If you are going to leave your dog alone for a long period of time then don't be surprised with the behavior issues he might develop. Being alone, he deals with two big problems. The first one is the physic and emotional discomfort, because he sees he is free and he doesn't know what he is allowed to do and what he isn't. Sometimes stress is added because he is afraid of doing something that can get him punished. The second problem comes out of the need of a dog to be permanently around people or other dogs.
If it is a small dog, he should be familiarized to his environment. If a little dog is to be left alone the entire day, then make sure he has enough water and that a big part of the room he is left into will be covered in papers. A small dog needs to satisfy his physiological needs every three hours. Do not under any circumstances leave the dog locked in the doggy house without given him access to water. You should let him stay in a small room, for example the kitchen.
A good idea might be coming home in your lunch break or hiring someone to walk your dogs. This way he gets a chance to meet other people and dogs and help you prevent a home disaster.
Experts recommend us to spend a few hours a day with or dog and to introduce him to as many friends and neighbors as we can until he turns 7-12 weeks old, because at this age the puppy holds the capacity to understand some situations.
If you have an adult dog, that needs to be fed only once a day, it is simpler. The dog will eat at night or in the evening when you get home. You will walk him in the morning and when you get back from work. But try not to be out of the house more that 8 hours because he has a schedule, he knows exactly when he is given food and when he will be walked. If you don't impose him a rhythm, the dog will be stressed and the house a mess.
Never leave the dog alone when you are planning to go on a trip or on a vacation. If possible take him with you or if not, hire someone or ask some friends to take care of him.
It is important to make it up to your dog. If you have to leave him alone a lot during work days, try and spend more time with him on weekends and holidays. Behavior issues can be easily corrected if you just play more with the dog.
Author: John Edwards
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