Left Home Alone...

This week, I tested positive for COVID. Second round of the virus, third (or fourth?) round of having to lock down and isolate. My symptoms, this time, haven’t been too bad… but the fact that I am having to be shut off to the outside world for a week?

It’s not exactly sunshine and daisies.

The spring clean out happened last round, there’s no banana bread to make in bulk, and my group of friend’s isn’t zooming on the regular to catch up. I feel very lucky that there are still books to read, social media to scroll, and the odd thing to tidy if I think hard enough.

But it got me thinking… Is there any way that this isolation contributes to some of the behaviour issues we see for dogs who are having to deal with the same situation, day in and day out? 

Let’s look at the similarities.

The highlights of my day consist of:

• when my partner returns from work and I have some social interaction (albeit across the hallway because we’re keeping distance). 
• Going outside to get some fresh air with my pup (funnily enough) - but we’re only getting one park visit and an evening walk.
• Meal time.

In between those activities, I am napping, but there are only so many hours I can do that before I am feeling restless and looking for something to do. I am watching the world go by, from the inside of a window - 9 to 5.

Now, my partner is lucky enough that I don’t have an affinity for chewing on furniture, and I am doing things that make me feel fulfilled. I’ve started a new cross stitch, almost finished my book, and listened to a huge range of podcasts…

What’s to say that if I wasn’t a dog, I wouldn’t have started doing things that made me feel good too! Things like fly chasing, neighbourhood watch, wrecking the odd sock if it hadn’t been put away.

Sometimes it can be really hard to relate and understand why our dog’s participate in behaviours - but sometimes, it really isn’t, if we put it in perspective.

We see so many dogs who are frustrated, bored, and lonely, and the highlight of their day is when you get home from work. 
They have been expected to hang out at home, and sleep, for 8 hours a day. When you get home and you’re too tired to do anything, they’re expected to rest some more while you watch your favourite show or get on with the household chores.
Why do you think they show such excitement for the leash? Or wiggle and dance when you go into the cupboard to start organising their dinner?

There are things we can do to mitigate the isolation our dogs feel when we are busy working (there’s sometimes no way around having to leave them, but we can try and make it easier!)

• Adventure walks - small groups of dogs getting picked up and dropped off and taken to exciting places 
• Breaking up your day to come home at lunchtime- not always feasible in a half hour, but some people can make it work!
• Doggie daycare - some dogs, with the right facility and amount of time, can cope, however, there are a few things to consider before immediately sending your dog to a daycare all day, every day (a blog for another time.)
• Recruiting a trusted person to come in and dog-sit. There are students who might like a study companion, or folk who want a dog but can’t have one. Try reaching out in your local community groups and see (and make sure to do your due diligence).

You can also set up your home in advance to provide games and brain work while you’re away. If you have been anywhere in the dog space online, you may have come across the word enrichment, and there’s a reason it’s getting popular. Being able to provide mental and environmental stimulation for your dog really does increase their wellbeing!

We recommend never throwing away your recycling and really getting creative, your dog will thank you for it. And luckily, there are heaps of resources online to help you get creative, like our Allsorts Canine Enrichment Activities video playlist.

And even if you can’t implement daily things, perhaps you could sign your dog up for something that becomes the highlight of their week, like a Dog Sport class. Having a weekly commitment, homework, and something to work toward is a great way to get your dog’s brain ticking, as well as building your relationship! 

As you move forward into your next working day, think about how you can help your pooch when they are left alone. My Charlie has done a great job at making sure I have routine by keeping her fed and getting her out while I’m recovering, returning the favour for all the toilet rolls I have let her find and destroy.

Our dog’s truly bring us joy, purpose, and companionship, isn’t it the least we can do to provide it back?

Authored by Sarah Endres
Dog Trainer and Behaviour Advisor