Our top 4 Tips for Leaving Your Dog Home Alone
Are you preparing to head back to work after spending time at home with your new dog? Leaving your furry friend alone for an entire workday can be a difficult transition for both you and your pet. However, with a little preparation, you can ease the transition for your pup and yourself.
Here are some tips for preparing your dog for your first week back at work:
- Set up a cozy crate in a quiet area of your home where your dog cannot see or hear anything happening outside. Close the blinds, play white noise, and provide a comfortable space for your pup to snooze.
- Give your dog something to do in the crate while you are gone. Frozen Kongs are a great option to fill their time while you are at work. Stuff your Kongs in the evening, freeze them overnight, and give the Kong to your dog in their kennel as you are leaving for the day. Check out online Kong stuffing guides for inspiration.
- Make sure your dog is well-exercised both physically and mentally prior to leaving them for the day. Take your dog for a long walk around the neighborhood, play at the dog park, play fetch in the backyard, work on a puzzle feeder, scatter their morning meal outside in your yard, or provide a Snuffle Mat for them to sniff for their kibble. Don’t forget to spend time exercising your dog again when you get home.
- For some dogs, it may be necessary to include a mid-day potty break and exercise until they are capable of remaining in their crate comfortably for a full workday. Puppies will need at least one mid-day potty break and play session until they are at least 6 months old. Some adult dogs may also need mid-day breaks until they adjust to their new schedule. Consider coming home during your lunch break, hiring a dog walker, or utilizing doggie daycare a few days a week.
By following these tips, you can help your dog adjust to your new schedule and ease their anxiety while you are away. With a little preparation, your dog will feel comfortable and happy while you are at work.
For more behavior and training advice, you can contact our behavior team by email or explore our training section of the website.
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