My friend Joe is a radio personality. When his dog Cassie was still alive, he would leave the radio on for her when he was going to be on the air. I don’t know if she was a classic rock lover (we worked at the same classic rock station in Vermont) but Cassie seemed to appreciate the company.
The American Kennel Club website had a poll up a few weeks ago about leaving your dog home alone. The questions (and results) got me thinking. “When I leave my house for a few hours, which of the following am I sure to do so my dog is most comfortable?” Possible answers (you could pick more than one) included leaving a light on, leaving the television or radio on, providing extra food or treats, and making sure the dog’s favorite toy was available.
The two most popular choices? Leaving a light on and making sure your pup has his or her favorite toy. Both had around thirty percent of the vote, though the toy was a little more popular. The extra snacks came in last — that one definitely wouldn’t work in my house. As soon as the food was out, Moose would probably gobble it all down and leave none for Lally.
When I’m going out, I don’t usually leave the television or radio on for Moose and Lally. They don’t seem all that impressed by the music, the programming, or the company. What they like best is to have a window to sit by — in my apartment in Vermont, they would sit on the bed and look out the window all day. I could see their noses pressed against the glass when I pulled into the driveway.
Some dogs with separation anxiety do well with some kind of distraction when the family is gone. Whether you choose a favorite toy, a special treat, or the noise of the TV or radio, it may help ease your lonely pup’s anxiety and boredom.
So what do you do for your dog when you leave him or her at home alone?
For further reading:
- Franklin doesn’t have to stay home anymore
- Separation anxiety: Merlin
- Separation anxiety: Lily
- Take your dog to work day