Teaching a Dog to Be Alone

Dogs who are never left alone, or who are left suddenly for long periods, may find it hard to cope. Teaching alone time early builds independence and confidence, and prevents problems such as separation anxiety. It also protects your dog's welfare, since they will be calmer and safer when you are away.

Start from the first days of ownership, even with a puppy or a rescue dog. Do not wait until you need to leave for a full day. Building up gently makes the process easier, and avoids distress.

Prepare your dog and your home before you begin. A calm, tired dog finds it easier to settle, so give exercise and a toilet break first. Create a comfortable, safe space, such as a crate, pen, or room, with a bed, water, and chews. Choose a space your dog already likes. Remove anything dangerous, and make sure the temperature is comfortable.

• Exercise and a toilet break before you start.
• A safe, comfortable space.
• A long-lasting chew, stuffed toy, or lick mat.
• Soft music or white noise, if your dog likes it.
• A calm, relaxed mood.

Go at your dog's pace. If your dog shows stress, such as whining, panting, or pacing, go back a step. The aim is for your dog to stay relaxed throughout.

1. Practice settling in the space while you are in the room, with a chew.
2. Move around the room, then step out of sight for a few seconds, and return before your dog worries.
3. Close a door for a few seconds, then open it, and reward calm behavior.
4. Leave through the front door for 10 seconds, and return.
5. Gradually extend the time: 30 seconds, one minute, five minutes, fifteen minutes.
6. Vary the duration, so your dog does not predict exactly when you will return.
7. Increase to 30 minutes, an hour, and beyond, only if your dog stays calm.

Use a predictable routine. Dogs feel safer when they know what to expect. Give a chew or a puzzle toy as you leave, and keep your goodbye short and low-key. Avoid emotional farewells, which can raise anxiety. When you return, wait a moment until your dog is calm before greeting them.

Avoid scolding for any mess you find, since punishment will increase anxiety, and your dog will not connect it to what they did. If accidents or chewing happen, you may have moved too fast, so go back a step.

Some dogs struggle more than others. Signs of separation anxiety include barking, howling, or whining for long periods, destructive behavior, especially near doors and windows, toilet accidents in a house-trained dog, pacing, drooling, or trying to escape. A dog may also be very clingy when you are home.

Do not ignore these signs. A camera can help you see what is happening while you are away. Speak to your vet to rule out medical problems, and consider a qualified trainer or behaviorist who specializes in separation anxiety. It is treatable, usually with a gradual program, and sometimes medication.

Note: Do not leave a dog with severe separation anxiety alone for long periods until you have a plan. Arrange help from a sitter, a friend, or daycare in the meantime.

Alone-time skills need maintenance. Continue to practice short absences, even when you are at home, and vary your routine. If your dog has had a long break from being alone, such as after holidays, rebuild gradually. With patience and consistency, most dogs learn that being alone is safe and that you always come back.

A camera helps you to see how your dog behaves when you leave, and to adjust your plan. Watch for the first minutes, which are often the hardest, and note signs such as pacing, panting, whining, or destruction. Record how long your dog stays relaxed. Use the information to decide when to increase the time, or when to go back a step. Do not watch constantly, and do not interrupt a session that is going well.

Different dogs have different needs. Puppies need very short absences, many toilet breaks, and a lot of rest, and should not be left for long. Rescue dogs may be anxious when left, and benefit from a very gradual approach and a stable routine. Older dogs may become more dependent, or develop anxiety, and need regular checks from the vet. In each case, tailor the plan, and respect your dog's limits.

A few common habits can undermine progress.

• Leaving for too long, too soon.
• Dramatic goodbyes and greetings.
• Sneaking out, which can make a dog anxious.
• Punishing damage or noise.
• Skipping exercise before you go.
• Changing the routine suddenly, such as after a holiday.
• Ignoring signs of distress.