Dog Alone At Home? Tips To Make It Easier for Them

Most of us don’t like leaving our dog alone at home because it goes against what we know to be true – dogs love company. Dogs aren’t exactly suited to be alone. They’re social creatures who thrive on bonding time. Whether it’s human or animal affection, they need companionship.

Even if they still have your companionship in the day, sometimes you may need to leave your dog alone when you go out at night. How do we make it easier for them? How can we help them avoid separation anxiety in pets?

In this article we’ve rounded up some tips to make your pup’s stay alone at home a little easier.

Dogs aren’t suited to be alone but some times it’s unavoidable

Although dogs aren’t quite suited to being left home alone for all that long, sometimes it’s unavoidable. When it happens our doggos can find it challenging to deal with. Especially since Covid-19 forced lockdowns brought many of us home to work. Until very recently, that meant remote work and being at home with pets every day.

But with the return to office work and regular socialising, cats and dogs are suddenly home alone again. This can be a huge adjustment. Poor furbabies!

First, have you considered an alternative?

Before we dive into ways to make leaving your dog alone at home easier, have you considered all other options? Even the most well adjusted pups have a hard time flying solo for extended stretches of time.

Doggy day cares are on the rise in New Zealand, both in number and their patronage. It’s for good reason – they offer a wonderful, playful and stimulating environment for your pup to play in while you’re at work. To make it more cost effective, consider alternating taking them two or three times a week instead of every day.

Other ways to ensure companionship for them in the day is hiring an occasional pet sitter or a dog walker that you trust. Here are some tips on how to find a good pet sitter.

All this goes into lessening the amount of time your pup is on their own and offering them more stimulation.

Leaving your dog alone safely

While leaving cats home alone is easier, dogs simply aren’t as well suited to be home alone. But if there’s no other alternative than leaving your dog alone at home, then take the following steps.

• Depending on your dog, they will be more prone to trying to get out of your house or yard when you’re away. Either to try and find you, or from sheer boredom or anxiety. Unless you’ve already done so, make sure your home is safely cordoned off. The last thing you want is for your dog to pull a Houdini and slip out under a hole in the fence and get injured or stolen.
• Another big consideration is pool access. Always ensure pups can’t fall into the pool, especially if they’re not strong swimmers or have no way or getting themselves out again.
• Place toxic chemicals like bleach and detergent, electrical wires, cords and cables safely out of reach. A dog alone is prone to boredom which can result in chewing their way through things they shouldn’t. Either place them somewhere too high to reach or behind a cupboard they won’t be able to sneak (or force) their way into.

Read about things that can poison your pet and our guide to poisonous plants to avoid. Then check out our guide on pet proofing your home for more tips.

Create a comfortable space

Ensure your pup has a safe, familiar and comfortable space to retire to once you’ve left the house.

Shade and comfort

This could be their bed, a playpen, or a specific, pet-proofed room they know well. If they’re going to be outside give them plenty of shade or cover from the elements and somewhere comfortable to rest.

The crate creates a den

If you have a puppy, consider crate training. A crate gives your dog a safe space. When they’re lonely or scared they have a den to retreat to. It’s a way to create a space that will bring their anxiety down when you’re away.

A dog crate should have a comfortable, friendly and positive association for a dog. Never use the crate as a form of punishment.

Watch this video for some top tips from Dr Cath Watson on leaving your dog home alone:

Tired pups are happier home alone pups

Always bear in mind that a lack of stimulation or exercise will make your dog’s stay at home more challenging for them. You should be incorporating regular walks into their routine anyway. Though this is especially beneficial when they’re going to be left at home.

A long walk will tire them out and get rid of excess energy, so they’ll be more peaceful when they’re at home. Exercise keeps them happy, healthy and balanced – all the things you want for your pup.

Make being home alone fun

Building happy associations with home for your furball will help them learn to enjoy their time alone.

Anyone would go crazy left alone with nothing to do for eight hours. Boredom and a lack of stimulation is a big reason dogs either whine or bark incessantly when their owners are out, or alternatively, start chewing or becoming destructive. Teething puppy survival guide, anyone?

Here are tips on keeping them stimulated:

Toys for a dog alone

Chew toys give your good boy or girl an alternative to snacking on your favourite shoes or pillows. Choose a toy that’s tested to be safe, such as a Kong. For an extra layer of fun, fill it with their favourite pellets or treats so they can occupy themselves with getting them out. You can even coat it with a little bit of peanut butter that they need to lick off!

If it’s hot, place a treat in a container full of water and then freeze it overnight. It’ll be a fun way for your dog to slowly work towards their treat while cooling off and staying hydrated.

Music and TV

A study found music can influence a pup’s behaviour though, as you might expect, heavy metal music increased its anxiety. More calming music, like classical, increased the amount of time the dogs spent sleeping.

Some owners find the familiar sound of the television on a low volume calms their dogs down. Or, the radio playing in the background. This will also help cover the potentially distressing sounds from outside like hooting cars or loud trucks.

Check out our list of the best dog movies around, to keep them company. A little bit of cat TV might tickle their fancy too. Here’s another vet vlog with Dr Cath Watson on keeping your home alone dog entertained:

Medication for leaving your dog alone

Some pups need extra help coping with the anxiety of being left alone at home. In that case, speaking to your vet about a medication to ease their stress is a good idea.

You could also consider a pheromone spray like Adaptil to help calm your pup down. Adaptil imitates the natural scent mother dogs give off to their pups that makes them feel relaxed and at home. Spray their doggy bed, blanket or crate before you step out, or try their diffusers or collars.

Insurance for any accident

It’s stressful enough hoping your furkid (or furniture) are safe when you’re out and about. Let us take the worry of affording the right medical treatment out of the equation. See our dog insurance plans to understand what we can pay for if your pet is ill or injured.