How to Make Leaving Your Dog Home Alone a Stress-Free Practice
If you’re anything like me, your dog is your best friend. So it’s only natural that you want to do everything you can to make sure they’re happy and healthy – even when you’re not there. Some dogs struggle to be left home alone. If your dog is finding it hard to cope, we’ve put together some advice on how you can help them to feel less stressed whilst you’re away for the day. Let’s get straight into it!
Get A GPS Dog Collar
There are special kinds of dog collars you can purchase to keep your dog safe. For example, a perimeter dog collar is a type of device that helps to keep dogs within a certain area. It usually consists of a transmitter and a receiver, which are worn by the dog. The transmitter sends out a signal that is picked up by the receiver, which then activates a collar around the dog’s neck. This collar will then emit a sound or vibration, depending on the settings, to remind the dog to stay within the boundaries. A perimeter dog collar can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings and can be particularly useful for dogs that like to run off. If you’re particularly worried about leaving your dog at home all day – then a dog collar such as this is a great investment for you and your furry friend!
Get Your Dog Used To Being Left Alone
You should also introduce your dog to being left alone in short increments of time. Start by leaving your dog alone for just a few minutes at a time. Then, gradually increase the amount of time you’re away from your pup. This will help them get used to being left alone and reduce their separation anxiety.
Create A Safe And Comfortable Space For Your Dog
There are a few things you can do to make your home more comfortable for your dog. One is to get them a comfortable bed or crate that they can call their own. You might also want to consider getting some toys and chews that will help keep them occupied and help relieve any boredom or anxiety they may be feeling. Finally, make sure that you are providing plenty of opportunities for them to exercise and burn off any excess energy.
Leave Them With Plenty Of Food And Water
Before you leave, make sure your dog has enough food and water for the time you’ll be gone. This will help them stay hydrated and avoid getting hungry while you’re away.
Put On Some Soothing Music
Another way to help your furry friend feel relaxed and calm is by playing soothing music specifically designed for dogs. Studies have shown that music can have a positive effect on dogs’ moods, helping to reduce anxiety and promote feelings of well-being. There are now many dog-specific music albums available, featuring a variety of calming sounds and rhythms that can help to soothe your pet. And if you’re worried about leaving your dog home alone, there are also apps that allow you to play music remotely, so you can check in on your four-legged friend and make sure they’re feeling calm and relaxed.
Give Them A Stuffed Kong Toy
Stuffing a Kong toy with their favorite treat can keep your dog occupied and distracted from your absence. This is a great way to prevent boredom and destructive behavior while you’re gone.
Take Them For A Walk Before You Leave
Taking your dog for a walk before you leave will help them burn off some energy so they can relax while you’re away. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your pup before you have to leave them alone.
Don’t Make A Big Deal Out Of Leaving
And finally, when you’re leaving, don’t make a big fuss over your dog. This will just make them more anxious and stressed. Instead, act like it’s no big deal and give them a calm goodbye. When you come home, ignore your dog for the first few minutes so they don’t get too excited. Then, you can greet them calmly and give them lots of love.
Keep Your Dog Healthy And Happy
Following the above advice can help reduce your dog’s anxiety when left home alone, and make the experience more positive for both of you. Introducing your dog to short periods of being left alone, creating a comfortable space for them in your home, and providing them with food and water can help to make the experience less stressful. Playing calming music and giving them a stuffed Kong toy can also help to distract them from your absence. Finally, taking them for a walk before you leave and not making a big deal out of it when you do can help to reduce their anxiety. By following these tips, you can help make the experience of being left home alone more positive for both you and your furry friend.