We miss our dogs when we’re gone, but do our pups feel the same way? Yes, dogs do miss their owners when they’re gone. This is because dogs associate owners with fun memories and happy feelings.
But dogs don’t think about missing someone the way we do. Instead of feeling sad, they notice we’re not there. When we come back, they show us how happy they are.
There’s no set time for how long a dog will miss you, says Adrienne Carson, the vice president of behaviour and training at St Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey, USA. Just like people, every dog is different.
We spoke to four pet experts and trainers to understand how our dogs react when we leave. Keep reading to learn how to understand your dog’s behaviour and build a better bond with them
How Do Dogs Show They Miss Their Owners?
When you come home, dogs have their own special ways of showing you just how much they’ve missed you while you were gone. These include:
1. They act more hyper when you get home
Dogs who miss their owners might run around super fast (zoomies) when they see you because they’re so happy. It’s like seeing a friend after a long time—they pick up right where they left off, says Namita DigheShetty, a dog behaviour consultant and trainer at Pawsitive Cultr+
Want a fun idea? Ask your dog walker or pet sitter how your dog reacts when they arrive. Is it different from how they greet you?
2. They bring you toys or lick your face
DigheShetty says dogs might bring you a toy or lick your face to show they’re happy.
Additionally, if they’ve learned not to jump, they may carry a toy instead of jumping all over you.
3. They stay near things that smell like you
Dogs love our smell! In fact, researchers found that when dogs smell your scent, the part of their brains associated with happy feelings and positivity lit up on an MRI.
When you’re gone, they might cuddle with something that smells like you, like a shirt or blanket.
4. They watch the door or window
Some dogs wait by the door or window for you to come back, especially if they know your routine. They may even think waiting for you is their job!
Even though they don’t have the same concept of time as humans, dogs can sense when we are coming home if we have a regular schedule.
5. They pace or scratch when you leave
If your dog shakes, yawns, or licks their lips when you’re about to leave, they might feel a little stressed, says Brie Blakeman, a certified dog behaviour consultant and founder of Noble Woof Dog Training.
You can help by pretending to leave sometimes but staying home so they get used to it. A pet camera can also help you monitor their behaviour when you’re gone.
6. They want to be close to you
Dogs lean on their humans or try to sit on them when they want attention or comfort.
Dedicate cuddle time before you leave for work or when you come home to show your dog you love them. One study even found that some dogs were calmer when their pet parent petted them before leaving the house.
7. They follow you around the house
Dogs are social creatures and want to be with you, says Jenny Efimova, KPA, CTP, a certified Fear-Free trainer and founder of Dogminded.
After you come home, your dog might follow you everywhere. They’re curious about what you’re going to do and want to be with you.
8. They don’t eat while you’re gone
DigheShetty says that some dogs might not eat until their favourite person is home if there is a sudden change in their schedule.
If someone else is caring for them, they might need time to get used to a new routine.
9. They try to escape or run away
Some dogs try to run away to find their humans—but this is hard to know for certain.
If your dog shows discomfort in new places, getting a dog sitter who does house sitting can help them feel at home while you are gone.
10. They whine before you leave
Whining and crying may be a test to get you to come back. If you do come back in response to their cries, this reinforces the behaviour.
For some dogs, whining can escalate to barking.
11. They do nothing but sleep
Some dogs just want to sleep when you’re gone. Some may believe that sleeping correlates with boredom or sadness, but it’s more likely your dog is happily waiting for you to return.
Use a pet camera to see your dog’s sleep positions when you’re not around!
How to Help Your Dog Feel Less Lonely
“When we [leave] our dogs alone, we want to make sure their needs are met,” DigheShetty says. Before you leave your dog alone:
- take them outside
- spend some one-on-one time with them
- feed them or leave food for them
- play with them or give them interactive toys
- give them some exercise
This helps prevent boredom, unwanted behaviour, and anxiety. Planning is important, especially if you’re away for a while. While many dogs are okay with being alone during the day, some need extra time with you in the morning before you go.
Blakeman suggests planning fun things for your dog, like giving them special toys, hiring a dog walker to break up their day, or setting them up with a certified dog trainer.
Dog Missing Owners FAQs
How long do dogs miss their owners?
If you’ve been gone for a long time, your dog might be super excited when you come home. Research shows that the longer you’re away, the happier your dog is when you return.
Dogs are social animals, so they may feel sad when their favourite person is gone. This can happen with all dogs, not just those with separation anxiety.
Luckily, Carson says dogs do well with routines and familiar places. When you leave for work, they might be sad at first, but then they’ll do dog stuff, like sleeping, chewing toys, or listening for sounds while you’re gone.
Should you practise leaving them alone?
Dogs learn to be alone with a consistent routine. Blakeman says it’s unfair to suddenly change your schedule without teaching your dog what to do.
Even if you work from home, you should teach your dog how to be without you, starting with short trips away and slowly increasing the time apart. Blakeman warns that if you don’t, your dog could become extremely anxious and lean into destructive behaviours.
Is it anxiety or FOMO?
Efimova says if a dog panics and stresses when left alone, it’s more than just ‘missing’ you—it could be anxiety. It’s important not to ignore this or blame the dog for destructive behaviour.
Also, try not to let your worry make things worse. Dogs can sense our anxiety and it can affect them too.
Why does my dog ignore me when I leave?
If your dog seems distant while you leave, it doesn’t mean they won’t miss you! DigheShetty says if your dog feels safe and has no separation anxiety, they’ll enjoy their day and be happy when you return. This is much healthier for your dog in the long run.
If you’re worried about leaving your dog, hire a dog walker or use a pet sitter if you’ll be gone for a long time. It’s okay for you and your dog to miss each other sometimes—it’s a sign of a strong bond.
Where do dogs go when we leave?
Carson says dogs rest in their favourite spots when we’re away from home.
They’ll curl up on their dog bed, your bed, or a comfy sofa. Some may prefer a cool tile floor or near doors.
Can dogs forget their owners?
Like people, Carson says dogs have long-term memories and can remember faces, voices, and smells for years.
Luckily, if you spend lots of quality time with your pup, they’ll unlikely forget about you!
When should I bring in an expert?
Blakeman says the best way to understand your dog’s feelings is to learn their body language and behaviour. If your dog shows these signs, talk to a dog behaviour expert or a separation anxiety trainer to help them feel better.
- destroying things
- trying to escape
- whining or barking
- drooling
- having accidents inside (after being potty-trained)
