Is it Okay to Leave my Dog at Home Alone All Day?
If you worry about your furry buddy being cooped up for hours while you're at work, here's how to ease the boredom
Dogs are social animals that crave companionship. Leaving a dog isolated for extended periods can result in boredom, anxiety, depression and behavioural problems. Fortunately, there are a few solutions that will allow you to work full-time and have a happy dog.
You will need to get specific advice from your veterinarian, behaviourist or animal shelter as to which dog is most suited to your current dog – whether you get a puppy, adult, big or small dog will depend on your dog’s temperament.
Once you have made your decision, it’s important for your dog to meet the other dog before making any commitment and always ensure you have a ‘trial period’ at home before making anything final.
Once you have made your decision, it’s important for your dog to meet the other dog before making any commitment and always ensure you have a ‘trial period’ at home before making anything final.
Consider doggy daycare
If your dog is a social butterfly, then socialising with other dogs all day may be right up his or her alley. There are plenty of doggy daycares around that offer training, play, dog walking and even grooming.
Spend some time visiting the local centres in your area and work out which one is best suited to your dog.
If your dog is a social butterfly, then socialising with other dogs all day may be right up his or her alley. There are plenty of doggy daycares around that offer training, play, dog walking and even grooming.
Spend some time visiting the local centres in your area and work out which one is best suited to your dog.
Hire a dog sitter or walker
If you have a friend or family member who loves dogs, why not ask them to look after your dog for a few hours or even the whole day?
Alternatively, you can pay a dog walker to take your dog out on their own, or with a small group of dogs. If you opt for the latter, make sure you check how many dogs are walked at once and which dogs are in the group. It’s a good idea to allow your dog to meet his or her walking companions to see if they get along before making any commitment.
Tip: Ask the dog walker to pick your dog up in the middle of the day to split up lengthy periods of isolation.
If you have a friend or family member who loves dogs, why not ask them to look after your dog for a few hours or even the whole day?
Alternatively, you can pay a dog walker to take your dog out on their own, or with a small group of dogs. If you opt for the latter, make sure you check how many dogs are walked at once and which dogs are in the group. It’s a good idea to allow your dog to meet his or her walking companions to see if they get along before making any commitment.
Tip: Ask the dog walker to pick your dog up in the middle of the day to split up lengthy periods of isolation.
Set up a doggy playdate
Does your neighbour, family or friend have a lonely dog too? If your dogs get along, you can leave them together for the day and alternate which home they play at each time. The dogs will love to share each other’s company and and it won’t cost you a cent.
Does your neighbour, family or friend have a lonely dog too? If your dogs get along, you can leave them together for the day and alternate which home they play at each time. The dogs will love to share each other’s company and and it won’t cost you a cent.
Don’t forget to walk
If you are planning on being out all day, no matter which solution you choose (apart from dog walking), I always recommend that you take your dog for a long walk in the morning to reduce their boredom and restlessness during the day.
If you are planning on being out all day, no matter which solution you choose (apart from dog walking), I always recommend that you take your dog for a long walk in the morning to reduce their boredom and restlessness during the day.
If you haven’t got a dog yet, you work full-time and the above suggestions are not feasible, then perhaps it’s not the best time for you to acquire a new dog. Hopefully you can work out a solution so that you’ll be able to experience the privilege of owning a dog and the joy they can add to your life.
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What are your thoughts on this topic? Tell us about your companion in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like or share this story or save the photos. Join the conversation.
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Read more pet stories
Sometimes, the best way to solve the problem of a lonely dog is to get another dog. Obviously, this is not a decision to rush into as you will need to consider the personality of your existing dog, as well as the financial implications.
Some dogs don’t get along well with other dogs, and if this is the case for yours, then introducing a canine buddy may not be the right choice. On the other hand, if your dog enjoys the company of other dogs, then perhaps a second dog is something you should consider.