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There are several key questions to consider if you want to keep your dog happy when you’re not home. In our first installment of Creating Clever Canines with Cooperative Canine Concepts, we are going to look at some tips and tricks to keep your dog happy when you’re not home. Right now, some of us are stuck at home and some of us are stuck at work!
3 key questions to consider if you want to keep your dog happy when you’re not home
I asked our resident trainer extraordinaire to weigh in on what we can do if we have to leave our precious babies at home for extended periods of time. You can find Jenny’s Bio HERE or check out her website HERE! This week I asked Jenny what dog moms could do to keep your dog happy when you’re not home. Here is what she had to say……..
“Dog moms across the country struggle with both their dog’s emotions, and their own when it comes time to leave their four leggeds at home as they tread off to work. As pet parents, we are always looking for ways to relieve the emotional tax, not only to help our dogs, but also to relieve our own guilt. The good news? Most often the distress we imagine our dogs to be feeling is really our own distress that we are projecting onto our dogs.
We’re human. We are compassionate and empathetic, qualities that we certainly wouldn’t want to squander, but sometimes, in situations like this, it may be causing a hindrance to seeing reality. Now, please don’t misunderstand, as a professional, I’m undoubtedly forever thankful for the growing awareness to a dog’s psyche and need for mental enrichment. I’m simply trying to help alleviate some of the emotional turmoil that working pet parents place themselves into 40 hours a week or more by bringing some facts and potential solutions.
For example? Did you know that dogs sleep on average 12-14 hours a day? Some larger breeds may sleep even more frequently! You’re worrying, but most of your dogs are just snoozin’!
Below are some questions to consider about your dog’s accommodations and enrichment opportunities.
Where will your dog be staying in your home while you’re away? What location will be most conducive to your dogs safety and comfort?
- inside and free
- Inside and gated from troublesome areas
- Inside and crated
You’re the best judge as to what will be safest and most comfortable for your dog
How long will you be away?
- Is your dog able to safely hold their bladder for that period of time?
- Can a friend or family member let your dog out for you during the day?
- Are you willing to consider an indoor location for elimination as an alternative?
What kind of enrichment are you able to offer your dog?
- Consider puzzle feeders or sniffy walks. This is a great way to keep your dog happy when you’re not home.
- Wrap their kibble in some old towels or blankets, allow them to rummage around in order to access the hidden treats.
- Licky mats and Kong’s are superb options. You can even feed your dogs their morning and evening feedings utilizing a kong, freeze it to increase difficulty and fun!
- Can you leave a TV or radio on?
- Maybe leave a safe chew with them as a “parting gift. such as a frozen Kong”
- Consider diffusing lavender.
- Look into purchasing “Dog appeasement pheromone” which can also be diffused and might aid in soothing and relaxing your friend while you’re away.”
*If your dog shows signs of separation anxiety it’s best to seek the advice of a professional behavior consultant or veterinary certified behaviorist. Separation anxiety requires the help of a trained professional and thoughtful modification plans as it can be both dangerous and distressing. *
I hope you enjoyed “Talking Nerdy with Me”
Jenny Lea Wyffels, CPDT-KA, Fear Free of Cooperative Canine Concepts
