It isn’t natural for dogs to be alone.Dogs are pack animals that thrive in
the company of others.Each dog
looks out for what is in the best interest of the pack.Since dogs are genetically
preprogrammed to co-exist in a pack it can be difficult for some of them to
adjust to spending time alone while his human family works, goes to school and
runs errands.Dogs who are used to
having someone there all of the time are most at-risk for having problems
adjusting to being left alone.
There are some things you can do to help your dog become
more comfortable being left alone.
1.Avoid hello and goodbye
When you greet your dog after an absence it
creates excitement, which can lead to anxiety.If you put too much emphasis on departures and arrivals it
communicates to your dog that there is reason to get excited or anxious when
you leave.It is best to ignore
your dog both for the twenty minutes before you leave and the first twenty
minutes after you return home.
2.Practice daily kennel time
Put your dog in his crate for 30 minutes to
an hour every day for some quiet time when you don’t actually plan to
leave.Expect quiet behavior
and don’t let him out until that is what he gives you.This teaches him that he can spend time
alone without you.
3.Avoid excessive snuggling
Snuggling with dogs can give them the wrong
idea.It is common for dogs who
are snuggled excessively to develop an unhealthy attachment to their
human.Such dogs can become panicked
when separated from their people.Try to minimize snuggling and only allow him on the couch or bed with
permission.I strongly advise
against co-sleeping in the bed with dogs.
4.Practice obedience commands regularly
This serves many purposes, the first being
that it creates obedience and helps raise your dog’s confidence.It creates a common language between
dogs and their people and serves to burn excess energy.Obedience commands are important in
establishing a well-rounded dog.
5.Practice leaving for short periods
Practice leaving and coming home after just
a few short minutes.Don’t engage
with your dog at all, just leave and come back so your dog starts to get used
to being left alone for short periods.Gradually begin to add time to the time that you are gone.
6.Ensure your dog gets adequate exercise
Don’t leave a dog when he hasn’t had any
exercise.Leaving a dog alone with
pent up energy is asking for disaster.Not only might your dog chew stuff up, but this can create an excess of
anxiety.Take your dog on a walk
lasting a minimum of 45 minutes prior to leaving him alone for the day
