Dog Care Advice
Leaving your dog can sometimes feel harder for you than it does for them. With a little preparation, you can help your dog feel safe, settled and confident while you're away.
Dogs are social animals and many enjoy having their people around. Some dogs are perfectly happy relaxing while you're out, while others may need more support learning that being alone is safe.
The aim isn't to make your dog feel that they never need you. It's to help them understand that you leaving is temporary and that you will come back.
Try to keep departures calm and predictable. If leaving the house becomes a dramatic event every time, your dog may start to associate your departure with something worrying.
A relaxed and familiar routine can help make leaving feel like an ordinary part of the day.
One little routine I always like to use is leaving a chew or a small treat just before I head out the door. It gives the dog something positive to focus on as I leave and helps make that moment feel calm and familiar.
It doesn't have to be anything complicated — a favourite chew, a safe enrichment toy or a little treat can be enough. Always make sure anything you leave with your dog is suitable for them and supervise new chews or toys initially.
Give your dog access to a comfortable area where they normally like to rest. Their bed, familiar blanket and favourite toys can help make the space feel reassuring.
Keeping their environment familiar can help them settle more easily once you have left.
I always try to walk the dogs before leaving them for a while. A good walk gives them an opportunity to exercise, sniff and explore before settling down at home.
I then give them a little time to settle before heading out. Just as I'm about to leave, I'll leave them with a safe chew or a little treat so they have something positive to enjoy while I go.
If your dog finds being alone difficult, gradually practising short periods apart can be more helpful than suddenly leaving them for a long time.
Build up slowly and stay within what your dog can comfortably manage. Every dog is different, so there is no need to rush the process.
It's lovely to see your dog when you return, but keeping the first few moments calm can help reinforce the idea that departures and arrivals are normal parts of the day.
Once you've settled back in, you can of course enjoy all the cuddles and excitement!
If you're going to be away for longer than your dog is comfortable with, a trusted dog walker or pet sitter can provide companionship, exercise and a break during the day.
For some dogs, having someone familiar visit during the day can make being apart from their family much easier.
Some dogs happily settle down for a nap as soon as you leave. Others may need more time, training and reassurance. There is no single routine that works for every dog.
If your dog becomes extremely distressed when left alone, repeatedly tries to escape, destroys things, toilets indoors or shows other signs of significant distress, speak with your vet or a qualified behaviour professional for individual advice.
If you're going to be out for the day, Penkridge Dog Services can help provide your dog with exercise, companionship and something positive to look forward to.