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On days I go to work, I always apologize to the dogs. “Be good, I’ll miss you, I’m sorry I have to leave you today,” I say as close the door. I often wonder what they’re up to all day when I’m gone. Are they wandering aimlessly from room to room? Lounging on the couch? Gazing at the door?
As loving pet owners, we can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt when we have to leave our dogs at home alone for long periods of time. Don’t beat yourself up too much though—it’s nearly impossible to have your dog by your side at all times, especially if you have a full-time job. This article is meant to help you mitigate your dog’s loneliness during those times when you can’t avoid leaving them at home.
Let’s start with some background on dog loneliness.
Do dogs get lonely?
- Pixabay
Yes, dogs do get lonely. Dogs are descendants of wolves, pack animals who do pretty much everything together. Wolves sleep together, hunt together, eat together—you get the picture. Though dogs have a long history of domestication that separates them from their wild ancestors, they’re still inherently social animals.
Most dogs have also inherited a drive to work, usually alongside their owner. Whether they were bred for hunting, herding, or protecting, dogs enjoy mental stimulation and social interaction. Being left alone for long hours without a job to keep them engaged can take a toll on their well-being.
Is my dog lonely?
Here are signs your dog might be lonely:
- Chewing and other destructive behaviors
- Barking or howling constantly
- Pacing or hiding
- Potty accidents
- Reduced appetite
I haven’t set up a spy camera for my own dogs, but plenty of other pet parents have, and the results are clear: dogs get lonely—or bored. Witness Marlee, a sweet yellow lab that whines, paces, and tosses her person’s laundry around the house until he gets home:
It’s heartbreaking to see a dog suffer while her people are gone, but what’s a working dog person to do? Thankfully, there are ways to alleviate loneliness and boredom and make separation easier for human and dog.
Create a secure “dog zone”
Even the sweetest, best-behaved dog can get lonely or cause trouble when left to their own devices. I’ve learned that having his own special den helps my dog, Radar, feel secure. These days, when I say “crate time!” he happily walks into his crate and curls up on his blankie with a durable chew toy.
For dogs who need more space than a crate, choose a secure area of your home, whether it’s the entire living room, a bedroom, or a small portion of the kitchen sectioned off. Here’s what you’ll need:
A crate
if you’re crate training.
Baby gates! This pet gate
is a fun, freestanding choice if your dog isn’t a jumper. If she is, you’ll need something higher
.
Cozy items like blankets or your old shirts.
At least one bed like this comfy orthopedic pet mattress. Note: You may need a chew-proof bed (we like the K9 Ballistics line)
. This is a good list of more options.
Safe chews like Nylabones
. Remember that some chews present a choking hazard and shouldn’t be given unsupervised.
Puzzle toy or other favorite toy
Toys and other distractions for lonely dogs
Start simple: you can leave a radio or television on to provide company and distraction. Some dogs will love the white noise, and what’s more, the sounds can help mask outdoor ones that set off barking in territorial pups.
From there, interactive or puzzle toys can be helpful. Some we like:
KONG toys can be filled with treats, or for a challenge, put in the freezer.
Buy Now on AmazonThis nifty shuffle bone dog puzzle takes a little training for some pups, but it’s a lot of fun once they get it down.
IQ-testers like this colorful ball toy keep your dog entertained for longer than you’d think.
Buy Now on AmazonTreat-dispensing toys don’t stop at the KONG. The big version of the Bob-A-Lot gets a thumbs-up from our dogs.
Buy Now on AmazonThe Petcube is a fun splurge that provides a lot of entertainment for both of you; it gets addictive! It lets you watch and communicate with your dog from afar with camera and 2-way audio.
Buy Now on AmazonSeparation training for your dog
Just because she’s not scattering your stuff all over the floor like canine Jackson Pollock doesn’t mean your dog doesn’t miss you while you’re gone.
For example, here’s Stewie, a Jack Russell terrier who doesn’t move from the spot he’s left in, but whose mournful howl makes his loneliness all too clear.
If your dog goes into mourning every time you leave the room, it’s important to teach her that your absence is not the end of the world. Start a training routine to help her get used to temporary separation. As with any training, it’s important to work gradually and consistently.
- Start by asking your dog to “stay” in one room (preferably her “dog zone”) while you’re home with her.
- Gradually lengthen the distance and time of your separation until you can leave her alone for 20+ minutes without incident.
It may take some time, but separation exercises will help to calm your dog in your absence, giving her a task to focus on, as well as teaching her that when you leave, you’re not leaving for good. If your dog has severe separation anxiety, you may want to consider working with a dog trainer.
Get more tips on helping your own dog overcome separation anxiety here.
Should I get a second dog?
- Pixabay
When thinking about how to alleviate their dog’s loneliness, dog owners often wonder, “Should I get a second dog to keep my dog company?” While having another dog would likely help both dogs feel less lonely and more mentally stimulated when you leave them at home, this decision should not be taken likely. If you’re already struggling to spend enough time with one dog, adding a new dog to the mix might make matters worse.
At Rover, we’re all for having multiple dogs as long as you’re able to give them the love and care they deserve. If you’re ready to take on that responsibility—great. Having a second dog who can bond and play with the first is certainly a way to mitigate dog loneliness.
But don’t fall into the trap of thinking that the dogs can entertain themselves all of the time. They still need human interaction, and that’s where a trusted dog sitter or walker can really come in handy.
Get by with a little help from your friends
The best cure for loneliness is companionship. When possible, popping by your house at some point during the workday gives your dog a break from solitude. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes, your dog will appreciate the company, attention, and quick game or activity.
If your schedule makes it difficult to do this, consider booking a trusted pet care provider. You can opt for a full doggy daycare experience, or simply have someone swing by for a walk. Rover offers the nation’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers—all a tap away on your phone.
The bottom line
In a perfect world, we would all get to spend every single day with our dogs, but the reality is, separation happens. With preparation, training, and a little help, your time apart can be cheerful and worry-free—making your time together even sweeter.
Further Reading:
Top image via Flickr/stuartmadeley
