How To Banish The Home Alone Blues For Your Dog

Your dog is part of your family. You think so. More importantly, your dog thinks so too. Dogs are genetically programmed to be pack animals. Nature did not mean for them to be left for hours on their own. Man's best friend loves companionship, yours. There are many practical tips you can practice to help banish the home alone blues for your Angus, Maddie or Harry.

Some dog owners prefer to purchase a second canine to stop their original dog from becoming lonely. However, for many dog owners this is not a practical option. Building restrictions, space constraints, and cash flow, can all be factors for the only dog. (Much like the only child.)

Bored and lonely dogs can display their displeasure in various ways:

* naughty behaviour such as digging and chewing.

* barking inappropriately or howling for hours.

* aggressive behaviour.

* depressed and withdrawn.

* staging various escape campaigns like tunneling and eating down fences.

Your neighbours will not appreciate your pooch if he spends hours barking or howling when you are absent. Inappropriate and aggressive behaviour won't win you too many friends either. If you suspect your dog is behaving like this you should question the neighbours. Apologize. Find a solution. Before the neighbours find one for you.

Tips to banish the home alone blues:

* One of the best ways to deal with your dog's loneliness and boredom is to wear him out before you leave. This tactic works extremely well for the young and energetic retriever. You will have less holes in your yard at the end of the day if you have taken your retriever for a big walk or run in the morning. Your dog will be physically tired, and feeling well socialized and stimulated. Many hours of happy sleep lie ahead for the well exercised dog.

* Come home in your lunch break if you work locally, and time allows, and have a quick play with your dog. This will break a long day up for him.

* Hire a dog walker to walk your dog in the middle of the day to break up the boredom. A professional walker earlier on in the day is also a splendid way to tire out your dog.

* Leave your dog safe and stimulating toys for your dog to play with. (Try them out first for safety.)

* Arrange for local children to come after school and play with or walk your dog. Socialise the children and the dog properly before leaving the children unattended with your dog.

* Have your dog go to doggie day care occasionally to break up a very long week.

* Leave classical music playing. Research has shown that classical music has a calming effect on dogs.

* Phone home and talk to your dog on the answering machine.

* Leave the television on for background noise for your dog.

* Leave a nice big bone for your dog once in a while. When it's nice and smelly he will enjoy many hours chewing on it.

* Ensure your dog has a comfy, draft free place to sleep. A kennel will keep the outdoor dog warm and dry. An orthopedic dog bed will allow your dog to slumber comfortably in your absence.

A lonely dog is a naughty dog. Utilize our tips to ensure your dog is not too miserable in your absence.