We bring our dogs on adventures as often as we can, but we know not every outing is dog friendly. The idea of having to spend less time around our dogs can be an upsetting thought, but there is nothing wrong with our dogs staying home and having a bit of space from us. This is especially true when we have done our job to set them up for success while we are away.

What success looks like from dog to dog can be vastly different depending on the dog's age, breed, household, and behavior. Here are our tips for keeping dogs happy and safe at home when alone!

There are many dangers within a household. An easy way to prevent your dog from getting into dangerous situations when you are not around to supervise them is to contain them.

• Crates—secure and comfortable, every dog needs their den. When used and introduced correctly, the dog crate should act as a den, which is necessary for dog husbandry. The den acts as a safe space for a dog, which allows them to retreat from uncomfortable situations. A great benefit of the crate is no missed training moments. When outside of the crate, unsupervised dogs can engage in behaviors that can be very gratifying and self-rewarding. This includes negative and bad behavior that are typically corrected. If we cannot supervise and redirect undesirable behavior, our dogs will be able to reinforce their own behavior. Learn more about our crate training tips here.
• Dog Gates—If crate training isn’t the direction you want to go, some people use dog gates to create barriers throughout the home for extra dog confinement. Gates come in a large variety. Some mount to the wall while others are on stands to prop them up. With a gate, you can turn any space into a confinement area. Mature dogs enjoy the comfort of a familiar room while ensuring that they safe from areas that may be hazardous.
• Playpens—Another alternative to the crate that provides the same confinement with less coverage and more room to move freely. Playpens come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, making them flexible and easy to place anywhere throughout the home. Picking the best option for your dog’s age and breed is very important.
• Closed doors—Some pet owners choose to simply keep their dogs behind closed doors. Similar to using gates, shutting the door behind them turns any room into a confinement area. Like the other options, you should ensure that this is the most comfortable and safe situation for your dog. Note: Some dogs that do well with dog gates do not do well with actual doors shut as it can induce anxiety.

If you are not using a crate for confinement, it's important to comb over the location where you plan on keeping your dog and find all hazardous items. Try to think like your dog when looking at the environment. Ask yourself what they may consider a toy, food, or a fun distraction.

Examples of hazards to think about:

• Chemicals and cleaning products
• Electrical cords
• Unsecured furniture
• Other pets—make sure each pet’s space is respected if home alone
• Dog items—most dog toys and supplies are meant to be used while under the supervision of a human. Especially if your dog is a chewer, it’s best to leave them with nothing they could choke on.

Confinement and hazardous items are not the only things we have to worry about when it comes to keeping our dogs safe and healthy while alone. Consider these other factors to help you determine what confinement style may help your

dog:

• Behavioral Problems—Dogs that are battling anxiety and separation anxiety need the assistance of behavior specialists to ensure you do not worsen their anxiety. Anxiety can manifest in destructive behavior such as excessive barking, chewing, scratching, compulsive behaviors, indoor urination, and escaping. If your dog is already known to suffer from anxiety of any level, please consult a professional.
• Beating Boredom—Some behavioral issues that come about during confinement are linked to the lack of mental and physical stimulation. Some dogs may be okay with lounging on the couch for eight hours while you're away, but most dogs need something to keep them busy in their bouts of boredom. As we mentioned with crate training, dog toys can be enriching to a bored dog.
• Dog Walker—Another great way to break up the day for your dog is to hire a certified professional dog walker. By hiring a true professional, you will be able to let your dog get out of the house and engage in physical activity while also getting to socialize with another trusted human. This will also give your dog a moment to get outside to enjoy the sunshine and go potty. Depending on who you find as a dog walker, they may also offer individual play sessions, socialization with other dogs, day trips to parks for hiking, or other adventures. It's important to understand that pet care in the US is unregulated, so do your homework to ensure you are hiring a certified, experienced, and insured pet-care professional.