A lot of the problems dogs can have when they are left home alone come from having a lot of pent-up energy and no constructive way to use it. The solution is to ensure that your dog gets plenty of exercise.
Once you and your dog have learned to walk nicely together, get in the habit of going for a walk before you leave for work and again when you get home. You’ll thank your dog when you notice how much better you feel after a few weeks of this routine! You start your morning with a healthy activity that gets you in touch with nature (or your neighborhood, if you’re surrounded by concrete). You decompress after work while sharing quality time with your dog. Meanwhile, the dog is happy and healthy. It’s a win-win solution!
If you haven’t learned to walk together, invest the time now. You’ll be glad you did.
Of course, running and playing are also good exercise. If you can reliably recall your dog, you can let her run almost anywhere there’s enough space. If you and your dog haven’t learned recall yet, stick to fenced-in places to keep her safe. Throwing a ball or a stick will get your dog moving, and you’ll get tired of the game long before she does.
When you have to be gone all day, I strongly recommend that you pay someone to walk your dog at midday. We have a nice young woman who walks both our dogs at lunchtime for only $10 a day. That’s a really good rate; I think we get it because we’re easy and regular, and because this dog walker has other clients in the neighborhood.
Poke around your neighborhood to see what the possibilities are. Is there a college student or a stay-at-home mom who could get your dog out for half an hour in the middle of the day? Can you join with other dog people to make it worth a dog walker’s while to cover your neighborhood at a discounted price? (Having a dog gives you lots of ways to make people connections!)
No one likes to be cooped up all day. Giving your dog plenty of exercise will help her stay happy and calm when she’s home alone.
