If you follow me on Instagram or SnapChat, you’ve probably seen a time or two when I’ve come home and found my things scattered across the floor. Sometimes I wake up in the morning to get ready for work, and find everything in the bathroom trash can all over the bathroom floor. NuNu is always the blame. Mr. Blakes is convinced that she is just being destructive. But after doing a little research, I believe she is acting out of loneliness.
NuNu definitely suffers from loneliness or separation anxiety, even when I’m the only one who is away. I noticed that as soon as I come home from work, or come back from a trip, she hasn’t touched her food or water. She almost chokes trying to eat and drink once she feels I’m home to stay. Do you notice the same things with your dog?
If you see any of these five signs, your dog just might be lonely:
- Not eating or drinking
- Acting out
- Going to the potty
- Barking or howling
- Hiding
Create a safe zone for your dog and make it a pleasant place to go. It could be their crate or their favorite bed, complete with toys and treats – or even treat-dispensing toys. Starting training your dog to go to the safe zone even when you are home, and to stay there when you leave that area of your home. This will help them get used to your absence, and assure them that it is only temporary.
If you are able to come home during a break from work, or use a dog-sitting service like Rover.com where you can arrange for someone to stop by and entertain or walk you dog. I used this service personally for a date night, and NuNu really enjoyed herself.
Until we can take our dogs everywhere with us, there will be times when we have to leave them home alone. By recognizing they get lonely, and preparing for it, you can minimize the amount of stress they experience.
Hi, I’m Jonna. Welcome to naturally-glam.com where I share how I balance my life as a mother, wife, and influencer.
Good advice, Jonna! We have a Golden Retriever, and we tricked out her crate a long time ago. She loves her space. She has a faux fur bed, toys, and an occasional treat. She loves it so much that she lets us know when she’s ready to head to her retreat. They will always miss us, but it’s nice knowing that they’ll be comfy ’til we get home.
Awesome info to know. I have a Yorkie… he doesn’t exhibit any of these behaviors but my cat does … raiding the trash
This is good info to know so I can keep my eye out
This was an interesting post for me, because I’ve never had a dog. However I can see how a dog can get lonely.
Our son is asking for a dog. I figure when he’s about 10 years old that will be a good age to handle the responsibilities of a pet. And as you point out, you have to care for them emotionally.
I don’t have a dog and don’t plan on getting one but I enjoyed this. It’s cute that dogs can process emotions like humans.
Great Advice. Puppy parks are awesome too!
Girl I never had a dog in my life so I didnt think this was possible. I guess dogs are like kids though.
No dog here but how cute is this. I suppose dogs like people do get lonely and need attention.
Being a pet owner is a huge commitment and although I miss having Prince, I know that it would be selfish of me to get a new dog. I wouldn’t want them going through separation anxiety because I am out of the house a LOT.
I dont have a dog but I can see how dogs can get lonely. Have you thought about getting him a dog friend?
great tips! your dog is so cute. I have seen dogs that do not eat and their owners state its normal. I never thought it was normal for a dog not to eat as much but now it makes sense that it is because they are lonely
Awww NuNu! These are great tips! My dog is crate trained but when we get home he is ready to play! Thanks for these tips
I have a cockapoo who just turned 1 a month ago. He gets very lonely and bored and we decided that in a few months we will be getting him a “brother”. He gets very lonely and will even attempt to play with himself. He will stand at the top of the stairs with his ball and drop it down the stairs and chase after it.