The summer holidays are over and everyday life has us back. For us humans that means the office, school and appointments. For many dogs it means: suddenly being alone again. For weeks there was always someone around, on hikes, at the lake, in the garden. And now the front door closes and everything goes quiet. Our Vico knows the feeling too: after two weeks of constant company, he looked at us on the first day back at work as if we had taken his bowl away. With a little planning, though, the transition goes surprisingly well.
Why being alone is hard after the holidays
Dogs are creatures of habit. During the holidays the pack was together around the clock, and that constant presence quickly becomes the new normal for the dog. When everyday life returns, their daily routine changes from one day to the next. Even a dog that happily stayed alone for four hours before the holidays often has to practise it again afterwards. That is not disobedience and not a step backwards in training, but a normal reaction to an abrupt change.
Rebuild it step by step
The most important principle: start small. In the first few days, deliberately leave the house for short periods, ten minutes to check the letterbox, half an hour for the shopping. If that goes calmly, gradually extend your absences. You can also practise at home: now and then close the door behind you when you go into another room, so that closeness does not become a permanent condition.
Just as important is how you say goodbye. Keep your farewell brief and low-key, and greet your dog warmly on your return, but without a big fuss. The more ordinary your comings and goings are, the less significance the moment holds for your dog. It also helps to defuse fixed triggers: if shoes and keys announce your departure every time, pick them up now and then without actually leaving.
Activities that help with being alone
A dog that has had enough exercise sleeps; a bored one finds a job of its own, if in doubt on your shoe rack. Plan a walk before you leave and give your dog time to settle afterwards. For the time alone, food toys have proven their worth because they keep the head and nose busy. The Pawzzle Treats (CHF 24.95) rolls and wobbles at every touch and only releases the treats once your dog has worked out how. That keeps even clever dogs occupied for a good while. Vico now pushes his red Pawzzle around the flat with impressive stamina.
A calmer option is the SchleckSpass lick mat (CHF 19.95): wet food, yoghurt or quark is spread over the silicone surface and your dog licks it out at their own pace. Licking has a calming effect on many dogs, exactly what you want before leaving them alone. If you want to make it last longer, put the prepared mat in the freezer for an hour beforehand. Two things go with it: test every new toy under supervision first, and deduct the treats you use from the daily food ration. You will find more ideas in our Pet toys collection and in the article Rainy weather: how to keep your dog meaningfully busy indoors.
Resting place and routine
Set up a fixed retreat for your dog where they can lie undisturbed: free of draughts, not in a walkway, with fresh water within reach. Many dogs relax more easily when quiet everyday sounds remain; a radio at room volume can soften the sudden silence. And keep the daily rhythm as stable as possible: walks, feeding and rest at similar times give your dog orientation, especially in the adjustment phase after the holidays.
When to get support
If your dog remains clearly stressed despite patient training, it is worth taking a closer look. Persistent barking or howling, scratched doors, panting, drooling or house soiling can be signs of genuine separation stress. A camera helps you judge what your dog actually does while you are away: some dogs whine for two minutes and then fall asleep, others never settle at all. In the second case, your best move is to get support from an experienced dog trainer or your vet, because pronounced separation anxiety cannot be solved with toys alone, but it can be tackled well with professional guidance.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a dog be left alone?
There is no fixed rule. As a rough guide, four to six hours is considered reasonable for adult, well-practised dogs. Puppies and young dogs can stay alone for considerably less time and need to build up in small steps.
Does it help to really tire the dog out beforehand?
Exercise before being left alone makes sense; getting your dog wildly wound up right before you leave does not. Ideal is a walk with time to sniff, followed by half an hour of rest, so that your dog stays behind relaxed rather than overexcited.
My dog barks as soon as I am gone. What now?
Take a step back in training and practise shorter absences that your dog can still handle calmly. Use a camera to check whether they settle down. If the barking goes on for a long time or your dog shows other signs of stress, bring in a professional.
