Leave Your Dog Home Alone?

Dogs gotta love ‘em. Would like to be with them 24/7.

Having to leave your dog at home is a real problem. Work gets in the way and life dictates that in order to buy human and dog food besides providing a place to live we must work. For most of us anyhow.

Not only do we have to deal with going to work. There is the dog – parent problem of guilt. Leaving our fur kids at home. The looks, the sulks, the rejection, We suffer every time we get dressed, pick up keys, and head for our place of employment.

Although we cannot stay home, we can make the leaving a bit easier. This is how we did it. Leaving Jack our Mini 9 year old poodle at home along with Billy our year old Yorki.

Leaving your beloved furry friend at home can be a challenging decision for any pet owner. Whether it’s due to work commitments, social events, or other obligations, it’s essential to ensure your dog’s safety and comfort while you’re away. In this blog post, we will discuss some crucial points to consider when leaving your dog at home, helping you create a secure and pleasant environment for them during your absence.

1. Prepare a Safe and Dog-Friendly Space when you leave your dog at home:

Before leaving your dog alone, it’s crucial to designate a specific area where they can stay comfortably. This space should be free from any potential hazards, such as toxic plants, electrical cords, or small objects that could be swallowed. Ensure the area is well-ventilated, with access to fresh water and a comfortable bed or blanket for them to rest. Think of it as being a puppy proof room or area. Not unlike a play room for a toddler.
We used a large play area for Billy. It was big enough for him to have a place to relieve himself and a place to sleep and play. Billy is a Yorkie and we used Pee Pads at one end of play pen.  We also had a bed and toys.  Billy had treats as he went in and occasionally a new to him toy.  I rotated the toys so that he would have something different every other day.  Jack on the other hand was not upset by being left at home.  He was nine and had our bed to sleep on. Never had any accidents. We left him out to relieve himself before leaving and at lunch. However there were times (Not very many) we could not make it home for lunch and he was still ok with that.

2. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation:

Dogs are social animals and require mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom and anxiety. Leave them with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, or treat-dispensing toys that can keep them engaged and mentally stimulated. Additionally, consider leaving a radio or TV on at a low volume to provide some background noise, which can help alleviate their loneliness. We have several Stimulated type of toys in different sizes.   Again I would not use the same toy everyday.  We would rotate among about 10 different devices or toys.

3. Establish a Consistent Routine when ever you leave your dog:

Dogs thrive on routine, so try to maintain a consistent schedule even when you’re not at home. Stick to their regular feeding times, exercise routines, and potty breaks when you leave your dog. Make sure to leave them play and relieve themselves before you head off.

This will help them feel more secure and reduce any anxiety they may experience in your absence. The key word it try here.  Try to maintain a schedule.  Not always easy we rotated the dog food between different types of food. Read about dog food rotation here   

However we did put treats and dry dog food in a timed container. Just enough to hold them over til we got home.  The puppy Billy would be given food more often through the day.  We used a timed feeder. .

4. Enlist the Help of a Trusted Friend or Professional:

If you anticipate being away for an extended period, consider asking a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet sitter to check on your dog. Having someone visit them during the day can provide companionship and ensure their well-being. Alternatively, you can explore doggy daycare or boarding facilities that offer a safe and supervised environment for your pet.
Working at Yellowstone National Park as Rangers meant long shifts but close to home locations.
We would go home on our lunch break which was an hour. That’s two hours of having either Mom or Dad at home in the middle of the day. The working community also provided us with trusted work colleagues that would stop by our RV and visit with our two Billy and Jack when we were detained at work.

5. Use Technology to Stay Connected when you leave Your Dog at home :

Thanks to advancements in technology, you can now stay connected with your dog even when you’re away. Consider investing in a pet camera or a smart home system that allows you to monitor your dog remotely. Some devices even offer two-way audio, enabling you to talk to and comfort your furry friend from afar.

We had two one for the RV but we were not able to use it in the Park due to cell coverage limitations. So that is something to consider if your are traveling.

However we use the other one on our  sailboat when ever we have to leave the dogs alone.

I wanted to have them mounted on walls for convenience and did not want a subscription or Alexa for to use them.

6.The Importance of Training and Behavior  when you leave your dog:

A well-trained dog is often more comfortable staying home alone. Basic commands like “stay” or “place” can help them understand they’re in a safe environment. Proper behavior training not only ensures your home remains intact but also assures your pet feels secure during your absence.

My Take on it:

Leaving your dog at home doesn’t have to be a stressful experience for either of you. By following some of these essential points, you can create a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment for your dog while you’re away.

Remember, your dog’s well-being should always be a top priority, and with proper planning and care, you can ensure they are happy and content until your return.
Not all dogs handle alone-time the same way. Some may develop separation anxiety, a condition where they exhibit distress when left by themselves. Common signs include excessive barking, destructive behavior, or even attempts to escape. If your fur buddy shows any of these signs, consult a vet or animal behaviorist.

Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  This is the time and place to let us know. Just leave a comment below.  Also if you would like to see a topic about Dogs, photography, or lifestyle discussed we have not covered. Drop your suggestion in the comments below.

If you are interested in our lifestyle visit us all over the social media trail.

https://garyfelton.com/   As a retired Professional Photographer Gary has several of our travels listed there.

We also shamelessly would like to introduce out Mug Gallery of our travels. Each mug has been designed by us.