How to settle your dog back into a routine

Before leaving your dog home alone, make sure they have been well exercised. A tired dog is much happier and more likely to relax and sleep while you’re out.

Sudden change may unsettle your pooch. It is always best to slowly introduce a change of routine before it actually begins by making feeding times, toilet times, bed times etc regular and consistent.

Dogs love certainty and consistency so beginning the routine well in advance will really help.

Ease them into being left alone by making short trips in and out. For example, if you’re popping to see a friend and would normally take your dog with you, perhaps leave them this time so it’s less of a worry when you leave them to return back to work for a much longer period of time.

We encourage creating a safe space or haven for your dog such as their bed or crate where they can chill out knowing you’ll return soon.

Break up their week with extra playtime by leaving them for a day or two with friends or family who have dogs or even consider taking them to doggy day care. As much as they love you, they also enjoy playing with their canine companions, and it’s great for building their socialisation skills too.

The final and perhaps most important tip is to always be patient. It’s not something that your dog will learn overnight and the initial disruption may confuse them, but if you are calm, kind and stick with it they will adjust and quickly settle.