what can i do so my dog doesnt seem so lonely while i am at work?

Answer 1

Adopt him a little brother or sister to keep him company.

Answer 2

Hi Eric, I'm a professional librarian AND a dog lover who has a dog with "Separation Anxiety," which is what it sounds like your dog has.

I did a lot of research when Zeke was first diagnosed--and I'll copy one good article for you here that I found in Dogworld from May 2003 that has some good advice:

"What happens to your dog when you leave for the day? For some dogs, it's not that big a deal. But for others, it's a very big deal and a behavioral issue called separation anxiety.

“People and dogs are highly social animals that naturally experience some stress when isolated from companions,” says Benjamin L. Hart, DVM, DACVB, Ph.D., University of California, Davis, author of several books on animal behavior.

It's not clear why some dogs develop separation anxiety while others do not. In Canine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians, Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, DACVB, department of small animal medicine and surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, says that dogs with separation anxiety are three times more likely to have come from a shelter than dogs with other behavioral problems. This suggests these dogs may form stronger attachments to their owners and may be predisposed to anxiety when separated from them.

They express anxiety in a number of ways, including inappropriate urination or defecation, excessive barking or other vocalization, destructive chewing, digging, self-mutilation, and overactive greetings when the owner returns. When observed alone by video cameras, these dogs also exhibit physiological signs of anxiety, including trembling, excessive salivation, panting, and an increased respiratory rate.

A diagnosis is made by examining the dog's history and by ruling out other medical conditions. For example, a dog with a urinary tract infection can sometimes urinate in the house. A history may show that a dog started showing signs of separation anxiety soon after the owner began spending more time away from home.

The goal of treatment is to lessen the dog's anxiety. Ways to do this include using a dog sitter, leaving on a radio or TV set, a dog gate, outdoor pen or even taking the dog to work, says Melissa Bain, DVM, DACVB, and a clinician at UC Davis. “Doggie daycare centers are a wonderful option for those lucky enough to live in the vicinity of such a center,” says Bain.

With anxious dogs, it is important to avoid punishment because it increases the dog's anxiety level. Long-term treatment often involves desensitizing the dog to the owner's absence. This is done gradually and takes a committed owner. A veterinarian or an animal-behavior specialist can establish a plan for systematic desensitization. Behavior modification medications are available, but they must be used judiciously. The medication must match each dog's needs, taking into account any health concerns.

There is no known prevention for this condition, but creating a positive and healthy relationship between owner and dog starting when the dog is a puppy is a step in the right direction.

Bain says it may help if the owner's departure is associated with something positive. Special treats or toys left out only when the dog is alone makes being alone a more positive experience. Nothing ensures that separation anxiety won't occur, despite an owner's best efforts, but putting the right foot forward can't hurt."

Good luck with helping your dog! BTW, your local library will have books about caring for dogs, including some that talk about dog behavioral problems like separation anxiety.

Answer 3

You can leave a radio on, or TV, so he has ambient social sounds instead of silence. There are even DVD's available with dog-friendly scenes and sounds...sounds crazy, but the dog will usually appreciate it.
You can also get a Kong toy, put a ball of frozen peanut butter in it (freeze the PB yourself...ball it up to the size of the Kong whole, and fill an ice tray with these balls of PB), and leave it with the dog when you go. He'll be busy for HOURS trying to get the slowly melting PB out of the kong.
Good luck!

Answer 4

It sounds a little odd, but tell him when you will be home, but don't make a big deal out of it. Just say "hey buddy I have togo to work now. I will be home at 6:00." It seemed to help my dog.
Or you can turn the tv or some music on for him. they hear the voices and it is comforting for them.

Answer 5

Leave one of your shoes around, so that he/she can tear it to pieces as revenge for being left alone! ;)

A favorite toy or two did wonders to keep my dogs preoccupied (my father spoiled our last dog with, literally, dozens of toys; FWIW, although she played with all of them at some point, she liked only one or two!).

If you have a trusty neighbor, have them drop by to check-up on or play with the dog or take it for a walk (just as a warning: long ago, we had a very good neighbor's kid take care of our dog while we were on a two-week vacation. Unfortunately, he also took care of another neighbor's dog, and our dog bit the kid (it was more of a nip than a bite; it didn't even break the skin; no excuses . . . I'm just saying!). Much to everyone's relief, the vet said that it was a common "abandonment" reaction: our dog thought that we had abandoned her, and, upon smelling the other dog on our friend, thought the kid was going to abandon her, as well).

Some cats and dogs like to listen to radios and TV! But, they can experience fear or violent reactions due to certain sounds, such as thunder, doorbells, guns, bells, whistles, other animals, etc. So, you might come home and find a very frantic pet!

FWIW, as long as your home doesn't look like a hurricane swept through it when you come home (i.e., the dog didn't tear the place to pieces in your absence), I wouldn't worry about it. House pets are pretty much used to being left alone for short periods of time. Of course, you should leave clean newspaper, in case of calls-to-nature accidents!

Answer 6

Keep the dog occupied while you are gone. Leave plenty of toys out for him to play with (a kong and a bit of peanut butter can be hours of fun for your dog). When you get home, be sure to spend a good 2 hours of so exercizing him, going over commands, and grooming. As long as your dog gets plenty of attention when you get home, and has plenty to do while your gone he should be fine.

Answer 7

leave on the radio or tv.
prepare a special toy or activity for when you are gone, such as stuffing a kong.
consider crate training- sometimes dogs with separation anxiety do better in a small cozy confined place because they feel safer than being in the whole house or outside.

Answer 8

Give him a Kong type toy with treats in it to keep him busy for awhile. Give him interactive toys to keep him busy. It may sound strange, but having another dog can help as they keep each other company.

Answer 9

Leave the TV on. Someone told me this and I thought they were crazy. I tried it and I was amazed. My dog actually watched it! Maybe it will help your dog too.

Answer 10

get him many exciting toys!

also, get bones that lasts forever and ever.

play/ spend more time with the dog when ur at home so that he wont get too depressed.