There are a few things you should know about leaving your dog alone. First and foremost: he may cry and whimper when you leave—even act out. But don’t worry; you can help relieve your pup’s anxiety in various ways. And, for extended absences, a pet sitter or kennel can round out his care.
 
Separation Anxiety

Does your dog bark, whine, eliminate, or become destructive when you leave home? He may be suffering from separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety results when a dog has difficulty coping with his new environment and routine. He clings to you—his pack leader—and panics if you’re not around.

To promote your dog’s independence, start by encouraging him to keep his distance from you in gradually longer increments. This means not letting him follow you throughout the house, pushing him to sleep on his own bed (instead of yours), and teaching him to relax on a piece of furniture other than the one you’re on. Vigorously exercising him before you leave the house is a big help too.

When you do leave, put on a radio or the TV for background noise, and give your pooch a toy to distract him as you depart. And don’t make your exit a long, drawn-out affair. Rather, ignore your dog for the last 15 minutes before you head out, then simply say, “Be good” before you leave.

By encouraging him to be on his own while you’re in the house, you’ll help him to learn that he’s safe without you by his side.

Pet Sitters & Kennels

From weekend getaways to late nights at work, you’re sure to need the services of a pet sitter or kennel at some point down the line.

If you’re going away for the weekend, you can hire a pet sitter or ask a good friend to come to your house to walk and feed your dog.

However, if you’re taking a longer vacation, you may want to consider a kennel. Dogs can readily adapt to staying at a kennel, especially if introduced to it at a young age. You can also try leaving him there for short periods before attempting a longer stay.

To find a good kennel near you, ask your veterinarian for recommendations. Some breeders and veterinarians have their own facilities for boarding dogs. If so, either may be an excellent option because they already know your dog.

Before you commit, visit each recommended kennel and ask to inspect the facilities. Make sure accommodations are clean, dry, and hygienic—and that all kennels, cages, and gates are in good repair. Also ask to see where your dog will stay. Ideally, each dog should be provided with his own comfortable area.

Further questions you may want to ask the kennel owner, include:

• What is the ratio of dogs per assistant?
• What is the daily schedule for the dogs?
• How often are the dogs groomed and exercised?
• Do the dogs get individual attention?
• Will the kennel follow special feeding instructions?
• Can you leave your dog a favourite toy, or article of clothing, with your scent?
• How often are the dogs checked in the evening?
• Does someone live on-site?
• What is the protocol in a medical emergency?

And, no matter how nice, do not board your dog at a kennel that does not require proof of up-to-date vaccinations. If they’re not checking to make sure your dog is disease-free, they’re probably not checking out any of their canine guests—ultimately putting your dog at risk.

Once you’ve made your choice, book your dog well in advance of your trip. Kennels fill up during holidays and peak vacation periods. Schedule trips to the veterinarian (for vaccinations) well in advance, too. Some shots can take up to three days to take effect.

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