb up the side of a simple puppy pen and jump over the top to escape. Of course, if your puppy falls to the ground, it could be dangerous.
With this choice, you can give your small-breed dog room to play. You can place their bed in one corner and their bathroom in the other. You can give your puppy either potty pads or an artificial grass toilet for toileting. If they are feeling anxious, you can even set up their crate in the playpen or attach it to the outside of the puppy pen so they have a secure space.
I advise having a roof on the puppy pen to stop any escape attempts when leaving your puppy or small breed dog in a playpen for extended periods of time, such as while you are at work or when you are at home alone.
Additionally, I would advise using a playpen with a floor if you don’t have a space with an easily cleanable floor in which to set up your playpen.
See here for more details on keeping a small-breed dog or puppy in a playpen.
You can keep your dog or puppy in a compact space with pet-proof walls and floors. The benefit of limiting your dog or puppy to one area of the house is that it will stop undesirable behaviors like chewing, barking, and eliminating in inappropriate places. The room doesn’t have to be huge. Your dog most likely doesn’t require that much room, and in fact, they’ll feel safer in a smaller setting.
Of course, you’ll need a space free of dangers like electrical wires they could chomp on. Additionally, this space would need to be free of any of your belongings that they might damage, like furniture that they might chew. If you have a room like that, it would be perfect for keeping your dog in while you’re at work. The kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, or an empty spare room are the ideal locations for a confinement area. You can use a pet gate to keep your dog inside if the chosen room doesn’t have a door that can be closed.
When to use a pet cam
You can use your dog monitor whenever you leave the house, not just when you’re at work, after properly setting it up and connecting it to your phone.
Knowing you and your pet are always connected will make going out for a night on the town, doing your groceries, running errands on Sunday, or attending a sporting event more comfortable.
Provide easy access to food and water
Your dog needs to eat and drink throughout the day, right? It’s important for your dog’s health to give them a healthy diet and access to plenty of fresh water.
Make sure you buy a dog crate that is big enough for your dog to fit comfortably in and has extra space for food and water bowls if you choose to crate your dog.
Make sure their food and water bowls are in an accessible location if you let your dog roam freely inside the house while you are away.
Because they are intelligent, dogs require mental stimulation to keep them entertained.
If you don’t provide entertainment they will find their own. If they choose to rummage through the trash or gnaw on your furniture, this could be a bad situation.
Before your dog trashes your house, try the following tips:
What are pet cams and why should you consider one?
Pet cams are gadgets you install in your house to watch over your pet while you’re away.
Most pet cameras are app-connected, so you can watch your dog right from your phone or computer. Some models even let you give your dog treats, communicate with him or her, and more.
A pet camera is a great solution for you if you spend your day wondering what your dog is doing and whether they miss you.
Kodjigang with his Furbo
The majority of pet cameras offer a two-way audio and video display option. This implies that you can peek at your furball at any time, day or night. Your dog can also see you on a video screen.
This is a lifesaver for dogs that are afraid of thunderstorms. Even though your dog may be at home alone during a loud thunderstorm, the fact that he can see and hear you calms his anxiety. It’s also great for separation anxiety.
With built-in games and features like a treat dispenser, you can help keep your dog entertained if you notice that they are getting bored.
Pet cams allow you to interact with them by enticing them to perform tasks or play games for which they are rewarded with treats delivered by the monitor.
Dog owners who hire pet sitters can rest easy knowing they have the chance to watch how their pet is treated.
Sadly, there have been reports of pet sitters mistreating the dogs they watch over when they aren’t aware that they are being watched. The ideal candidate for the job is one you can fully rely on and who has positive reviews on a website like Rover.
However, when it comes to caring for your furry family member, you can never be too sure.
Check out our comprehensive boarding guide, written by a subject matter expert, here if you want to learn more about choosing an in-home dog sitter.
A pet cam also doubles as a security cam. You can use it to check if intruders have entered your home and to call the police while the crime is being committed. Quick action during the commission of the crime increases the likelihood that the perpetrators will be apprehended by the police.
“When it’s time for bed but you want more Furbo treats!” @bernie_lila
FAQ
Can a dog be left alone for 8 hours?
Some families find it easier if there is a second resident who has a slightly different schedule. Many dogs seem to be able to adjust to spending 8 to 9 hours alone as long as they have a way to relieve themselves and have enough space to move around.
How long can I leave my dog alone while at work?
The majority of experts concur that adult dogs shouldn’t be left alone for longer than eight to ten hours, but some dogs, particularly those with small bladders, can’t endure that. DO prepare your dog before you go.
Where do I leave my dog when I go to work?
If your dog isn’t at ease in a crate or you don’t want to use one, but you still don’t want them to have unrestricted access to the house while you’re away, think about creating a separate room for them or using a pet fence to section off a portion of your room. It might be a guest room, the kitchen, or one of the bedrooms.
Is it cruel to leave a dog alone all day?
Adult dogs shouldn’t ideally be left alone for longer than four hours. There is some leeway as long as your dog has access to enough food and water as well as a place to relieve themselves if necessary.