Leaving a dog alone can be one of the most heartbreaking things to do, especially if it is for the first time.
Many new dog owners have had the luxury of working from home this year, but some will have to go back to work, and suddenly the dog will be left alone. This can be very stressful to the point some dog owners have contemplated quitting their jobs!
The good news is that you don't have to quit your job as there are many great options to help cope with the transition.
One option is to purchase a crate that your dog can be kept in while you are away. This will keep your dog safe as well as your house, for those who have chew monsters.
You can stuff toys with frozen treats and place them in the crate before you leave which will make your dog excited to go in the crate, and as a bonus, the frozen treat will last longer. We love filling Kongs with peanut butter and treats and freezing them overnight. Our pup will run in the crate every morning, excited for her treat.
You can also try an anxiety vest, which we find works wonders for our dog. It provides gentle pressure around the dog’s body simulating a warm hug.
It's best to ease your dog in slowly and try only leaving them alone for a few minutes, and say "I'll be back" (cue Arnold in the Terminator!) when you leave. Sooner or later your dog will associate you leaving, but eventually returning, and thus will not be as anxious when you leave. In an ideal world our pups would be by our side 24/7, but that may not be the case for many.
North40Paws is here to help out as we sell Kong toys as well as the anxiety vest on our site. You can feel extra good about your purchase, as a portion of proceeds from the sale of our products go to support Paws of the North Rescue, an organization assisting rescue dogs in northern communities.
xoxo North40Paws