Getting your dog used to being home alone

Create a safe haven for your pup; if you have an adult dog, the animal probably already has a safe haven. A safe haven is usually the crate, a basket or pillow. Reward your four-legged friend when he lies down in the crate, cushion or basket of his own accord. But also when the animal shows independent behavior.

Don't make a fuss when you leave home or when you return home. For example, don't go and hug or greet your puppy or dog extensively immediately when you get back home; but wait until the animal has calmed down and only then greet him or her.

It is best to build up being alone gradually; you cannot suddenly leave your pup or dog alone for hours at a time (again). You can build up being alone as follows:

You start by leaving your four-legged friend alone when you yourself still stay in the house. For example, you leave your dog in the living room and go yourself to the kitchen or bathroom and close the door. When your puppy or dog is quiet, you go back to the living room and reward the animal. When this goes well, you can move to the next step.

Instead of remaining present in the house, leave the house for a short time. For example, go for a walk around the block for about 5 to 10 minutes. Again, reward your four-legged friend if the animal is calm when you get home. Is your pup or dog not immediately calm when you come home? Then wait for a moment when he or she is, and then reward/greet the animal.

Is this going well? Then extend the period during which your dog is home alone. For example, go shopping or visit relatives or acquaintances. In this way you can gradually get used to the fact that it is okay to be alone once in a while.

*When you want to put your pup in a crate when you go away from home, you practice this in the same way. You first make sure the crate feels like a safe place for your pup; you can do this by always rewarding your pup when he lies down in the crate of his own accord and by making the crate more attractive with a pillow or crate rug. When you start practicing being alone, place your pup in the crate and go to another room in the house by yourself. If your pup responds positively and is calm and quiet, you come back and reward your pup. You expand this further and further according to the steps above.

You now know the importance of getting a dog used to being home alone. This must be taught step by step. Now that your dog has learned well, it is also important to give him/her a reward. Reward candies or dried chews are specially designed to reward your four-legged friend well!

Curious about all the reward candies and dried chews? Check out the reward snacks here and the dried chewy snacks here!

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