Back to School, Back to Work … Dog Home alone

This is a time of the year that can be really hard on your dog. It has been a fun summer with people around and places to go. Now the kids are heading back to school, vacation time is done and you are going back to work. For your dog it can be an emotional adjustment.

They can but they do not like it. They cope with the situation the best they can. Sometimes it is a nightmare for the dog and the human …. and the neighboors!

Dogs are pack animals and love to be with their pack (family).  Being alone is not something natural to them. This is something they have to learn, be trained for and become comfortable with.

There is no way around it. If you are leaving the house for the day, you must walk and exercise your dog in the morning before you leave. Depending on your dog`s breed and age, he will need anywhere between half an hour to a good hour of vigorous exercise.

On the ” morning work” do not feed your dog from his regular food bowl. Instead use a food dispensing toy. He is going to have to figure out how it works to get his food out.  This is going to make him tired and keep him busy for a while. After that he will b go to sleep.

You can have a few and alternate them. You can also split breakfast into two toys. Give him one when you leave and place the second one where you know he will find it.

They are a lot of companies offering dog walking programs. From a real hike to a stroll around the park, you can choose the activity that will fit your dog’s size, age.

Doggie day care are also a great alternative to keep your dog busy and active. You can leave your dog for a full day or half a day. Most are indoors and some offer outdoor facilities as well.

Whether you are hiring a dog walker or leaving your dog in a dog day care center, you must make sure that you can trust the people you are leaving your dog with. Do not be afraid to ask questions, check credential and references.

Music soothe the mind and that goes for dogs as well. Try classical music it works great. The other thing you can do is to leave the TV or the radio on. it feels like someone is home. Some dogs can be entertain by the TV.

However you have to remember your pooch has very sensitive ears. Keep the volume down or it will have the opposite effect and drive him nuts.

This does not work for every dog . But for some, another dog, cat or even a bird can keep your bored puppy company. You will need of course a little time to introduce the two together and choose the appropriate companion

I believe this is really important. A healthy and well balanced dog has to be physically and mentally stimulated.

If you have a dog and have to leave him alone because of work, make sure you spend some quality time together. Walks are great but do not forget about play time. Engage together in fun activities such as agility, flyball, tracking. It will give your dog something to look forward too and you will learn more about your dog.

If you have to leave your dog alone while at work, be sensitive to the situation. Remember that he relies on your for everything … including bathroom breaks.