9 Expert Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe While You’re Away for the Day
Publish on September 19, 2023 by Ryan Castillo
Leaving music on for your dog can provide a soothing and comforting environment, helping alleviate anxiety or loneliness when they’re home alone. The calming tunes can also distract, reducing the likelihood of boredom-related destructive behavior and promoting a more relaxed state of mind for your furry companion.
“Leaving music on for your pets when they are alone can help with boredom, enrichment, separation anxiety, and noise sensitivity with the power of music,” says The Savvy Sitter. “Long periods of silence may cause your pet to become sensitive to noise. Even small sounds can become sudden and unexpected sounds to them. And those noises may often cause your pet to be fearful of similar sounds, such as fireworks and thunder. Besides toys and treats, the best aid is a calming sound or white noise.”
5. Don’t leave your dog in your yard
“Heading out for the day? Do not leave your dog in your yard unsupervised. With the unpredictable weather, other animals, and hidden environmental hazards, it isn’t a safe option when you are away,” states Jaci Craft, Operations Manager of Whiskers to Tails Petsitting in Twin Cities, MN.
6. Understand where your dog is at
“To keep your dog safe when you are not home depends on your dog. If you have an older dog who is acquainted with your home, leaving him or her loose to roam and relax wherever they like might be fine. If you have a dog who is new to you and your home, you will want to manage their space; it will be a good idea to create a safe place where there is nothing your dog can chew up or swallow, and if he or she soils in the area it will not ruin any rugs or furniture,” regards Pawsibilities Training & Behavior.
By ensuring your dog does not have access to chew furniture or soil in the wrong place, you are setting him or her up for success, and you will be less frustrated, too.
6. Understand where your dog is at
“To keep your dog safe when you are not home depends on your dog. If you have an older dog who is acquainted with your home, leaving him or her loose to roam and relax wherever they like might be fine. If you have a dog who is new to you and your home, you will want to manage their space; it will be a good idea to create a safe place where there is nothing your dog can chew up or swallow, and if he or she soils in the area it will not ruin any rugs or furniture,” regards Pawsibilities Training & Behavior.
By ensuring your dog does not have access to chew furniture or soil in the wrong place, you are setting him or her up for success, and you will be less frustrated, too.
8. Utilize baby and dog fences
Using dog or baby gates helps create designated, secure areas for your dogs, preventing them from accessing potentially hazardous areas or rooms with restricted access.
“Keeping your dogs safe at home while you leave the house can sometimes be nerve-wracking and difficult, but we use a few tactics that seem to help best. Using baby/dog fences that act as a barrier and can give them more freedom than a crate, but also confined to one place that helps keep them safe,” states ScooperDude.