How long can you leave your dog? I get asked this a lot so I'm here to help. It really depends on a few things like age, temperament, energy level, and lifestyle.
All dogs should be ok with spending time at home alone, it's a really basic training skill for therm to self settle and not be glued to us and that will help prevent separation anxiety.
But how long can dogs be left alone? Really, a healthy adult dog can go for six to eight hours without a toilet break. However, less is best when it comes to regular time spent at home alone. Dogs are super social animals and love their humans and being alone for too long can lead to depression and destructiveness. My own dogs are never left alone for more than 5 hours.
Puppies have teeny bladders and need to go out for the loo more often. Puppies are like babies and they're not physically or emotionally capable of being left home alone for as long as older dogs are. Also, as dogs get older, it’s harder for them to spend extended periods of time on their own too as they need more frequent trips out to the loo. Puppies really shouldn't be left for more than an hour or so which is built up as they get older.
Where your dog is when they're left home is super important. If you choose to leave your dog in a crate then remember that they shouldn't be left in it for too long. It's difficult for them to move around and stretch so a bigger dog-proof area is always a better idea.
When leaving your dog home alone, it's a great idea for them to be left with things to keep them feeling enriched and happy. Long lasting chews, dog safe toys and enrichment puzzles are helpful in keeping your dog engaged while you are away. Things like Beef Air Pipes stuffed with our delicious Pates will keep your dog occupied while you’re out. This helps keep your dog entertained and can even prevent destructive or disruptive behaviours such as barking and chewing things they shouln't.
It’s so important to maximise the time you do have with your dog. Take advantage of the chances you and your dog have when you’re together. If you know you’ll need to leave your dog home for a period of time, get up early to get some playtime in. Some dogs love a long walk so why not take them on one and work on training games at the same time. It's so important to make sure your dog has physical and mental stimulation before you leave. It’s also an opportunity for more bonding time and helps your dog cope with longer periods of time away from you.
When you leave your dog home alone, why not ask for some help from a friend, family member, or a professional dog walker. This gives your dog a chance to go to the loo, socialise with other people and dogs and enjoy some playtime.
If your dog struggles with alone time, it’s best sort out any separation anxiety issues right away.
All dogs should spend some time home alone, but it’s important to be thoughtful and considerate. Leave your dog alone for a reasonable amount of time given their needs.
Continue reading
Since the Covid Pandemic, the levels of dog ownership went through the roof. The working landscape has changed too, the amount of people now working from home or enjoying the benefits of hybrid working has increased hugely.
It's not easy to work with dog's at home though, barking on teams calls isn't normally the kind of input that's welcome. Having a puppy who craves your attention can be distracting and not conducive to a successful working day. It's always helpful to have a few ways to entertain your dog or keep them occupied when you are trying to stay focused on work.
Below are some good ways to keep your dogs occupied, as well as how to set yourself up for success while working from home with your pet.
Long lasting dog chews have so many health benefits, from teeth cleaning to satisfying the natural chewing instinct and releasing happy hormones. We have a great range of long lasting chews which amazing for keeping your dog busy and entertained.
Also Read - Understanding Separation Anxiety in Your Dog
There's times when dogs need to be entertained and keeping them occupied with a puzzle toy is a great way to keep them occupied. Dogs that have pent up energy benefit from being mentally stimulated and things like Snuffle Mats that have treats hidden in it are perfect.
Another great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated is by giving them a puzzle to solve. One of the most cost effective ways to hide treats and keep your dog entertained is the simple toilet roll game. Simply use an empty toilet roll holder, fold down the edges, cut holes in it and fill with treats. For a step by step check out our Instagram.
If you’re dealing with a dog with high levels of anxiety and one that finds it difficult to settle, there are lots of different treats that can help calm them down.
Herbs like Chamomile have been used as an ancient, herbal remedy for centuries and has been shown to help benefit pet health. It's properties really help ease a stressed-out pup into a more relaxed state.
Our delicious Fish Crunchies with Chamomile dog treats are perfect for relaxing your dog!
Creating a safe environment for your dog while busy (or away) at work is vital to the development of your new puppy or dog. It gives your dog their own space to be able to settle and snooze. Crate training is great but not every dog likes a crate so it can be a bed too.
Add a few toys, a tasty treat, and you will be set to keep your dog happy in a safe and comfortable space.
Walking and getting some fresh air has so many benefits for both you and your dog, it's amazing for your mental health and is a perfect way to give your dog opportunities to have a good sniff around and a enriched walk.
Different breeds will need different levels of exercise but lunchtime is a perfect time to take a break from work and head out with your pup. Even small dogs can benefit from a long walk and a tired dog will be less likely to become bored or destructive.
Just because you are working from home, doesn’t mean you have more time to take breaks during the day. If you cannot take breaks to walk your dog, you can hire a dog walking service to help. Here at PetBuddy, we have a fully insured and experienced dog walking service which we've been running for 10 years covering East London.
We help create a routine for your dog, which becomes a stress reliever and limits the anxiety of being left alone. Dogs learn to anticipate their walk routine, thus steering them away from boredom and the potential for destruction. It's a big help to pet parents!
To learn more about or to book our service, email us at petbuddyinfo.uk@gmail.com
As convenient and enjoyable working at home may be, it can be difficult for dogs to manage. Dogs like a schedule they can depend on, and when their home life changes drastically, it can become tricky for them. When you establish a new routine, the adjustment period can be frustrating, but with our tips, you can have a happy work life at home with your pup.
Since the Covid pandemic, many of us were spending much more time at home which was music to our dog's ears. It's not all good though, now people are returning to work we've seen a huge increase in separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety happens when a dog doesn’t have the coping mechanisms to be alone or without their owner. Their instincts tell them that being alone is a source of anxiety or fear. This is because if they have never been taught that it is ok and safe to be alone or without their owner so it becomes a scary thing for them.
Teaching a dog to be alone is such an important part of their training, it's as important as getting them used to new sounds, other dogs, scents and so on. It's actually one of the hardest things to train as we as humans like to feel needed. Often, inadvertently we create the issue of separation anxiety in our dogs by feeling guilty for leaving them alone and convincing ourselves they need us all the time.
There are a number of signs that may show that your dog is distressed when alone, which include:
It can be so upsetting to see our dogs so distressed and not having the right techniques to help them and manage this. But here at PetBuddy, we're here to help.
Identifying triggers for, and understanding the extent of, separation related behaviours can be difficult, as the majority of behaviour happens while your dog is on their own. Why not set up a camera that allows you to see what your dog is doing when you’re not with them. You will then be able to spot any triggers and see how their anxiety manifests and presents.
Dogs need both mental and physical stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy. If your dog isn’t getting enough physical or mental exercise, they can get bored and this might be contributing to their behaviour. If your dog has lots of energy left to use up, then being left alone could increase the chances of them having anxiety. As your dog runs out of things to do, you may see that their energy is directed to destructive behaviours.
Frustration in dogs can be tricky to spot but is often triggered by a dog’s inability to get at something they want or need. To see if this might be the cause, keep an eye out for things that may be causing your dog to become frustrated. It might be if they feel like they suddenly don’t have your attention and comfort, they might frantically try to find and recreate that comfort in some other way.
Previous negative experiences can have a big impact on how dogs behave. For some dogs, if they've had a negative experience when left alone before, this can cause fear and anxiety in the future when spending time by themselves.
You may notice their behaviour changes when you are getting ready to leave the house without them All your usual routines of getting your keys or your shoes, grabbing your coat, all can come to act as signals to your dog and may trigger a fear or anxiety reduced response.
If your dog is fearful and anxious when left alone, it could be that they are lacking in confidence, so the more we work on making them a happy and confident dog the more likely they'll be comfortable when left alone.
Training is amazing for increasing their self-confidence. Try teaching some new tricks and always reward any independent behaviour. The ability to self settle is so important so some gentle praise if they choose to settle themselves down somewhere away from you is perfect.
Work our how long your dog can be left alone for before they start showing signs of anxiety. Have a camera set up and leave the room, watch for any signs that they aren't happy and content in their own company.
Before beginning your separation training, there are a few things you can do to help set your dog up for success:
Some dog's are especially anxious and really struggle to be left alone to teaching them to self settle is really important.
You can try using a feeding tool such as a Lickimat. Top it with your dog's favourite things like banana, one of our delicious paste's, choose from Liver Paste, Salmon Paste or Turkey Paste. Whilst your dog is busy, go about your business as usual, leave the room and come back. You could also leave some of your dog's food scattered around the room when you leave. Try your best to leave your dog either sleepy from a long walk, a play or training session or occupied so they are more likely to be calmer.
This can all take time, dog's who have had issues for a while will take some time to unlearn these behaviours be ok having alone time, be understanding and patient.
Continue reading
It's a cold start to 2024 and we're definitely feeling the cold here at PetBuddy. These chilly days can be tricky for both you and your pup and make walks very brisk and not necessarily enjoyable.
We’ve pulled together a few ideas for some bonding time during those miserable freezing cold days:
A super cold day is the perfect time to learn some new tricks indoors. It's amazing for keeping brains active, relieving boredom and great for bonding time between you and your pup, what could be better that that?! We have an amazing range of natural training treats to help with this.
Who doesn't love a good pamper! Why not give your dog a lovely bath, a little pawdicure, a relaxing brush and a spritz with a little doggy pawfume to keep them smelling fresh. If your dogs are anything like mine, they love nothing more than a lovely long snooze after after a bath!
Why not treat them to some new snacks and toys? A quick look on our website and you'll see a huge range of natural treats and ethically produced toys for every dog. Big, medium or small, we've got every dog covered. I'm certain you'll find the perfect gift for your pup!
If your dog isn't out seeing their pals because of the cold, you could host an indoor play date! Give your dog the chance to show off all their toys and best places to play at home. Could you take turns with the pawrents of your dog's besties so they can enjoy new environments, smells and places to explore.
Bored of the bowl? Why not make meal and snack times much more interesting for your pup?! Hide their kibble around the house, use a Lickimat to create a varied and enriching meal, use toys to stuff with their snacks. Take a look around your house and see what you can use.. tea towels to wrap up kibble, old toilet roll holders, old milk bottles, you'd be surprised what you can use!
When you are a dog owner it is important to keep your dogs fit and healthy, this means that they need plenty of exercise. It is crucial for dogs, like humans to have an exercise routine. A lot of the time, dogs tend to be quite enthusiastic when it comes to exercising, however, there may still be times when they need that extra push. Below I have provided some tips on how you can get your dog to exercise.
Most dogs love a game of fetch and this game is a fantastic form of exercise. You can play a game of fetch literally anywhere as long as you have the space (and nothing breakable is nearby). Grab a ball, a stick, or one of your dog’s favourite toys and ask them to go and get it for you. This could take a bit of training at first, so in order to train them, each time they bring their fetch item back to you, you could give them one of their favourite dog treats in order to encourage them at to begin with. Once your dog learns the skill and listens to the command, it will become a fun game for them to enjoy.
This is the easiest exercise to train your dog to do. When you first begin to walk them, keep the walks down to around 20 minutes and then gradually increase the time. Once your dog is comfortable walking, you can try to increase the pace by going on a light jog or a run. If your dog isn’t doing any other physical activity, you will want to make sure that they are walking for around 45-60 minutes a day.
This is a great way to keep your dog active and entertained. Nose work games are fun, versatile, and mentally stimulating for your dog. A great nose work game is chopping up some small treats such as apples and hiding them throughout the house. If your dog hasn’t played this game before, you might want to begin with treats that have a strong smell so they can get the hang of it. To begin the game, have your dog start off in the stay position while you hide treats around the house, again if this is your dog’s first time, start off with some easy hiding spots like in one of our Snuffle Mats or Snuffle Balls.
Once you have hidden the treats, release your dog, and keep the game as fun, engaging, and encouraging as you can. Once they get the hang of the game, you can begin to hide the treats in harder spots. This will teach your dog to start relying on their natural smelling abilities to find the treats rather than just relying on their visual ability.
Swimming is a fantastic exercise for dogs. Swimming is more low impact compared to walking or jogging and it is great for their mobility. Swimming is a non-weight-bearing exercise that can help to increase your dog’s range of motion and help to build muscle mass. Have a look online and see if there are any dog-friendly hydrotherapy centres that can help your dog with their swimming. If your dog is new to swimming, remember to take it slow as they may find it overwhelming at first, they need to ease into it.
This is perfect for dogs that are overactive. There are yoga classes that are designed for dogs. This is a great form of exercise for those dogs that are overly active. Have a look around your local area for these types of classes and get your dog registered. These classes can help your dog to remain fit, whilst you are also working out with them. It is a win-win situation.
These are all the ways that you can help your dog stay more active and get more daily exercise. If you are interested in any dog training treats, then visit us here at Pet Buddy. We have a range of treats and toppers that your dog will love. Visit our website to view our range.
Continue reading
