A dog trainer has outlined three crucial steps for leaving dogs home alone, aiming to reduce anxiety and promote calm behavior. Sarah Hodgson, a certified dog trainer, podcaster, pet behaviour consultant and author of Dog Anxiety for Dummies, shared her advice in a recent TikTok video.
First Step: Create a Secure and Calming Space
Hodgson emphasised that the environment where a dog is left matters significantly. She warned against allowing dogs access to large windows facing hallways or streets, as this can trigger territorial behaviour. "When you leave the house you want them to be relaxed. You don't want them to feel agitated, anxious, aggressive," Hodgson said. She recommended using a crate or a specific enclosed room that feels comforting to the animal.
Second Step: Use Sound-Canceling Audio
To block out external noises that might agitate a dog, Hodgson suggested playing sound-cancelling music or audio. This helps create a peaceful atmosphere and prevents the dog from reacting to every passing sound.
Third Step: Maintain Calm Energy Upon Return
When coming back home, Hodgson advised owners to keep their energy level calm. "When you come in you want it to be a joyous occasion but keep your energy level calm and they'll mirror what you're modeling," she explained. This approach helps the dog remain relaxed rather than becoming overexcited.
In her TikTok caption, Hodgson added that a calmer home-alone routine leads to a more relaxed dog throughout the day, benefiting situations like greeting visitors or going for walks.
Dogs Trust Echoes Similar Advice
The UK's leading dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, offers guidance that aligns with Hodgson's recommendations. The charity advises teaching dogs that being alone is acceptable before actually leaving them. Their suggestions include providing a cosy bed, creating a "doggy den", using baby gates to introduce separation gradually, and training dogs to relax quietly without constant attention. Dogs Trust also recommends progressively increasing time alone, both while the owner is at home and when they leave the property.
Hodgson's tips and Dogs Trust's guidelines aim to reduce separation anxiety in dogs, a common concern for pet owners who must leave their companions during work hours or other obligations.
