Dog Alone at Home: What's He Up To?

The Daily Life of a Dog Left Alone at Home

1. Napping

Dogs spend a significant portion of their day sleeping, which is a natural and harmless part of their routine. Despite the considerable amount of time they dedicate to this activity, it's important to remember that dogs require a substantial amount of sleep each day, making their long naps perfectly normal.

2. Banging on the Door

Many puppies feel lonely and bored when left alone at home, leading them to repeatedly paw at the door in hopes of attracting their owner's attention. If they don't receive a response, they may stop this behavior. However, if they hear someone approaching the door or believe their owner is returning, they'll start pawing at the door again to get noticed. It's crucial not to immediately let your puppy out when you hear them at the door, as this could reinforce the unwanted behavior of doorbanging.

To address this, pet owners can take the following steps: When your puppy is pawing at the door, you can use a firm "no" or a stern reprimand while tapping the door frame to make it clear that this behavior is unacceptable. Gradually, your puppy will learn to stop. Alternatively, you can confine your puppy to a smaller space or a crate to teach them that doorbanging is met with punishment. Remember to release your dog only after they have calmed down to avoid reinforcing the idea that you're just playing with them.

3. Barking Alone

When left alone, dogs often bark to get attention. This behavior is common in newly adopted dogs and can persist for a while. To handle this, it's best to ignore the barking. If your dog continues to bark when you're not home, they'll likely stop after some time if they don't receive any response.

4. Chewing and Destroying Items

This is one of the most mischievous behaviors a dog might exhibit at home. There are usually two reasons for this:

1. Curiosity: Dogs may chew on items out of curiosity, treating them as toys. It's advisable to keep potentially hazardous items out of reach to prevent accidents or damage.

2. Separation Anxiety: Chewing could also be a sign of separation anxiety, especially in younger dogs who are highly dependent on their owners. To help your dog cope, gradually encourage independence and, if necessary, consult a professional veterinarian for treatment of separation anxiety.

Additionally, dogs may chew on hard objects to relieve dental discomfort. Provide them with appropriate chew toys or bones to help with this issue.

Important Reminder: Some dogs may chew on electrical wires, which is extremely dangerous. If your dog has a tendency to chew on wires or if they have easy access to them, it's essential to train them not to do so. Until they've learned, it's best to keep your dog in a crate when left alone to prevent accidents.