Now that the lockdown is lifting, and life is slowly returning to normal, more workers are encouraged to return to their offices and workplaces rather than working from home. That might be good news for you, but what about your dog?
Your faithful furry friend has become accustomed to having you around 24/7, so, naturally, he might feel anxious and even afraid when you’re suddenly not around, and he’s left alone for long periods. That’s especially true for rescue dogs that might have previously had an uncertain life.
Read this guide for some top advice on how to make your dog feel safe at home while you’re out at work.
1. Make A Safe Resting Place
The first thing to do is to take care of your pup’s needs by creating a safe place in your home where your dog can rest while you’re not around.
Dogs are naturally denning animals that love to have an enclosed, dark, comfortable space to call theirs. You can replicate that environment by providing your dog with a crate. There are plenty of different styles of crates to choose from, including some very attractive pieces of crate furniture. However, a plain wire mesh dog crate is fine.
We recommend that you cover the crate with a purpose-made crate cover to create a den-like space for your dog. In a pinch, you can use a blanket, but a specially-designed crate cover is safer and more effective.
2. Choose A Good Location For Your Pet
Your dog will feel safer and less anxious if he is confined in his crate or to one specific area in your home.
Choose a room where your dog won’t be hassled or frightened by noises and other activity outside your home. The spot should be warm but not too hot, so avoid places where your dog would be exposed to direct sunlight or a direct heat source, such as a radiator or fire. Similarly, you don’t want your pup to get cold, so avoid drafty places, doorways, and air conditioning units.
3. Leave The TV Or Radio On
Some dogs find it soothing to have some music or human voices in the background. So, many owners find it helpful for their pets to leave the TV or radio playing while they’re out at work.
Try tuning into talk radio stations, as these are generally monotone and won’t get your dog excited. If that doesn’t work for your pooch, you might want to consider DogTV, a YouTube station that’s designed exclusively for dogs!
Before leaving your dog alone with the TV or radio on, have a few trial runs while you’re around to keep an eye on your pet. Not all dogs appreciate that kind of company, and some actually find it quite upsetting. It’s really just a case of trial and error.
4. Leave The Light On
Dogs often feel safer when left home alone if you leave at least one light on. If you’re likely to leave the house or return home when it’s dark outside, invest in a cheap timer so that you can set it to switch the lights off and on at appropriate times.
5. How Long Can Your Dog Wait For A Potty Break?
Although every dog is different, as a general rule, older, larger dogs can last longer without a potty break than puppies and very small breeds.
Take into account factors such as your dog’s age, size, and any medical conditions that affect his bladder control, and work out how long you can leave your dog before he becomes uncomfortable.
6. Don’t Rush Potty Time!
Even though you might be in a hurry to get to work, you must allow your dog plenty of time for his potty break before you leave him alone.
Some dogs like to spend a while sniffing around your backyard or at the park before they do their business. So, be sure to allow your pup plenty of time to relieve himself before you put him in his crate and leave him for the day.
7. Give Your Dog A Good Run
A tired dog will settle down better than one that’s popping with energy!
Even if that means you need to get out of bed half an hour earlier each day, make the effort to take your dog for a good run so that he gets plenty of exercise before you leave him. Some dogs do just as well with a short walk followed by a half-hour playtime. It’s really a matter of working out what suits your dog best.
8. Room With A View
Some dogs remain calmer and less anxious if they can see the world outside. You might find that leaving your shades up so that your dog can see out of the window makes him feel safer. The sight of people passing by could reassure your pet that he’s not alone.
However, some dogs become highly excited if they can see people and other dogs passing by outside in the street, which is counterproductive. Again, that all depends on the individual dog.
9. Toy Time!
Often, a dog that feels lonely and insecure when left alone can be distracted by a fun, interactive toy.
A food puzzle or a KONG toy stuffed with treats and frozen can help to keep a dog occupied for hours so that he doesn’t have the time to feel afraid or lonely.
10. Lunch Break
If you live close to where you work, it might be a good idea to start coming home for your lunch break.
Knowing that you’re coming back soon can be a huge reassurance to an anxious dog. You can spend a while with your pet, provide him with a toilet break, and give him a snack, all helping to break up your dog’s day and make him feel safer when you go out to work.
11. High Quality CBD For Dogs
Many pet owners these days are finding great benefit in helping their pet feel comfortable and relaxed at home with the use of high quality CBD oil for dogs or CBD infused Calming Dog Treats. It’s important to choose 3rd party lab tested products from brands that are pet focused, and to administer the product at least 30 minutes prior to leaving the house. That way, when you leave they are beginning to feel the relaxing effects. This will also comfort you in knowing you are not drugging your dog, but rather supplementing with all natural non-toxic plant based ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Many dog owners have to go out to work, leaving their dogs home alone.
You can take steps to make your dog feel safer and more comfortable while you’re out by following the simple steps we’ve given above. Give your dog plenty of exercise before you leave, make his crate a comfortable, cozy place to be, leave a light on, and perhaps leave the radio or TV playing to keep your dog company.
A fun toy and a lunchtime visit can also help to pass your dog’s day and keep anxiety and stress levels to a minimum.
