Help your dog stop crying when left alone

1. Set a reliable daily routine.

Some newly adopted dogs may vocalize at first when they are left alone, as they are getting used to their new home. Even dogs you’ve had for a while can be upset by changes in their routine, such as your work hours changing, a new roommate, etc. which can lead to dog crying.  Put your dog on a very consistent, reliable routine and giving him time to adjust – at least one week of the same schedule (of eating, playing, & exercise) every day. That includes weekend days! Even if your hour-by-hour schedule varies day to day, try to make sure your dog’s stays the same.

2. Give regular daily exercise.

Unspent energy builds up in a dog and needs to come out somehow. Better it be running around the block with you, then singing the classics while you’re gone!  Take him for a walk right before you leave. Or engage in an intense play session or other exercise. Make it long enough to tire him out, so he’ll be more likely to sleep while you are gone. And guess what – exercise releases serotonin in a dog’s brain, just like in humans! Serotonin causes a happy calming feeling, and exercise is a way to get it instantly and safely into your dog’s brain, without giving him any drugs. Check out our article about ways to exercise with your dog to get more fun ideas (ever tried Doga?) and eliminate dog crying.

3. Leave the TV or radio on when you leave.

A talk radio station or a news TV channel with people talking general works the best. Put the volume as loud as people would be talking in your home. If you have a CD player, definitely check out Through A Dog’s Ear — the Adopt-a-Pet.com staff uses this to ease dog crying and it really helps!

4. Give him a “food puzzle” toy.

Give it to him right before you go, so he will be busy trying to get the food out of them while you are gone. Make sure you get the right size toy for your size dog. Even better, buy four or more different toys, and rotate, so one “new” one each day, putting the “old” one away.Take a look at our Puzzle Toys Pinterest board for inspiration on recipes, DIY toy making, and more.

5. Desensitize him to your leaving.

You want to “fake” him out the next dozen times you leave to start addressing the dog crying behavior. Only go down the hallway to your front door, or down the driveway, then come back… then go down the hallway/block and wait 5 minutes, then come back… then actually leave. He will then think that you are coming back right away and will be less likely to cry. Make sure to combine this with #6….

6. Don’t make a big deal about leaving.

When you are getting ready to leave, gather up your things and leave as if you are coming right back – NO hugs, kisses, or dramatic farewell. Don’t say “Goodbye sweetie pie! It will be OK! Mommy will be back soon!” This just gives him a huge alert that you’re leaving, possibly forever – an hour can feel like forever to a dog!

7. Don’t make a big deal when you come home.

Follow the same low-key no big deal when you return. This is the hardest for humans! Ignore any attention-seeking (jumping, going crazy) and only reward your dog with calm love and affection when they are ALSO calm, at least 5 minutes after you’ve come home.