How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone?

After a period of being with your dog all the time, such as holidays or during ‘lockdown’, it can be a great wrench for both you and your dog to have to be apart. You will need to start preparing before the big day comes if you can. It may be that your dog came to you during your time away from work – so now it’s time for them to learn it is okay to be alone

 

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Think about where your dog is to be left

If your dog is new to this, an area of your home needs to be selected that is safe for your dog to start their training. Avoid areas where your dog will see you going out, as this will heighten their anxiety level. Also, avoid areas where your dog can see out of the window as this will disturb them. Think about how things may change through the day – sun, cold, outside influences such as deliveries, neighbours etc. Try to use an area with as little disturbance as possible and not in direct heat, cold or damp.

Dogs like a cosy quiet corner or an area that makes them feel secure

 

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Crates/indoor kennels are a great idea if your dog has already been trained to use one. They have the added benefits of helping your dog to be clean. Your dog will not want to foul their bed area, and if restricted to their crate, they will be more inclined to hold themselves until released. Crates also prevent your dog from running around and getting overexcited, and from having access to chew the wrong things.

However, if your dog is not already used to a crate, introduce your dog slowly and carefully with positive reinforcement. When purchasing a crate you must ensure it is the correct size for your dog. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around within the crate and their bedding needs to fit inside, alongside a water bowl. It is important to note that your dog can do itself quite a bit of damage with a crate if not properly introduced.

If not using a crate, select a smallish area where your dog can be left to their own devices and cannot do much damage (to property or themselves), and if their bladder lets them down (or worse), the area can be easily cleaned and no one will be annoyed.

 

Preparing the area

 

• Place your dog’s bed, blanket (or crate with comfortable bed/blanket in it) there. It is a good idea to prepare to leave the house as normally as possible.
• A radio or the television can be left on for your dog, this helps to blank out any external noises that might worry them and also helps to disguise the void that the family has left behind. It is beneficial to leave music on, there is evidence to suggest that calm music can promote calm behaviour in dogs, or just white noise from a radio. Close curtains or blinds to block out changes in weather or any visible external disturbance.
• Set up a camera so that you can see and communicate with your dog during the training and later, even when you are not there. This is useful and there are many available online.
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Brain Training For Dogs - Unique Dog Training Course!