There are several things you can do to help your dog feel comfortable when left alone, from providing food and special toys to making sure your routine is stable. Here are some of the most important tips. Using a crate or special area to leave your dog alone can help them feel comfortable. You can even leave a talk show or radio on to keep your dog company. And don’t forget to provide extra blankets for your dog’s “doggy den.”
Providing social interaction
If you plan to take care of a dog on your own, you must provide your pet with ample socialization. Lack of socialization can result in destructive behavior. It may also show signs of boredom and excessive exuberance when you return home. The best way to avoid this scenario is to provide your dog with regular company from friendly dogs. These visits are essential for ensuring that your dog takes regular bathroom breaks.
Providing social interaction to your dog will also improve your social life. Dogs are a great conversation starter. When you walk your dog, you’ll meet more people and engage in conversations. Having an assistance dog with you will also make you more approachable to people in wheelchairs. Even if you’re not able to attend social events with your dog, it will make you feel more humane.
Providing food in special toys
Providing food in special toys for a dog to chew on can be an excellent way to train him to eat on his own. These toys may come in various shapes and sizes and can be filled with various kinds of food. These toys may also be made of special materials that allow your dog to crush or lick them to get the food inside. Make sure to clean the toys regularly after each use. Foods that have been left inside may spoil.
Special toys can also contain electronics, such as a bell or a moving wheel. These toys can serve as a conditioned reinforcer to get your dog to eat, but be careful not to use toys that beep or move. The sound or motion can scare a dog away and he may not be able to recover from it. Some dogs may refuse to eat if the toy moves or beeps before it delivers the food.
Keeping a stable routine
Your dog will benefit from having a regular routine. It can help train and prevent separation anxiety. If you can stick to the same routine every day, you will lessen your dog’s stress. Keeping a consistent schedule can also help your dog feel more disciplined and organized. By following a daily schedule, you can make it much easier for your dog to cope when you’re not home.
Dogs like a stable routine, especially puppies. Make sure your dog has a regular schedule for meals, walks, and bedtime. If you have to work, drop by at least once a day to give your dog a little love and attention. Many working dog owners use a remote communication app called Furbo to stay in touch with their pets while they’re out of the house.
Providing exercise
If you’re taking care of a dog on your own, you’ll want to provide exercise for them as much as possible. Most dogs don’t self-motivate, so you will have to give them exercise when you’re at home. Dogs are most active in the early morning and late at night, so providing exercise before you leave and upon your return is important. Taking them to the dog park can also be a good option.
Bringing a second dog or cat into the home
While you may be tempted to bring a second dog into the house to take care of an old dog, you should think twice before doing so. Bringing a second dog or cat into your home will add an extra element of work and maintenance to the home, and may not be ideal if you have a dog with specific health needs. If you do choose to bring a second dog or cat into the home to care for an older dog, make sure to get a car that can fit two dogs, not just one.
First, make sure the dogs are compatible. You should avoid adding a large breed of dog to a small breed dog. This may lead to a dog with aggressive tendencies that you’ll want to avoid. A smaller breed of dog could be easily hurt by a large one, and a large dog could easily get injured by a smaller breed of dog.
