How long is too long to leave pets at home? DEAR PAW’S CORNER: My neighbor across the hall confronted me yesterday, accusing me of mistreating my dog. She said that “Cookie” whines and barks for hours whenever I am gone, and that I need to take him with me rather than leave him alone in the apartment. I work full-time at an office that doesn’t allow dogs. When I travel, I take Cookie to a sitter. But is 8 to 10 hours away too long for a dog? Gerald in Brooklyn DEAR GERALD: Dogs aren’t always happy about their owners going away for 8 hours a day. They can develop separation anxiety. This can manifest as nonstop barking, whining or even acting out (like destroying your slippers, pooping in the living room or worse).
Try counterconditioning, a training method recommended by the ASPCA in its article “Separation Anxiety.” Each time you leave home, give your dog a treat or a puzzle toy with treats inside (which will keep him occupied for several minutes). When you get home, put the toy out of sight. The idea is that Cookie will associate your leaving with an enjoyable treat.
