Acclimating your dog to being home alone

Rachel Williams Author

Whether you welcomed a puppy into your home during the pandemic or have had a dog for years, there has been an increase in people asking me how to ensure their dogs are content whilst alone in the house. Here are my top tips and where you can go for expert advice in extreme cases.

Find them a safe space

Does your dog have their own space? This might seem a bit of an odd question but all dogs need a place where they can rest undisturbed. This can be a crate, bed, puppy pen, utility room or living room. Where does your dog typically go to relax? This might be in front of a window, or a specific spot on the sofa. If you don't know where you dog's safe space is, create one for them. Some dogs prefer den like spaces so crates with blankets over them are a good idea, others might prefer a utility room with a comfy dog bed and a cool floor to choose from. Whenever your dog chooses to go into their space, leave them to relax and only call them if necessary, such as going to the toilet before you leave the house.

Build value in their safe space

Once you have a space for your dog, build the value of that area. Feed some of their meals in there and give them enrichment activities to do such as a destruction box, long lasting chews or their favourite toy. If you dog struggles to relax in general, just hang out together and introduce them to dog friendly music. icalmpet has many tracks specifically adjusted to be pleasant for a dog's ear. Research has found that solo piano and reggae music are the most calming for dogs. You can also try gently stroking them to help them relax.

Meet their needs first

In order for your dog to truly relax when not in your company, you need to make sure you've met their needs:

1. have they been to the toilet?
2. do they need any food or drink? (make sure your dog always has access to fresh water)
3. mental stimulation activity (enrichment games, training session, walks)
4. physical stimulation activity (walks, tuggy games, canine fitness/yoga)

Giving your dog a calming activity to do when they settle helps to build a routine e.g. licki mat means its time to relax.

Being relaxed is a FEELING, 

not an action or behaviour.

Little and often

Now that your dog is happy in their space, you can start leaving them for short periods of time. To begin with your dog might only be relaxed on their own for the first few seconds so set them up with a chew or enrichment activity. Keep a diary of how long you leave them for, the time of day, an activity you gave them and their response. Some dogs might need extra support with this step so take advantage of baby gates, pens, crates (if this is your dogs safe space) and ensure they can see you whilst in their safe space.

Build up your absences slowly and in different scenarios, such as when you go to the bathroom, make a cup of tea, have a shower, put the bins out, put washing on the line, on a Zoom call etc. All of these are activities you can do whilst still being in the house. If your dog is content, you can trial leaving your home for short periods, such as sitting in the car with the engine off, sitting in the car with the engine on, driving to the end of the road, walking around the block. Remember to keep a diary and slowly increasing the time is best.

MYTH: ignore your dog when you get home

It is totally fine to say hi to your dog when you enter your home, giving them attention and praising them is a nice thing to do! If your dog barks or jumps up at you when you come home, teach them an alternative behaviour. Meg use to jump up and be very excited to say hi when we first adopted her, now she brings me a toy and stands happily when I greet her.

Gadgets that might help

If you worry whilst being away from your dog and want to check on how they are coping - technology is your friend! There are many fancy gadgets out there, such as the Furbo and the Treat n Train but a simple baby monitor will do just fine. If you just want to check on your dog during the training phase, simply set up a video call with another phone or tablet facing the camera to your dogs safe space.

Does my dog have separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety can present itself in different ways, but the most common symptoms include:

Isolation Distress

Dogs have been breed to be social and enjoy human companionship and with many dogs, any company will do. This can be a member of the household, another dog, a dog walker, neighbour etc. This is usually because of boredom or frustration so meeting all your dog's need before leaving them is important.

Containment Phobia

This is the fear of being trapped, this might be in a crate, in a room with the door closed or even the whole house. Ensuring your dog feels comfortable in their surroundings when alone is important, if your dog has to be in a crate or a room with the door closed for their safety, think about having someone supervise your dog whilst you're out so that they can free roam in safety.

Separation Anxiety

This is an attachment disorder where a dog may be described as 'clingy' or 'follows me around the house'. It is more likely to occur in a one person household where the dog experiences grief and anxiety when away from their guardian.

When to seek expert support

If your dog's behaviour is not improving and they continue to destroy furniture, toilet in the house when left alone, bark or whine excessively when alone or show signs they are trying to escape their safe space, it's time to reach out for professional support. I recommend getting in touch with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer as they have undertaken several months of intensive study involving over 100 hours of instruction, high level coursework, and exams.

Categories: : dog training, puppy training