A DOG expert has revealed the breeds that are most anxious – and what you can do to help.
Whether it’s popping to the shops for five minutes, or heading to the office, your furry friends may find it extremely difficult to cope with.
Luckily, there are some tips and tricks to help your dogs cope with being alone.
However, experts have said it also depends on their age and if they are house trained.
Lorna Winter, who is the co-founder of Zigzag and a director for the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter, has said that owners need to remember their dogs and puppies are “social creatures and live for good company.”
Dogs and puppies depend on their owners to help them to survive.
The age of your puppy is one indicator to how long you can leave them home alone.
Lorna says: “For puppies aged two months old, you should avoid leaving them alone for more than an hour.”
She reveals that young puppies need to go out to the toilet, and like any baby have “high emotional needs at this age.”
Lorna added that by six months of age, along with the correct training, they can be left alone for around six hours.
She continues: “These timings are really vital, as puppies can only hold their bladders for so long before they need to ‘go’ inside, although it’s important to remember that every puppy is different with regards to how they will cope on their own.”
According to Lorna, if your pets are three months old they can be left for two hours tops, if they were four months it would be up to four hours, and if they are five months, it would be up to five hours.
Your dogs can also suffer from separation anxiety, and symptoms include excessive yawning, lip licking, drooling, pacing and restlessness, whining, howling, toileting in the house and destructive behaviour.
The RSPCA has recommended the owners use a video camera in the home so they can keep an eye on their pets.
They said: “It is recommended that all owners try to video their dog when they are left alone from time to time, just to make sure that they are not showing a ‘hidden’ sign of distress, such as trembling, pacing about or whining.”
Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are more prone to separation anxiety, which is why early training is key, according to Lorna.
Ensure your puppy is well-fed before leaving the house, and this will reduce anxiety.
Dachshund
While they are an independent dog, Lorna believes that Dachshunds can suffer from separation anxiety a lot.
She says it is important to begin the training from an early age.
Lorna says one of the biggest “hurdles for dogs” is when they see their owners “leaving via the front door.”
To your dogs, the front door is something that “swallows you” and they think you “may never come back.”
Lorna recommends going through a process called desensitisation, to help them to stop looking at the door in a negative light.
Dog Owner Guide: All You Need To Know
Owning and keeping a dog happy and healthy is not only a long-term financial, but a lifetime commitment.
Nine facts you should know ahead of time:
- Why do dogs lick you?
- Is it legal to let my dog off its lead?
- Why do dogs sneeze when they play?
- Can I be fined for letting my dog hang out the car window?
- Will my dog be put down for attacking a human?
- What are the most dangerous dog breeds?
- When is it too hot to walk your dog?
- When is it too cold to walk your dog?
- How to stop a dog barking?
Beagle
Beagles are highly sensitive, Lorna says – so it is important to make sure that they are comfortable before you leave them.
It’s recommended to tire them out by taking them on a walk.
Also, get their mind distracted by leaving different scents under mats or different places.
Or have fun with them, by hiding a treat and leaving it for them to find whilst you are gone.
It will help them to relax and relieve anxiety levels.
Other dogs which suffer from anxiety include Greyhounds, and Chow Chow’s
The Dogs Trust, added: “When leaving your dog alone, you can provide them with a range of appropriate and safe enrichment for them to choose to interact with.
“This might be a stuffed puzzle/toy or a snuffle mat – anything that is safe and will keep them entertained and mentally stimulated.
“You must still ensure that your dog is visited regularly throughout the day.”
