Critter Chatter

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Dear Critter Chatter,

As summer vacation draws to a close, our family is worried about our newly adopted dog. We adopted him in June and have been home with him all summer. Now I go back to work and the kids go back to school. He will be alone for most of the day. Our dog is used to having us home almost all of them time and we are all concerned about him being left home alone. Any suggestions?

– Mirror Reader

Dear Reader,

Had you e-mailed me a bit sooner, we could have done some 'home-alone' trial runs with a time build up throughout July and August, but such is life and we will move forward from where we are now.

There are a number of things you can do (and not do) to make the transition easier for your dog.

• Hire a dog walker.

• Make the time to be sure your dog receives exercise and a chance to go to the bathroom before you leave.

• Young puppies should not be left alone for more than a few hours at a time.

• Consider crate training. His needs to be done in stages. It's vitally important that you research and read about how to properly crate train your dog before you start. Many dogs are kept in crates for far too long. However, if used properly, a crate can be an effective training aid.

• Dog proof your home by closing doors, blocking off access to stairs and locking cupboards that contain cleaners.

• Do not leave your dog outside in the yard as dogs left alone outside generally develop issues such as barking, digging and chewing. - Leave your dog with interactive toys.

• Be sure your dog has access to fresh water.

• Consider leaving on the TV or radio.

• Don't make a big fuss about leaving. This can actually cause excitement and anxiety for your dog.

• Consider putting him in doggy daycare a few days per week.

• Never punish your dog if you come home and find something chewed on or knocked over or if he has gone to the washroom inside. Getting mad or trying to teach the dog a lesson hours after the fact is only going to confuse and stress your dog. It's unfair to expect the dog to know why you are upset. He's happy you are home and if you respond in an annoyed manner, he may become more anxious when he is left alone next time.

• Be sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation when you are home. Play ball or Frisbee with him or join an obedience or sports class.

Questions or concerns about pets and other critters can be e-mailed to Lorraine at LHH4DOGS@rogers.com