What should you do when leaving your dog at home alone?
Let's make staying home a fun experience for your dog!
Unfortunately, our beloved dogs cannot come everywhere, and often this includes our workplace! Ensuring your dog remains calm, stimulated, comfortable, and happy while you're out can be a complicated task. As time alone extends beyond 3 hours, it isn’t as simple as closing the door behind you and wishing them luck.
At eDog UK, we have some amazing products to keep your dog from boredom, stress, anxiety, and destructive behaviour. Along with products, there are a few things you can do to help the process and make your dog as independent as possible when alone.
PRACTISE THE FOLLOWING AT HOME WITH YOUR DOG
1. Stay as calm as possible when you leave
Although we want to shower them in kisses and hugs and say ‘I love you, I'll be home soon,’ remember dogs are in sync with our emotions and can pick up on that parting energy. Act as normal as possible, as if you are popping outside to take the rubbish out.
2. Get ready before you tempt your dog with a goodbye!
Be ready before you get them ready. If you're leaving in the morning, have your garage door open, lunch packed, and coffee in the car! This way, your dog gets your attention without distraction. If you leave them, say goodbye without needing to pop back in, they will begin to understand the cycle.
3. Freeze their treats!
Place dog biscuits in large ice trays with water then freeze. Pop them out into a bowl (saves melting mess) and leave them with your pup. This way, your dog has an exciting challenge and a gift that keeps on giving throughout the day.
4. Ensure if they are inside, they have fresh air as well as some company.
The radio or TV is great! Talkback programmes are the best; they provide continuous chatting without sudden changes in pitch.
PRODUCTS THAT YOUR DOG WILL LOVE!
The Nylabone products are PERFECT for keeping destructive behaviour at bay. Nylabone has naturally flavoured, mess-free, and splinter-free chew bones that not only taste great but last! With different colours, sizes, styles, and flavours, this will keep your pup happy for hours!
Does your dog, young or old, struggle with separation anxiety? The Snuggle Puppy is here to help! Introduce this product to your dog whilst you are home as well as where they sleep. The heartbeat and warmth provide comfort and security and act as a soft snuggle buddy.
You can’t go past the traditional KONG. This extremely strong and durable product allows your dog to stuff, freeze, and chew! Long-lasting, the KONG allows your dog to have both a chew toy and treat dispenser in one!
OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER!
Never underestimate the power of a good morning walk or ball-throwing session! If we tire our dogs out before we leave, they will be happy we’re gone! Hours of sleep and dreaming await them.
Mix it up! Leave your dog inside and outside, mixing it up daily will help break the routine and keep them interested in their surroundings.
Start them early! Introduce your dog to 'normal life' as soon as you can. No more than 2 hours when they are puppies; however, don’t let leaving your dog alone be a rare occurrence. The sooner they understand that when you leave, you come home, the better!
