How Do I... Keep My Dog Happy at Home While I'm at Work?
If your beloved dog is home alone while you're out earning the kibble, here's how to ensure he or she is happy as Larry
Vanessa Walker
12 November 2021
Houzz Australia & New Zealand Editor-in-Chief
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning questions. Here, Dionna Newton, pet psychologist at Animal Behaviour Australia, shares essential tips for ensuring your dog is happy not yappy while you’re at work or out of the house.
So, you are one of the fortunate ones; you have an adoring companion who wants to protect you, and cuddle up to you whenever you sit down (or pop something in your mouth).
But of course looking after another being comes with responsibilities – some of which we may not realise. Vets, animal behaviourists and enlightened canine owners know the most important thing a dog needs – aside from love, shelter, food and exercise – is mental stimulation… especially if these naturally social creatures are home alone for successive hours and days.
But of course looking after another being comes with responsibilities – some of which we may not realise. Vets, animal behaviourists and enlightened canine owners know the most important thing a dog needs – aside from love, shelter, food and exercise – is mental stimulation… especially if these naturally social creatures are home alone for successive hours and days.
Pet psychologist Dionna Newton says that while most dog owners are highly responsive at meeting their animal’s daily exercise needs, they may not realise that mental stimulation is just as important to a dog’s wellbeing.
The specific physical and mental stimulation needs of your pet will come down to their temperament, breed, age and the amount of time they are left alone each day, she says.
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The specific physical and mental stimulation needs of your pet will come down to their temperament, breed, age and the amount of time they are left alone each day, she says.
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But a good baseline for a happy-at-home dog would start with a walk in the morning, so he or she gets to burn off some of their energy. Bear in mind the benefits of varying your daily route, Newton says. “A route, to a dog, is like reading a newspaper to a human; they read all the smells along the way. If they keep walking that way every day, they’re reading the same thing over and over.” Varying their morning stroll offers your dog new smells and information to absorb.
If you have the option, she advises that more frequent shorter walks is better than one long walk each day.
Attending the same dog park doesn’t have the same negative connotations though, due to the dynamic interplay between dogs and all the fresh smells there for the sniffing.
If you have the option, she advises that more frequent shorter walks is better than one long walk each day.
Attending the same dog park doesn’t have the same negative connotations though, due to the dynamic interplay between dogs and all the fresh smells there for the sniffing.
If your dog is alone all day once you’ve set off for work, it would be beneficial to have a neighbour or friend visit the dog for either a (second) walk or some play. Just the presence of another person helps to stimulate the dog and keep it from being bored.
If this is impossible, turning on the television or radio, so your dog can hear conversation, is a positive move, she says.
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If this is impossible, turning on the television or radio, so your dog can hear conversation, is a positive move, she says.
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One of the main things to realise is that mental stimulation helps reduce a dog’s anxiety, and helps stop them being ‘barky’, disruptive and destructive.
Newton says dogs need daily mental stimulation – some toy ranges for dogs help keep them alert and occupied while you’re away. “One is called Bob-a-Lot; it’s a weighted dumbbell base that’s filled with dry food. The dog opens a window and a piece of kibble comes out,” she says. “They like the motion; it replaces a prey drive. Because they are getting food, it also increases their mood state”.
Newton suggests searching ‘mental stimulation for dogs’ on Google so you can offer an array of devices. A good toy will keep dogs occupied for up to half an hour.
Newton says dogs need daily mental stimulation – some toy ranges for dogs help keep them alert and occupied while you’re away. “One is called Bob-a-Lot; it’s a weighted dumbbell base that’s filled with dry food. The dog opens a window and a piece of kibble comes out,” she says. “They like the motion; it replaces a prey drive. Because they are getting food, it also increases their mood state”.
Newton suggests searching ‘mental stimulation for dogs’ on Google so you can offer an array of devices. A good toy will keep dogs occupied for up to half an hour.
She also suggests taking a look at the layout of your garden or outdoor area. A flat expanse of lawn is great for toileting but not so fabulous for a dog’s mental stimulation. She suggests creating interest for your dog within your outdoor space and ensuring fences have sections that allow a view outside so your dog can see things going on around it.
Another option is a companion animal, although Newton suggests working with a vet or animal profession to choose the right partner. She says that, traditionally, putting together animals of the same gender, maturity, or breed can lead to problems (but not all the time). Sometimes a difference in terms of hierarchy is what makes animals relax enough to become friends.
Petcams are another option, although Newton warns they exist to give the owner peace of mind. “From the dog’s perspective it’s not going to help, but will help relieve anxiety of the owner.”
Interestingly, she notes a co-relation between human mental health and their companion animal’s quality of life. “People’s mental state is affected by their animals, so it’s important for you that your pet has good mental health,” she says. Increasingly, she sees dog owners forgo holidays away because they don’t want to be separated from their pets. For this she recommends services such as TrustedHousesitters, which matches pet owners who want to go away with verified pet lovers who are looking for accommodation while they travel.
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Another option is a companion animal, although Newton suggests working with a vet or animal profession to choose the right partner. She says that, traditionally, putting together animals of the same gender, maturity, or breed can lead to problems (but not all the time). Sometimes a difference in terms of hierarchy is what makes animals relax enough to become friends.
Petcams are another option, although Newton warns they exist to give the owner peace of mind. “From the dog’s perspective it’s not going to help, but will help relieve anxiety of the owner.”
Interestingly, she notes a co-relation between human mental health and their companion animal’s quality of life. “People’s mental state is affected by their animals, so it’s important for you that your pet has good mental health,” she says. Increasingly, she sees dog owners forgo holidays away because they don’t want to be separated from their pets. For this she recommends services such as TrustedHousesitters, which matches pet owners who want to go away with verified pet lovers who are looking for accommodation while they travel.
Second Chances: Why Adopting a Senior Pet Might be Right for You
Many owners think their dog is happy at home and don’t realise there’s a problem until a neighbour finally mentions their dog continually barks or howls during the day. “That is often an expression of ‘separation anxiety’,” Newton says. “Continual barking and howling is an acute physiological stress response that is similar to a panic attack,” she says. “Then their barking releases a chemical that makes the dog feel better; continual barking becomes self-soothing and the dog becomes addicted to it.”
If your dog has come to this point, it is important to consult a vet or animal psychologist to find a behaviour-modification program to help the dog adjust. And don’t despair, Newton says almost any dog’s ill-gotten behaviour can be remedied with the right help.
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If your dog has come to this point, it is important to consult a vet or animal psychologist to find a behaviour-modification program to help the dog adjust. And don’t despair, Newton says almost any dog’s ill-gotten behaviour can be remedied with the right help.
Tell us
Did you find this story useful? Let us know in the Comments below. And don’t forget to like or share this story and save the photos. Join the conversation.
More
Read more stories about how to ensure your dog, cat or pet are happy and healthy in your home
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Timely article after lockdown. Good tips. Thank you,
Own a staff for 12 years, fell sick and needed major operation, found out she had started howling, barking non stop whilst we were at work for about 3-4 weeks before she fell sick, we didn’t know she was howling etc until we received a letter from the council. Due to the fuss from her operation we knew she was going to howl when left outside when returning to work. Mother in-law stayed outside with her to calm, went inside gradually, this continued for 4 weeks but not a great outcome. We recently had to take her back to the vet a purchased anxiety tablets for her, we give her 1/2 tablet morning and night and has helped tremendously. She had plenty of space, comfort and toys.
we think she started howling when she was not feeling great and we didn’t realise it! Our fur babies are amazing creature!
Lots of ”pandemic pups” being surrendered now, very sad. before you take one on, remember that ” a pet is for life” . they are not accessories!