Dog trainer Sarah Hodgson has shared three essential steps to help dogs stay calm and relaxed when left home alone, addressing a common concern for pet owners. Healthy adult dogs can typically be left alone for 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours, according to experts. Hodgson emphasized that owners should focus on creating a calming environment to prevent anxiety, agitation, or territorial behavior.
Understanding Canine Behavior When Left Alone
In a TikTok video, Hodgson explained: "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." She noted that dogs left in rooms with wide open windows facing hallways or streets will "assume the role of border patrol," reacting territorially to every passing sight or sound.
Three Steps for a Calm Dog
Hodgson, author of Dog Anxiety for Dummies and a pet behaviour consultant, recommends these three steps:
- Create a safe space: Provide a crate or dedicated room that feels comforting to your dog.
- Use sound-cancelling audio: Play music or white noise to block out external noises that might trigger anxiety.
- Stay calm when returning home: Keep your energy level low and composed, as dogs mirror their owner's behaviour. Hodgson advised: "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 modelling."
In the caption of her TikTok clip, Hodgson explained that establishing a "calmer home alone routine means a more relaxed dog throughout the day," which helps in scenarios like welcoming guests or going for walks.
Additional Guidance from Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust, the UK's leading dog welfare charity, supports these recommendations with its own advice. The charity stated: "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." Their tips include providing a cosy bed, creating a "doggy den," using baby gates for gradual separation, and training your pet to settle quietly without constant attention. They also suggest slowly acclimatising your dog to longer periods alone, both while you are home and when you go out.
