Do you leave your dog alone at home when you go to work? Ever wondered what your dog might be doing while you’re away? While cats are often seen as cunning, dogs are sometimes considered troublemakers. If you have cameras throughout your home, you might have witnessed some of the peculiar things your dog does. But do they enjoy these activities? Let’s explore the habits dogs may indulge in when they’re left home alone.
Natural Chewing Behaviors
For dogs, chewing is a natural behavior that serves multiple purposes, including alleviating boredom, reducing anxiety, and maintaining dental health. However, some dogs may turn to chew on inappropriate items such as furniture, shoes, or household goods when left alone. To redirect this behavior, provide appropriate chew toys and ensure the area is free of valuable or hazardous items.
Exploring Furnishings
When left alone, dogs often explore the furniture. They climb on couches, chairs, and beds, eager to survey their surroundings. This behavior helps them feel comfortable and allows them to mix their scent with yours, marking their territory. Even enclosed spaces can attract dogs on a covert mission to find their humans, often defying orders in the process.
Practicing Canine Yoga
Some dogs may find calmness through a form of canine yoga. When their human friends leave, they roll out their mats and perform gentle stretches, enjoying each pose in silence. This practice helps them find balance and grace, filling their hearts even when the house is empty.
Seeking Comfort in Clothes
Dogs often seek comfort in their owners’ clothes. They hide in piles of cloth ing or under old couches, finding solace in familiar scents and textures. This behavior allows them to feel close to their owners, even in their absence.
Attentive Listening
With their keen sense of hearing, dogs pick up on a variety of sounds around them. When alone, they may pay close attention to birds singing, leaves rustling, or noises from nearby streets or homes, staying alert to their environment.
Barking and Vocalizing
While some dogs remain quiet when left alone, others may bark or make noise in response to various stimuli. This can happen when they hear unfamiliar noises, feel threatened, or experience separation anxiety. Excessive barking can be both a nuisance and an indication of the dog’s distress.
Exploring Their Environment
Dogs are naturally curious creatures. When home alone, they might explore their surroundings, sniff around different rooms, investigate corners, and check out objects they overlooked when their owners were present. This exploration satisfies their curiosity and provides new sensory experiences.
Taking Naps
Dogs are crepuscular, meaning their circadian rhythms are active during twilight hours. However, many dogs prefer to nap or relax during the day when left alone. Dogs typically sleep for about 12 hours a day, but this can vary based on breed and age. Being alone gives them ample time to rest, especially during daylight hours.
By understanding these behaviors, dog owners can better cater to their pets’ needs, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment while they are away.