When the owner goes to work, the dog can indeed feel lonely at home, especially for those with strong social needs or a high level of dependence on the owner. Here are some tips to alleviate your dog's loneliness and separation anxiety:
1.*Regular work and rest**:
Make sure that the dog has enough exercise before going out, for example, the morning dog walking time can be appropriately extended, so that the dog can consume part of the energy, and will naturally rest more peacefully at home.
2.*Environmental Layout**:
Provide a quiet and comfortable resting area, such as using a well-sized cage or enclosure with your dog's favorite blankets, toys, and items that smell of you (such as old clothes), so that your dog feels safe in a familiar environment.
3.*Interactive Toys**:
Provide your dog with interactive toys that can play independently, such as puzzle balls filled with food, or smart toys that can automatically make sounds and move, which can help distract dogs and maintain a certain level of mental stimulation.
4.*Audio-visual appeasement**:
It can be a gentle audio or a soothing audio specifically designed for pets, and some dogs will feel less upset by hearing familiar sounds.
5.*Gradual adaptation**:
For newly adopted dogs or dogs that have already shown symptoms of separation anxiety, the slow separation method can be adopted, that is, starting with a short period of time away from home, gradually increasing the time of absence, so that the dog can slowly get used to being alone at home.
6.*Leverage technology**:
Use the pet camera to communicate with your dog remotely, or choose a smart device that can deliver and release treats at regular intervals, controlled via a mobile phone app, to surprise your dog when you're not at home.
7.*Ask someone to help**:
If possible, consider hiring a pet sitter, or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to visit your dog once in a while during the day and take him out for a walk or play.
8.*Companion accompaniment**:
If the family conditions permit and the dog's personality is suitable, you can consider having another dog as a partner, and the company of the two dogs can effectively reduce each other's loneliness.
9.*Training & Behavior Counseling**:
For severe separation anxiety, seek the help of a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist for appropriate training and behavior modification**.
Through the comprehensive application of the above measures, it can effectively help your dog reduce loneliness during your work and better adapt to life alone at home.