‘I’m a dog trainer – you must do 3 things when leaving pet alone’

A dog trainer has shed light on a ‘big thing to consider’ when leaving your beloved pet at home alone. The thought of leaving your dog by itself can be a source of real anxiety for many owners, who may worry about how their four-legged companion will cope.

As naturally social creatures, dogs can easily feel unsettled when left to their own devices, particularly for the first time. While owners sometimes have little option but to leave their dog at home — such as during working hours — it’s essential to train your pet to feel at ease spending time alone.

Sarah Hodgson is a dog trainer, podcaster, pet behaviour consultant and author of several books, including Dog Anxiety for Dummies. She offers dog training services in person and online, and she shares advice on social media.

In a recent TikTok video, Hodgson said: “When thinking about leaving your dogs home alone, here is a big thing to consider. When you leave the house you want them to be relaxed.

“You don’t want them to feel agitated, anxious, aggressive.”

How to make your dog feel calm when home alone?

She further explained that leaving dogs in a room with wide open windows overlooking a hallway or street would cause them to “assume the role of border patrol”, meaning that every time something passes by or a noise is heard, they will “react in a territorial fashion.”

The dog trainer went on to discuss the natural instincts of dogs, particularly those with a more protective disposition. The first step Hodgson recommends when leaving your dog home alone is creating a secure and calming space for pooches during your absence, such as a crate or a specific room, making sure it feels “comforting” to the animal.

She also proposes playing sound-cancelling music or audio to block out noises filtering in from outside your property.

The dog trainer then advised maintaining composure upon your return. She elaborated: “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.”

Dogs Trust advice for dogs being home alone

In her TikTok video caption, Hodgson revealed that creating a “calmer home alone routine means a more relaxed dog throughout the day”, proving beneficial in various situations, such as when welcoming guests or heading out for walks.

Mirroring her recommendations, Dogs Trust, the UK’s leading dog welfare charity, shared its guidance on helping canines adjust to being left alone.

It notes: “Before leaving your dog home alone, you need to teach them that it is alright and that they will be able to cope on their own.

“The more you do this before you actually need to leave the house, the easier it will be when you do.”

Dogs Trust’s recommendations include providing a cosy bed, creating a “doggy den”, utilising baby gates to slowly introduce separation, training your dog to relax quietly when you’re occupied rather than rewarding them with attention each time they shadow you, and progressively accustoming them to extended periods alone, both while you remain at home and when you leave the property.