Things your dog might do when you are not at home

Have you ever wondered what your dogs do as soon as you leave your house? I’m sure we’ve all heard stories about how dogs misbehave while their owners are away, but it’s not really their fault – not only it’s not fair for them to be left alone for a long time, it could also be dangerous. 

It is sometimes best to leave your dog at home when you’re going somewhere that doesn’t allow dogs or where your dog might be uncomfortable, but it’s best to try to minimize your away time and maximize your togetherness for the sake of your dog’s happiness.

Too much alone time is not good for your dog, and here are some things your dog might do and feel when you are not at home.

Separation anxiety and loneliness
Your dog might be more upset than you realize when left alone. Your dog doesn’t know when or if you’re coming back. If you have to leave your dog alone at home so you can go to work or elsewhere, always make sure that your dog has some fun activities to do while you’re gone such as interactive toys to keep him busy. You can also give him a good long walk before you leave so that he’ll be ready for a nap. Playing some classical music in the background can also add relaxation.

Lack of stimulation
It is important for dogs to have interaction with other people or dogs so they can learn. Just like when you leave the house, you get to experience many interesting things like seeing new surroundings or talking with people. If you leave your dog alone at home, in a static environment, imagine how little stimulation your dog has had all day. So even if you’re tired, give extra effort to bring some excitement and fun into your dog’s life.  A trip to the dog park, a game of hide and seek or fetch, a really nice long walk in the woods or on the beach, a doggie play date or even a dog party. 

There are also several things that you can do to make up for not being at home, it would be ideal to install a doggie door that leads out into a safe, enclosed yard. You can also come home at lunchtime to walk your dog, give him a dog treat for being a good boy/girl or hire someone else to do so. Leaving a selection of entertaining toys out will occupy your dog’s mind in your absence.


Bad behavior caused by boredom
Dogs get bored and bored dogs are often the “naughty ones”. If you don’t keep your dog busy, they’ll find something to do on their own and chances are, you may not like their choices. Your dog might start to chew things up, bark and disturb your neighbors or urinate and defecate inside your house.
Minimizing the solitary confinement will help avoid this bad behavior. 

Dangers, Household hazards and Health issues
There are many potential hazards that your dog might encounter if you’re gone for extended periods of time such as poisoning, fires accidents, thunderstorms, sudden illness and urinary tract infections from trying to “hold it” for too long.

Be sure to keep prescription drugs and potentially dangerous foods or other substances out of your dog’s reach to help prevent poisoning accidents. It is also a good idea to get in the habit of using a breakaway collar at home and a standard collar outdoors to prevent accidental strangulation. Also, don’t leave the dryer running when you leave home as many house fires start in dryers. Don’t make your dog get used to “holding it” as it can cause serious urinary tract infections.

Enjoy every moment with them
Don’t take them for granted just because they are here now and you know that they will be at home waiting for you. Remember that they won’t be with us forever and there will come a time when you will suddenly realize that your dog is old and grey and that the time has come to say goodbye. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to look back on your dog’s life with regret and think, “If only I had spent more time with my dog!” Years slipped by quickly, spend more time with your dog and enjoy every moment that you still get to be with them.