We hope your fussy addition is doing well. The pet is probably surrounded by endless love and attention from its new family.
But as Monday morning approaches, anxiety begins to creep in. Because of work and school, you are forced to leave your dog at home alone for several hours (unless you are one of the lucky few who can take your puppy with you to work). So what can you do to keep her safe and not sad while you’re away?
Train your dog to crate
A kennel, if used correctly, can be an excellent tool for teaching your pet to keep a clean home. It can also be an ideal option for your pup when he’s home alone, providing both a sanctuary and a great place to take a nap. But don’t overdo it. If the puppy has been sitting in the enclosure all night, do you think it would be fair to leave him locked up for the whole day? The kennel is a useful tool, but it must be used carefully so that the dog is not terrified of it.
Give your dog a special room
How long can you leave your dog alone? It all depends on the situation. If you need to leave her at home all day, consider setting up a small area for her that can be separated from the rest of the house. PetMD recommends that dog owners take a few steps when setting up a special room for their pet:
Securely insulate trash cans.
Remove hazardous chemicals, detergents and medications.
Close electrical outlets.
Remove items that your dog might chew or swallow, such as shoes, craft kits, and coins.
Essentially, you need to remove absolutely everything your dog can get to while you’re away. A good option for such a room would be a room with an easy-to-clean floor, such as a tiled floor. Organize special places for toileting, sleeping and playing. Leave water and chew toys to keep your dog occupied, and place old newspapers or diapers on the floor for emergencies. (If your puppy is still small, unexpected situations are bound to happen). Leave her alone in the room for a few minutes each time until she gets used to the idea, then gradually increase the amount of time, which she spends alone. Once your pet begins to get used to the room and her behavior suits you, you can gradually increase her access to the rest of the house when you are not around. A good test would be to leave home for a couple of hours, for example to go to the grocery store. If she behaves well in a larger area for a short time, you can gradually increase the time she is allowed to roam around the house in your absence – until you reach a full day of work.
Hire a dogsitter
Taking a walk during the day is more than just exercise for your pup. A good walk helps socialize him with other animals and people and speeds up the house training process. Plus, it will tire your puppy out, making him less likely to chew or engage in other destructive behaviors while he waits for you to come home. If you have kids at home during the summer break, this is a great way to strengthen their bond with your puppy, as well as get them out of the house for a while and engaged in physical activity.
Sign up for doggy daycare
A quality doggy daycare is an option for owners of highly energetic dogs. A doggie daycare usually allows pets to move and play freely, offers activities and games, and has staff who will give your pup plenty of attention and care. Daycare can be a good option for families with hectic lifestyles, older adults, or those who don’t have the time or ability to provide their dog with the exercise and time he needs. Vetstreet recommends choosing a facility that is clean, safe, and where the staff will pamper your dog just as much as you do! Be sure to check reviews or ask friends about quality day care facilities, and take a tour of the facility before leaving your pet there. The nice part about doggy daycare is that you don’t have to take your dog there every day – this can sometimes be quite expensive. A day or two of daycare will help your puppy get some much-needed exercise and also introduce him to other dogs, an important step in his development.
Take a day off
“Dog grooming holidays” are a new concept that has been gaining popularity in the UK lately, reports USA Today. Talk to your boss about whether you can take a few days off, work from home, or take a longer lunch break so you can run home and take the dog for a walk. It would be a good idea to show your boss photos of your new family member and describe the plaintive puppy dog eyes that you see every morning when you leave for work. Getting a puppy (or any dog) for that matter is a big responsibility. You should only do this when you are sure that you and your family have enough time to raise and develop him. Bringing a new pet home requires a lot of time, love and dedication, because it is impossible to explain to your furry bundle of joy that you have to go to work. However, if you think it through and have a plan, you can avoid the stress and guilt you feel when you have to leave your dog alone. And if it’s any consolation, it makes the time you spend together even more precious.
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