Dogs are social and it's not unusual for them to feel worried when they are left, especially for the first time. So, you need to teach your pooch how to spend time on their own and ensure they learn to feel relaxed by themselves. Teaching a dog to cope when home alone should ideally start when they are still a puppy.
If he's a puppy then training may take a while. He will need you more and be less used to being left alone. You may need several weeks. Likewise, if he's older and always had you around then he may need up to six weeks to adjust.
Gather some toys and treat to reward your dog for good behavior. A comfy bed, in an enclosed spot, with some new blankets can also work. Having somewhere comfy to relax can make being home alone more appealing for your dog. Further, make sure you praise them as well, as dogs respond very highly to it.
Yes, Dogs Get Lonely
Dogs are social animals and should have the opportunity to interact with people at least several times a day, and with other dogs on occasion, if this is something they enjoy. It's even more important to not leave puppies home alone all day.
As your puppy gets older gradually increase the total amount of time you leave them alone. Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they are provided with enough space to comfortably move around.
Some dogs don't need anything to find themselves running around the house and playing with their toys, others will snooze through a jackhammer no sweat. If you're working from home right now you might see your pet sleeps all day even with you right next to them! Dogs, like people, are unique.
If possible, dogs older than 6 months should not be left alone for longer than 4 hours at a time. If this is difficult, the absolute maximum time for them to be alone is 8 hours, but this is only recommended if your dog has a way to get outside for a bathroom break.
While your dog will remember you leaving the house, they most likely won't understand how long you were away. When dogs are left alone, sometimes they become stressed (stemming from their separation anxiety), indicating that they have an awareness of the passage of time.
Usually, dogs do not outgrow separation anxiety. Very mild separation anxiety may improve over time, but that isn't the case in most instances of moderate to severe separation anxiety. The condition has nothing to do with age, so it's not likely to improve on its own without some sort of intervention and treatment.
The television affects every dog differently.
While it's generally OK for dogs to watch television, the colors, sounds and content can make some dogs feel anxious.
Encourage your pet to relax during their alone time
Try to take your dog for a walk before you go out so that they have the opportunity to go to the toilet and exercise. Return half an hour before you plan to leave and make sure they're not hungry.
Changes in behavior
If you notice a behavior change in your pet due to being alone too long, it could be a sign to take some action. Examples of behavior changes include increased lethargy, depression or disinterest in once-beloved activities, and destructive tendencies.
The first few minutes of isolation are the most stressful for a dog, according to the researchers. Dogs will howl, bark and whine constantly. Up to 30 minutes: Anxious dogs will continue pining after their owner for up to half an hour.
Dogs can develop separation-related behaviours (SRBs), such as barking/howling, pacing, toileting or destroying household items when they are left without human company. These behaviours can be problematic for owners but are also welfare concerns for the dogs because they mean the dog is in a negative emotional state.
“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels”, says Dr.
Common causes include change in ownership, environment, or traumatic events. With the proper treatment for separation anxiety, such as desensitization, counterconditioning, and in some cases, medication, you can help alleviate symptoms of separation anxiety in your pooch.
Time-line.
Expect to spend around two months working with your dog to alleviate his separation anxiety. Taking it slowly during the early stages–getting your dog comfortable at the moment of your departure–will allow the later stages of lengthening your time away to much more quickly.
Overall, dogs are complex creatures that think about a wide range of things, including social relationships, their physical environment, daily routine, physical needs, and health and well-being.
When you are petting your dog, and he puts his paw on your arm or leg, it is kind of like petting you back. While most dogs can't do an actual stroking action, laying their paw on you is a sign of affection, closeness and trust This is his way of creating a special bond with you.
Dogs might also cry when you leave because they want to follow you but they can't. They don't deal well with uncertainty and when you leave the house, there is a lot of it. Your canine companion doesn't know when or if you're ever coming back, he doesn't know what to do without you and that can be scary.
“Some dogs will do better with more alone time than others,” he says. That said, for a general guideline, dogs should get a minimum of two hours of dedicated social time with humans or other dogs on a daily basis, which can be broken up into chunks of time over the course of the day.
DON'T stay away too long.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long.
Experts suggest 8-10 hours is the maximum amount of time you should reasonably leave a dog alone.