Living together with your dog works out great - but as soon as he is alone in the house, he barks at the whole neighborhood, chews up your shoes, and is all contrite afterward? That can make you feel guilty and get on your nerves. We have seven tips for you on how to get your dog used to be alone.
Shopping, going to the doctor, busy at work: Sometimes you can not, may not, or do not want to take the dog with you. To make sure it's not a problem, you should practice leaving your dog alone. Because dogs are pack animals and don't like to be alone - it's very unsettling for them at first. Therefore, it is a challenging task for dogs to practice being alone and you need patience and forbearance. With the following tips it works out easier:
1. take your time to get the dog used to be alone.
Time plays a big role in teaching your dog to stay home alone in a relaxed manner. Start getting your dog used to it as early as possible. If your dog comes into your household as a puppy, start training him right away. Ideally, take two to four weeks off for this - your new puppy won't be able to cope if he moves in on Friday and you're already back at work on Monday. If you can't take that much time off, ask someone who can watch the new roommate during that time. Initial training sessions can be to leave the dog alone in the room for a short time and close the room door. If this works smoothly, you can put on your jacket and shoes and leave the apartment for a few seconds. Come right back, your dog has had little time to develop stress. Repeat this over and over again, slowly extending the times until you can even go for a short walk. Observe how the dog is doing with this and proceed in a relaxed and calm manner.
2. come and go in an unexcited way
When leaving the house, it is helpful to avoid big goodbyes and act naturally. Likewise when you return home. The easiest way to do this is to ignore your dog. Calmly take off your shoes and put away your groceries - and only then greet him. This way you signal to the dog: this is a completely normal situation, nothing dramatic is happening. On the other hand, with a wordy goodbye or a big hello, mark points that tell the dog: something is going on.
If your dog is extremely excited when you return, this is more likely to come from a feeling of anxiety beforehand and relief that you are back - rather than pure joy. If, on the other hand, your dog only acknowledges your return with a lift of the head, it means that he has not been worried in the previous hours - because he trusts that you will come back.
3. do not pay attention to barking when you leave the dog alone.
You leave the house, but as soon as the door slams into the lock, your dog yips, and barks. A familiar situation? Then don't go back until the dog has stopped barking. Especially in the training phase, this can take some time. Match the moment when he takes a break and comes back in as a matter of course and without reward. You signal your dog with it: It's all good, I'll be back, and it's no big deal. In this way, you avoid rewarding your dog's barking and yelping. This way he won't associate his barking with your appearance.
You can use the same technique at the very beginning of the training. You leave the room for just a moment and your puppy scratches and yelps behind the door? Then wait a short time until he is quiet, and then come back in naturally. This way, your dog learns that he doesn't have to bark, since you're going to come back anyway. In this way, you strengthen your dog's confidence.
4. go for a walk and let off steam
Before you leave your dog alone for several hours, it is advisable to take him for an extensive walk. Many dogs sleep when they're home alone, and your dog will sleep faster and better once he's really worn out beforehand. Also, when he is tired, he is not so quick to come up with stupid ideas like chewing on the flowers or the carpet - simply because the energy is lacking. In addition, a dog urgently needs to be taken for a walk to do his emergency toilet, because he will never want to do this in your (and his) place of residence - and should!
5. keep your dog busy with games while you are alone.
Dogs are restless when home alone not only out of fear but also out of boredom. Give your dog something to do while he's home alone. Distractions here include games such as a dog toy filled with treats that requires the dog to shake, hold or use dexterity to get the food out - for example, a Kong. Some dogs find this a lot of fun! Alternatively, you can hide treats around the house and make it a little ritual to keep him occupied. Be careful with chewing bones, though, because your dog could choke on them!
6. create a spatial limitation when your dog is alone.
Sometimes, it can make it easier for a dog to be alone if you somewhat limit his space. Unlike being alone in the entire apartment or house, he will feel less lost. Do you have a large kitchen or living room where the dog feels comfortable and has plenty of space or a floor where he particularly likes to hang out? Pick a suitable place and limit your dog's range of motion to it. This can also be helpful if your dog tends to chew on or mess things up in your absence: You'll have less to put away, and it will be easier for you to keep track of whether anything dangerous is within your dog's reach.
7. trust your dog
You're out and about and in the meantime your dog has nibbled on the kitchen towels or eaten the lipstick? This is especially a problem with young dogs: they start tearing the place apart out of boredom. The good news is: almost all dogs learn by themselves and through training in everyday life with you, what they should do and what they should rather leave alone. Your dog becomes part of your family, has to learn what is important and right - and that takes time. In general, dogs are extremely cooperative creatures that want to be part of your pack. Have faith, stay patient, and take the time it takes. And if you feel you are overwhelmed: Don't hesitate to get help!
With patience and forbearance, you will get your dog used to being alone at home in the long run. See what you and your dog need and which tips work for your dog because these preferences can sometimes be as different as the characters among dogs. This is how relaxed coexistence succeeds!