Are you going to work or on holiday? Here’s everything you need to do to leave your dog safely at home

The more a dog is fond of its owner, the more it will suffer. For this reason, owners are advised to train the dog so that it develops a balanced attachment and independence at the same time. In this way the dog’s sensitivity level will decrease and the owner will be able to more easily manage the moments when he is away without feeling guilty. A wise approach is advised when you have to leave the house to go to work or spend free time without your dog. These 3 steps can help you handle the situation correctly:

• Avoid giving your dog too much freedom of expression.

The dog must be educated from an early age so that it adapts to the place and conditions at certain times and any sign of exaggerated independence must be discouraged. Initially, help the dog find a space in the house where he can feel comfortable. He will choose instinctively and it is recommended to respect this and, therefore, take care of organizing the respective place. He will come back here whenever he wants to rest. This place may be different from the sleeping area. Once the dog gets used to being left alone in the house, he will be able to cope very well on his own and no further restrictions will be necessary.

• Alternatively, give the dog independence and closeness.

This balance is formed over time and is very beneficial for both the animal and you. Walks can be excellent opportunities to stimulate and educate the dog’s autonomy and in this sense physical exercises or his involvement in games of various kinds can be useful. Observe his pace and adapt the walk so that it is beneficial for both you and the animal. An optimal level of physical activity will help eliminate excess energy and after the morning walk and meal the dog will feel the need to rest and you can go to work peacefully.

• Rethink the morning routine and establish it taking into account the animal’s favorite activities.

We propose an approach that will help the dog feel more relaxed when left alone at home.

After completing your daily personal ritual, prepare your dog for a walk of approximately 15-20 minutes.

When you get home, let the dog wait a few moments. During this period you will be able to prepare the animal’s morning meal. After physical activity he will be hungry and this anticipation will make him crave food even more. When you open the door and he is given food, he will feel rewarded. This simple approach will allow the dog to experience greater satisfaction, joy and connection with his owner. The dog will experience joy, the level of anxiety will decrease, which will facilitate separation from it. These small changes in perspective will help in the long run and the pet will be happier and more grateful to the owner.

The dog is an important member of the family and separating from him can generate worry and, sometimes, guilt. To ensure that your pet is safe, you need to plan its schedule in advance.

There are currently several services available dedicated to those who have to leave their pet at home. There are specially equipped shelters and some vets offer personalized services for dogs that need regular medical care or close monitoring.

When you are away from home, your presence may be replaced by that of a close friend or relative. This way the dog’s routine will remain constant and you will be reassured that the animal is safe. There are also people who specialize in dog care.

How do we prepare for separation from the dog?

First of all, it is important to create a written and detailed program. This will be useful to you regardless of whether you house the animal in a specialized shelter, take it to a friend or bring home an animal caretaker. It will be useful for the person to know the time the dog wakes up in the morning, the times of meals and walks as well as the intervals dedicated to hygiene such as bathing or oral hygiene. This way you will ensure that there will be no changes in the program and the dog will not suffer moments of confusion.

When you leave the house it is not necessary to pay excessive attention to the dog. A caress will be enough and a confident and positive attitude on your part will make the process easier. If you set off with a confident attitude, determined to enjoy the journey, the dog will sense this and have a relaxed, detached demeanor.

Bottom line: Avoid excessive worrying or guilt when leaving your dog at home. You are responsible for him but also for your emotions and the realization of your personal desires. That’s why you need to establish a balance so you don’t feel overwhelmed in any way. Dogs don’t have the same concept of time as humans. Regardless of whether you will be gone for an hour or a week, the dog will always show enthusiasm and joy when you return home. Dogs are much more adaptable than we think and some will even enjoy time alone. For him it doesn’t matter how long you will be away, only the time of the meeting.