Have you ever seen a dog waiting for its owner and seeming happy and excited when it saw its owner return from work or a trip? It shows that dogs have a strong bond with their human companions.
However, no one can deny the fact that you can’t be around your furry pal 24/7; you have your personal and professional life that requires you to leave your beloved companion alone for a few hours, weeks or months.
Here comes a question that may intrigue you to read this guide further – do dogs miss their owners when left alone? Let’s discuss.
Do Dogs Really Miss Their Owners?
The short answer is YES! Dogs do miss their owners when left alone. In fact, research suggests that 8 out of 10 dogs find it hard to cope when left alone. Dogs are social animals that develop a deep emotional connection with their human companions. They thrive on human interaction and seek comfort and security from their owners. So, when you leave your pal alone, they will miss you.
Dog’s Behaviour When Left Alone
According to a study, dogs experience stress and anxiety when you leave your furry pal alone. The feeling of loneliness and anxiety can sometimes lead to behavioural problems. Some common behaviours exhibited by dogs when they miss their owner include:
- Excessive barking
- Destructive behaviour
- Whining and howling
- Excessive pacing and restlessness
- Loss of appetite
Make Separation Easier For You And Your Dog
While it is natural for a pet to miss their owner when left alone, there are a few steps that you can take to make separation more manageable for both you and your pooch. It includes:
- Teach your canine to stay alone early: No matter how much you love your puppy, you have to leave it alone every now and then. So, teach your dog to stay alone from an early age.
Start with some short time spans, say 10-30 minutes. Not only can this help your puppy understand that it is your routine but also assures them that you will return home soon. When you come back home, make sure you reward your puppy.
- Create a safe place: Pets feel safe in the presence of their owners. So, you need to ensure that your pet has a safe and comfortable place to stay while you’re away. In addition, ensure that your furry pal has access to water, food, toilet area, etc.
- Provide mental stimulation: Keeping your pet engaged while you’re away can help reduce the symptoms of separation anxiety. So, make sure you leave interactive toys and puzzles to keep your canine companion mentally engaged in your absence.
- Pay attention to their routine: Dogs love to follow a routine. They need their meals and have to go for walks on time. So, you have to make some arrangements that ensure there is no change in their routine.
- Seek professional help: If you are going out for an extended period of time, you can seek professional help and leave your pet at a boarding facility.
While your pet will miss you while dog boarding in Blacktown, they have trained professionals to look after your pet in your absence. They will do everything from providing adequate water and nutritious meals to keeping them engaged in fun activities.
Moreover, your canine companion will find several other puppies at the boarding facility, allowing your pet to socialise and make new friends. As a result, it will help eliminate the chances of your dog feeling stressed and anxious while you are away.
Tips To Ensure Your Dog Enjoys The Boarding Facility
Leaving your pet under the care of a boarding facility may make you feel overwhelmed initially. But you can do a bit extra to ensure your dog has a comfortable experience in a boarding facility:
- Look for a reputable boarding facility with positive reviews and a strong reputation.
- Visit the facility and meet the staff to ensure it meets your needs.
- Pack your dog’s favourite toys, blankets, and bedding to make them feel more at home.
- Share your dog’s routine with the facility.
- Keep a contact with your pooch via a video call or Zoom call.
- Don’t forget to share an emergency contact number with the dog boarding facility.
The Bottom Line
Undeniably, dogs do miss their owners when left alone. Their strong emotional bond and dependency on humans make it natural for them to feel loneliness and anxiety in your absence. However, by following the aforementioned tips, you can help make the separation more easier for you and your loved companion.
Whether you choose to leave your pet at home or seek professional help, like from Noah’s Ark boarding facility, your efforts will ensure your pooch’s well-being and happiness when you can’t be by their side.
