8 Steps To Improve Your Dog’s Alone Time

We wish our dogs to accompany us everywhere we go. Unfortunately, it’s an impossible task. Helping your puppy or new dog adjust to being alone is vital teaching they need to learn in the very early stages of their life. If they never learn how to do this, you are bound to end up with a dog who acts out by barking, digging, or chewing excessively – or one who is certain to get a severe case of separation anxiety.

Canines are pack-loving creatures, so being alone can be distressing for them. If you leave your pup home by themselves all day while you’re at work, chances are they’ll spend most of that time pacing, chewing on their toys, or sleeping. And while there’s nothing wrong with any of those activities, your dog may need a little more stimulation to help them stay calm and relaxed when they’re alone.

Here are some tips on how to improve your dog’s alone time:

1. Get them used to being in a room by themselves
   Start by teaching your dog to stay in one room by themselves. This could be their crate, a particular area of the house or even outside in the garden. The key is to make sure they are comfortable in this space. Put their favourite toys in there with them and make sure they have access to water.
2. Build up the time gradually
   Don’t leave your dog alone for long periods of time straight away. Start with 5 minutes and then build up the time gradually. If you’re going to be out for a while, make sure someone is there to check on them regularly.

3. Give them something to do
   Make sure your dog has something to do while you’re gone. This could be a Kong toy filled with food, a puzzle toy or even just a chew bone. Don’t give them access to this all the time, only when you’re going to be away from them.

4. Exercise them before you go
   Make sure your dog has had a good walk or run before you leave them alone. This will help to tire them out and make them more likely to sleep while you’re gone.
5. Leave them with a familiar scent
   Dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell. Leaving them with a familiar scent will help to comfort them while you’re gone. This could be a piece of your clothing or even just a blanket.
6. Create a routine
   Dogs are creatures of habit and they thrive on routine. If you can, create a daily routine for them that includes some alone time. This will help them to know what to expect and make it easier for them to cope.
7. Be calm when you leave and when you return
   Dogs can pick up on our emotions very easily. If we’re stressed or anxious, they will be too. When you’re leaving, make sure you’re calm and confident. The same goes for when you return home. If you get excited, they will too and this can make it harder for them to settle back down.

8. Reward good behaviour
   Make sure you reward your dog when they’re calm and relaxed while you’re gone. This could be with a treat or their favourite toy. This will help them to associate being alone with something positive.

By following these tips, you can help your dog to feel more comfortable when they’re alone. It’s important to remember that it will take time and patience. Don’t expect them to be perfect from the start and don’t get frustrated if they have a few accidents along the way. With a little bit of time and effort, your dog will learn to enjoy their own company.