Retraining Your Dog with Dr. Gayle Watkins

This week on the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Dr. Gayle Watkins to discuss how to prepare your dog as our cities reopen, whether you need to retrain your dog or train a new puppy. Gayle is Good Dog’s Head of Education and the founder of Avidog.

How should you start getting your dog accustomed to staying at home alone? Start training your dog a few weeks before you intend to leave them at home so you can start with a few minutes and work up to several hours. Every time you go outside, go through the motions of grabbing your keys, putting on your shoes, etc. so your dog understands that they will be home alone. Randomize your schedule as much as you can so your dog doesn’t start predicting the exact time you will be back, which can make them more anxious as they anticipate your return. Refrain from long and emotional goodbyes and hellos, which makes your dog think that it is a big deal every time you leave the house. As always, make sure to leave them with food, water, toys, and background noise. 

What are some supplies to retrain your dog? Gayle recommends getting lots of toys such as Kongs and marrow bones to keep your dog occupied while you are gone. Dogs feel comforted hearing human voices, so leave the TV or radio on if you can. Another great investment is a play pen if you do not want to give your dog run of the house; these work especially well for puppies or small dogs. Gayle notes the importance of a pet camera, which will allow you to see how your dog acts during the day.

Gayle and Laura agree that the key to retraining your dog and minimizing their separation anxiety is to randomize their schedule and randomize the cues you give them. As long as you cue your dog that you’re leaving, don’t let them predict how long you will be gone, and make sure that they feel safe when you’re gone, your dog will be happy and well adjusted at home alone.