8 stress-free solutions for leaving your puppy home alone while you’re at work

Leaving your precious puppy alone at home while you head to work can feel like a heart-wrenching decision.

But, let’s get real, we all have bills to pay and not all workplaces are puppy-friendly.

The good news is that there are ways to make this process less stressful for both you and your furry friend.

I’ve got eight stress-free solutions that will not only help your puppy adapt but also give you peace of mind while you’re at work.

1) Create a safe space

Your home is filled with countless household items that could potentially pose a risk to your curious puppy.

It’s therefore crucial to puppy-proof your home before leaving your bundle of joy alone.

Think of it as childproofing, but for a puppy.

Start by creating a secure, designated area for your pup.

This could be a crate or a section of the house cordoned off with baby gates.

Ensure the area has plenty of toys to keep them entertained, soft bedding for comfort, and fresh water to keep them hydrated.

The goal is to make this space feel like a safe haven for your puppy; a place where they can relax and feel secure even when you’re not around.

2) Gradual goodbyes

I found out the hard way that abrupt departures aren’t the best way to leave your puppy alone.

One day, I left my 6-month old Golden Retriever, Toby, at home while I dashed off to work.

When I returned, I found my favorite pair of shoes chewed beyond recognition.

It was clear – Toby had experienced anxiety while I was away.

That’s when I realized the importance of gradual goodbyes.

Start by leaving your puppy alone for short periods, gradually increasing the time as they get more comfortable with your absence.

An hour or two at first can be extended to a full workday over time.

Before you leave, make sure to spend some quality time with them.

A little playtime or a short walk can help them burn off some energy and keep them calm when you’re gone.

3) Make use of interactive toys

Boredom can be a major issue for puppies left alone at home.

That’s where interactive toys come into play, quite literally.

Toys that challenge your puppy mentally can keep them entertained for hours.

Treat-dispensing toys are particularly effective.

They not only entice your pup with a tasty reward but also stimulate their mind as they work out how to get the treat.

The Kong toy, for instance, is a popular choice among dog owners.

You can stuff it with your pup’s favorite treat, and they’ll spend hours trying to get it out.

But here’s the kicker: Dogs actually prefer earning treats by solving problems compared to simply being given the treats.

So not only are you keeping them occupied, you’re also satisfying their cognitive needs. Win-win!

4) Stick to a routine

Puppies, much like humans, thrive on routines.

A consistent schedule provides a sense of security and helps reduce anxiety.

Start by setting specific times for meals, walks, and playtime.

This will help your puppy know what to expect throughout the day.

Also, try to maintain the same routine even when you’re at work.

For instance, if you usually take your pup for a walk in the morning before work, continue doing so.

This will help them adjust to your work schedule and understand that you’ll be away only for a certain period.

Following a routine might seem mundane to us, but for our four-legged friends, it’s a roadmap to a relaxed and predictable day.

5) Leave behind your scent

For our puppies, we are their whole world.

Our scent is a significant source of comfort for them, creating a sense of familiarity and security.

Before you head out to work, consider leaving something behind that smells like you.

It could be a worn t-shirt or an old blanket.

This simple act can work wonders in easing your puppy’s anxiety.

It’s like leaving a piece of yourself with them, a reassurance that they’re not alone and that you’ll return.

Never underestimate the power of your scent.

To your puppy, it’s not just a smell, but a vital link to their most cherished companion – you.

6) Invest in a puppy cam

I remember the first few times I left my puppy, Cooper, at home alone.

I was constantly worried, wondering what he was doing, if he was okay, or if he had gotten into trouble.

That’s when I decided to invest in a puppy cam.

These cameras allow you to monitor your puppy from your office or while on the go.

Some even allow you to talk to your pup, giving them a familiar voice to comfort them.

Having a puppy cam not only eased my worries but also helped me understand Cooper’s behavior patterns when left alone.

This allowed me to adjust his environment and routine accordingly.

A puppy cam may be an investment, but trust me, the peace of mind it brings is worth every penny.

7) Hire a pet sitter or dog walker

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our puppies may still struggle with being alone for long periods.

In such cases, hiring a pet sitter or a dog walker can be a game-changer.

A pet sitter can provide your puppy with some much-needed company and break the monotony of the day.

They can play with your pup, feed them and ensure they’re not getting into any mischief.

On the other hand, a dog walker can help break up your puppy’s day with some outdoor fun.

This not only helps burn off energy but also provides much-needed socialization.

8) Be patient and understanding

This is perhaps the most important thing to remember: Be patient with your puppy.

They’re adjusting to a new environment and a new routine, which takes time.

Don’t be alarmed if your puppy doesn’t take to being alone right away.

It’s a process, and each puppy adjusts at their own pace.

Remember, it’s okay for them to feel a little anxious.

Your job is to reassure them that they’re safe and loved, even when you’re not there.

Above all, understand that your puppy looks to you for guidance.

Your patience and understanding during this transition period will go a long way in helping them adjust to their new routine.

Wrapping up: It’s about love

At the core of managing the challenge of leaving your puppy alone while at work is an essential emotion: love.

Leaving your puppy home alone can be a daunting task not only for your puppy but also for you.

The process might involve trial and error, adapting strategies to fit your puppy’s specific needs, and a whole lot of patience.

But all these efforts are born out of love for your furry companion.

And that’s what makes every challenge worth it.

Whether it’s creating a safe space, using interactive toys, establishing routines, employing the help of pet sitters, or investing in technology, each step you take is a testament to that bond of love and care.

In the end, it’s not just about making the separation easier for your puppy; it’s about reinforcing that bond of trust and companionship that makes our lives so much richer with them in it.

Picture of Dania Aziz

Dania Aziz

A spirited lifestyle and love advocate, who loves to explore the two to help herself and others discover what they are really searching for.

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