- A dog who is anxious about being left alone may exhibit destructive behavior or bark.
- This is why learning to be alone is essential in training a dog.
- In “Bonjour! La Matinale TF1”, veterinarian Laétitia Barlerin gives her advice for getting your dog used to staying alone.
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Pets
Strong destruction, howling… A dog that does not deal with solitude can cause a lot of damage. When a four-legged companion arrives in a home, it is necessary to teach him to stay alone for a few hours, whether he is a puppy or an adult. This is an essential step in your education in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when opening the front door when you return… “We must act”
warns veterinarian Laétitia Barlerin in “Hello! La Matinale TF1”, this Wednesday April 1.
“For him to accept being alone, he needs to be a little more independent”
she notes, explaining that we must avoid mothering him too much. The idea is not to reject him either, but to be a little less available. “Don’t systematically respond to his requests for cuddles, games, outings…”
advises the veterinarian, for example. You can also gradually accustom him to solitude by closing the doors when you are in a different room from him, like when you are getting ready in the bathroom for example. “Even if it whines or scratches, you don’t open it and you continue to ignore it even when you reopen”
adds the columnist.
Why does a dog do stupid things when he is alone?
A dog who does stupid things when he is alone is not doing it out of revenge. “Either he’s bored or he’s anxious.”
insists the veterinarian. This is why there is no point in punishing him. “This is the big mistake not to make: it is an a posteriori punishment which does not solve anything at all”
she explains. Arguing or punishing the dog for something stupid done in your absence is a counterproductive act which will further stress the animal.
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What to do when you leave the house?
First, you must not give in to the temptation to comfort him. Even if you hear him barking when you leave, you must not go back. “Otherwise, he will understand that you are coming back as soon as he starts screaming”
notes the veterinarian who also recommends banning theatrical farewells which can also distress the furry one.
Instead, plan a good walk before your departure so that you spend it well. “He will only want one thing: to sleep”
explains Latitia Barlerin. To reassure him, you can also create a comfortable cocoon for him with his basket and his belongings in a closed room. “The more we restrict the space, the more it soothes the dog”
she recalls, while advising him to provide him with chewing to keep him occupied. Giving him a stuffed kong or a natural chew will help distract him, while associating your departure with something positive.
