Tuesday 8 November 2016

Great Tips for leaving your dog at home alone while you have to work


Dog left home alone
Tips for leaving the dog home alone


TIPS FOR LEAVING YOUR DOG AT HOME


I am sure if you had a chance you would love to spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with your dog.  I can guarantee your dog would love to do the exact same thing.  But the truth of the matter is that many of us need to work, have a social life and run errands throughout most days.  While there are a lot of people who craze alone time for at least some point of their day, dogs hate being alone.  Dogs are pack creatures and feel safer and more calm when they are with their pack.  Since most people can not be home everyday there are a few simple tricks you can use that will help make your dogs life easier when they are left home alone.

Here are the best tips for leaving a dog at home alone:

1. RUN THEM AROUND BEFORE YOU LEAVE AND GET THEM REALLY TIRED


The time will pass much quicker for your dog if it sleeps while it is home alone.  The easiest way to get them tired is by taking them for a long walk or run before you leave. One of the great things about a run or walk is that you get exercise and release endorphin's which will make you happy and feeling fit and great.  It also makes your dog happy and fit as well.  A tired dog is a very happy dog as its got a rush of endorphin's and it can take a good long rest while you are away.

2. IF YOU DON"T HAVE TIME TO WALK THEM THEN HIRE A DOG WALKER


If you can't take them for a walk or a run before you leave for the day then why not hire a dog walker.  Its a cheap option which will keep your dog active, happy and tire them out.  You can either get the dog walker to walk them before you leave or they could stop by during the day and take the dog for a walk.  This would break up the day for your dog and give it a bit of excitement to tire it out for the rest of the afternoon.  There are many great ways to find a dog walker such as classifies, asking other dog owners or searching the web on google.

3. GET MORE THAN ONE DOG 


Dogs are very social animals and they love to spend time with some company.  If you can not be there then perhaps another dog will help alleviate any stress for your dog when they are home alone.  Separation anxiety can not always be cured with a second dog though but you don't know till you try.  Before getting another dog you need to be very selective and careful. Don't mix an old dog with a young dog. If your dog is older then this may not be a good solution as young dogs can annoy older dogs and it can lead to fights.  But if you have a puppy then acquiring another puppy could be a great idea to relieve your dogs boredom and anxiety.

Just remember every situation is different and you need to consider many factors such as breed, gender, size, training, temperament of each dog.  These things can help the two dogs get along but even after all considerations and planning you may find the two dogs do not get along.  This can then turn into a very emotional and logistical issue as you may need to keep them separated.

Getting a second dog should be a carefully considered decision.

4. PREVENT BOREDOM - DOG BOREDOM CAN BE CURED WITH TOYS


A lot of the bad dog behavior which can occur while you are not at home generally will occur just because your dog is bored.  When you leave your dog at home, especially a younger puppy, there is going to be times when it is full of energy and it will want to play. Remember puppies are not much different to children, when you are not keeping your puppy occupied they will certainly get into trouble.

Dog toys are one of the best ways to keep your dog amused and happy while it is at home alone. The best dog toys will be a challenge for your puppy and will keep them occupied for large periods of the day while you are not available.

The most recommended Toys for a dog home alone as those which reward your dog with food. The toys hide food inside them and by playing with the toy the dog is rewarded with a treat.  Some dogs get bored with their toys fairly quickly.  IF this is the case with your dog then you should look at getting a new toy at least once a month.

5. GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO CHEW


Some foods such as raw hide and bully sticks can take a considerable amount of time to eat.  This can assume your dog for hours as they get some taste out of these foods for hours as they continue to chew on them.  These treats for your dog are generally high in salt though so its a good idea to make sure they have a lot water to drink.  Since the dog is home alone you should invest in an automatic drip feeder in case your dog is extra thirsty or is prone to knocking over their water bowl. An automatic water feeder will continue to deliver fresh water all day long to your canine friend.

6. DOES A DOG SUIT YOUR LIFESTYLE



Before getting a dog you really should consider whether your lifestyle allows for a dog to be part of it.  Its very important to think and understand how a dog will affect your life.  Some examples of things you really should think about include having to go home to feed your dog straight after work, considering who will look after your dog when you go on vacation or go on overnight trips, and having to keep your dog exercised with daily walks.  Just remember dogs are lifestlye choices which have a ton of responsibility but also come with a ton of love.

7. SOME DOGS ARE BETTER AT BEING LEFT ALONE


If you know that you will be leaving your dog alone at home for extended hours during the day then it is a good idea to consider the breed before getting a dog.

There are dog breeds which have a calmer demeanor and as such are known as low energy breeds.  If you were given a dog, or already have a dog and don't know its breed then a simple breed identifier kit can help you learn your dogs breed.  Knowing your dogs breed allows you to better understand your dog and the problems which may be associated with its breed.

A great idea is adopting an older dog.  They will already be trained and will be calmer throughout the day when left alone.  Plus they have lots of love to give.

8. HOW LONG IS THE LONGEST TIME TO LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE


Eight hours is the longest you would ever want to leave a dog alone.  This amount of time may be OK for an older, well trained dog but would be far too long for a younger puppy.  Puppies do not have the bladder control, or the calmer temperament which means they would need to be checked in a much shorter time frame.  This is why puppies are a lot more work then an older dog if they are left alone.





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