Leaving Dog Home Alone: Train Your Pet To Be Less Stressed

It’s hard to leave your pet at home during the day, especially when you’re away for long periods of time. Of course, you want to make sure they are taken care of, safe and well-behaved while you’re gone. But how do you train your pet not to be so stressed out when they’re left alone?

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know when it comes to leaving your dog home alone. We’ll cover the most effective methods for training a dog when left alone, as well as how to make sure that your pet is well-cared for when you’re away from home. 

The Basics of Leaving Dog Home Alone

The first step in training your dog to be comfortable when left alone is to create a routine. It is important to stick to this routine as much as possible so that your pet knows when they can expect you back. Try to make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise and has eaten before you leave him or her home alone. You’ll also want to make sure they have a chance to pee and poop outside if they don’t have a doggy door for outside access. 

If your pet is used to being left alone for long periods of time, gradually increase the amount of time you leave them home alone. Start by leaving the pet home alone for short periods of time, (20-30 minutes is a good place to start), and then gradually increase the duration of the separation until they are comfortable with the length of time you have to leave them alone. 

How To Train Your Pet To Be Less Stressed

When it comes to training your dog to be less stressed, it is important to remain calm and reassuring while leaving them home alone. Speak in a soothing and reassuring tone when leaving them and pat them before leaving your house. 

Another effective way to train your dog to be less stressed is through desensitization training. This involves exposing them to situations where they would normally be anxious, such as being left at home by themselves, in a way that does not cause distress or anxiety in your pet. As we discussed earlier, start by exposing them for short durations and provide lots of praise and reward for good behavior during this time period once you’ve come home. 

Providing Relief When You’re Away

There are several ways that you can provide relief for your dog while you’re away from home, such as purchasing an automatic dog feeder that dispenses food on a timer or using a doggy cam that allows you to check on them remotely via an app on your phone or tablet. Both of these options provide an extra level of comfort for you knowing that your pet can access food without needing direct contact with you throughout the day. You could also leave some interactive toys with treat pockets in case your pup gets bored while waiting for you to return home. Don’t forget to leave a bowl of water as well! 

Long-term Solutions

In order for long-term success, make sure that you stick with the plan so that your pet gets used to being left at home for long periods of time during the day. Also, make sure that there are no areas where he or she may feel insecure when separated from you. This can include places near windows or doors with loud noises outside from passing cars or people walking by too close for comfort. Lastly, always remember to end each separation period with praise and rewards to aid in reinforcing their positive behavior.

Conclusion

Leaving a dog home alone can be a difficult thing to do, but by following the tips above, you can make sure that your pet is comfortable and relaxed while you’re away. Training your pet to be less stressed when left alone takes some time, but it is worth it to ensure that your pet is content and happy when you’re not around.