Many dogs have challenges with being home alone.
In fact, it is one of the most common reasons why a dog is rehomed, because for many people it is not possible to have a dog that cannot be left alone.
It is therefore one of the most important things to train your puppy or dog, not only while it is small, but regularly throughout its life.
For example, if you have been on vacation, the dog has become accustomed to being with its pack most of the day, so it is important that you set aside a few days to get the dog used to you leaving it again.
In general, some dogs (and breeds) have a greater dependency than others – i.e. some dogs have an easier time being alone and safe than others, but parts of the training will be the same whether it is a puppy or an adult dog.
When the dog or puppy has settled into the new surroundings after a few days, it is time to start home-alone training.
The dog is a pack animal, and it is therefore unnatural for it to be left alone. Begin training when the puppy/dog is tired and has been out doing chores.
It is important that you place the puppy, with its basket and toys, in a place it is comfortable and used to.
Also practice the puppy being alone in the room, for example before you start practicing going out the front door. Avoid leaving the dog when it is stressed, i.e. let the dog calm down after the morning walk, so that it is calm when you start walking.
Distract the puppy with a chew stick, a meat bone, put some liver pâté or tripe inside a bone, or an activity toy or other quiet activity that the puppy enjoys and cannot get hurt with, and that he can spend some time doing.
Get out of sight for a few minutes to start with.
Also practice putting on your jacket and shoes, bag and keys, etc. before you do. Feel free to leave the radio playing and a few candles burning as if you are still there. Do not say goodbye to the dog, but simply walk away.
Of course, the dog should see you leaving, but avoid making a big farewell scene.
How long can I be away?
Ideally, you should return before the dog becomes restless, start with a few minutes and gradually increase the time, but remember that it should be in small intervals. This also means that you need to allow plenty of time for this learning.
Don't expect the puppy/dog to learn to be home alone for several hours over a weekend or a week, so you can go to work the Monday after its arrival.
If the puppy whines, wait to return until the dog has been quiet for about 2 minutes 30-60 seconds. Greet very sparingly when you get home, don't ignore it completely, but be calm.
Ignore the puppy when you see it again (it's difficult, but it helps not to dramatize the experience for the dog). By avoiding making too much of a fuss about greetings when you leave and come back, you teach the dog that it's completely undramatic that you're leaving.
If the puppy/dog whines violently or does, you must minimize the time you are away, even if it is only a few minutes. As a starting point, the puppy should be calm, and it is important that you teach it from the start that it should not be uncomfortable when it is left behind.
It cannot be stressed enough how important this job is for the puppy. Unfortunately, many dogs experience problems at home alone, which makes everyday life a struggle for both dog and owner. It is important to pay attention to your dog, also accept that for a period of time you will have to organize your day accordingly.
Also practice leaving the dog several times a day and at different intervals - so the dog/puppy doesn't think you are always gone for a very long time when you leave it.
As a general rule, a dog should not be left alone for more than 6-8 hours a day, and the time interval is of course much less for a puppy.
Really enjoy the training :-)
Home workout alone
Many dogs have challenges with being home alone.
In fact, it is one of the most common reasons why a dog is rehomed, because for many people it is not possible to have a dog that cannot be left alone.
It is therefore one of the most important things to train your puppy or dog, not only while it is small, but regularly throughout its life.
For example, if you have been on vacation, the dog has become accustomed to being with its pack most of the day, so it is important that you set aside a few days to get the dog used to you leaving it again.
In general, some dogs (and breeds) have a greater dependency than others – i.e. some dogs have an easier time being alone and safe than others, but parts of the training will be the same whether it is a puppy or an adult dog.
When the dog or puppy has settled into the new surroundings after a few days, it is time to start home-alone training.
The dog is a pack animal, and it is therefore unnatural for it to be left alone. Begin training when the puppy/dog is tired and has been out doing chores.
It is important that you place the puppy, with its basket and toys, in a place it is comfortable and used to.
Also practice the puppy being alone in the room, for example before you start practicing going out the front door. Avoid leaving the dog when it is stressed, i.e. let the dog calm down after the morning walk, so that it is calm when you start walking.
Distract the puppy with a chew stick, a meat bone, put some liver pâté or tripe inside a bone, or an activity toy or other quiet activity that the puppy enjoys and cannot get hurt with, and that he can spend some time doing.
Get out of sight for a few minutes to start with.
Also practice putting on your jacket and shoes, bag and keys, etc. before you do. Feel free to leave the radio playing and a few candles burning as if you are still there. Do not say goodbye to the dog, but simply walk away.
Of course, the dog should see you leaving, but avoid making a big farewell scene.
Ideally, you should return before the dog becomes restless, start with a few minutes and gradually increase the time, but remember that it should be in small intervals. This also means that you need to allow plenty of time for this learning.
Don't expect the puppy/dog to learn to be home alone for several hours over a weekend or a week, so you can go to work the Monday after its arrival.
If the puppy whines, wait to return until the dog has been quiet for about 2 minutes 30-60 seconds. Greet very sparingly when you get home, don't ignore it completely, but be calm.
Ignore the puppy when you see it again (it's difficult, but it helps not to dramatize the experience for the dog). By avoiding making too much of a fuss about greetings when you leave and come back, you teach the dog that it's completely undramatic that you're leaving.
If the puppy/dog whines violently or does, you must minimize the time you are away, even if it is only a few minutes. As a starting point, the puppy should be calm, and it is important that you teach it from the start that it should not be uncomfortable when it is left behind.
It cannot be stressed enough how important this job is for the puppy. Unfortunately, many dogs experience problems at home alone, which makes everyday life a struggle for both dog and owner. It is important to pay attention to your dog, also accept that for a period of time you will have to organize your day accordingly.
Also practice leaving the dog several times a day and at different intervals - so the dog/puppy doesn't think you are always gone for a very long time when you leave it.
As a general rule, a dog should not be left alone for more than 6-8 hours a day, and the time interval is of course much less for a puppy.
Really enjoy the training :-)