Your work day is too long for your dog

18. Nov 2024

6 min

”I’ll be back.”

Maybe you and your dog follow a fixed routine when you are leaving your home to go to work, completed by a treat and a calm repetition of the same words every day.

That is a good idea, because routines give your four-legged friend peace of mind, which means you will not have to worry about going to work. Or do you?

"Above all, the dog prefers to be with its pack or owner all the time. Being alone is not natural for a dog. They are bred to be with their owners and going back even just 50 years, they were a much greater part of our lives," says Jens Jokumsen, pet manager, at Animal Protection Denmark.

Often, the dog can be trained to be alone part of the day, but not every dog is able to learn it.
"And even if they are, it’s important that dogs are not left alone for too long," says the pet manager, who would like to see the introduction of a Danish act similar to that of our neighbouring country.

"In Sweden, you’re not allowed to leave your dog alone for more than six hours. That’s a really good rule, because the idea of the dog not having a sense of time and that it just goes to sleep when it's alone is a complete myth."

He mentions studies which show that dogs clearly respond with more overexcited greetings when you return after six hours instead of four.

(Artiklen fortsætter efter boksen)

The popularity of working from home is beneficial to Danish dogs. This is Toffee.

Camera installed

Dogs react very differently to being alone, and the owners do not always realise the ordeal the pet is enduring:

"If you haven’t installed a camera, you can't really be sure. Because while some dogs react by howling all day long, breaking things or having accidents in the house, others just stare for hours at the door through which the owner disappeared. Or they lie trembling with fear."
Many dog owners know perfectly well that their dog is unhappy when they leave. It makes a sad face and looks downcast.

"Many dog owners see this reaction when they begin the routine that leads to leaving the dog alone."

Most people have to leave from time to time, but they should make sure that the dog is well stimulated, has been on its walk and has had experiences so that it’s mentally tired when you leave.

"And, also, don't make a big thing of your leaving."

Where are they? The recommendation is not to leave a dog alone for more than six hours.

Covid aftermath

It may particularly pose a challenge if the dog has not, as a puppy, been taught to be alone. That was the experience of many owners in connection with Covid. Once our lives went back to normal, the many new puppy owners had not always been aware of neglecting that part of the training. This was one of the reasons why many people could not cope with having a dog after all and got rid of it after the pandemic.

"We’re still contacted by people who want to get rid of often large dogs of mixed breeds and ask Animal Protection Denmark's animal shelters for help. Many people continued to breed dogs after the pandemic, but when the demand is no longer as strong, some dogs become unwanted – especially the large breeds for which it’s difficult to find a new home."

Working from home benefits the dog

Covid did something good for the dog, and that was the increased use of working from home.

"You can try to plan your days of working from home in consideration of your dog. If the dog’s been engaged in lots of activity over the weekend, it’s acceptable to leave it home alone on Monday and then work from home on Tuesday or Wednesday," according to Jens Jokumsen.

"Working from home has also provided many dog owners with an idea of their dog's daily routine. The dog may sleep until noon and then start stretching, needing stimulation and a walk."

In many families, the children are, luckily, coming home around that time, which means that the dog has company for the rest of the day.
If you have no children, but live together with a partner, you may be able to arrange slightly staggered working hours for the sake of the dog.

Bringing the dog to work

Some companies allow employees to bring their dogs to work. But in Jens Jokumsen's experience, this is not a widespread practice in Denmark.

"Often, Swedish companies, also those outside Sweden, are more open to it, because, according to their legislation, the dog must not be left alone for very long. Some Danish companies appreciate the value of it too, but certain considerations are required. Not everyone likes dogs, or they may be allergic."

"You should keep in mind that it’s not a human right to have a dog.”

- Jens Jokumsen, Animal Protection Denmark

Have you got the time?

If you either cannot or will not make sure that the dog is not alone for too long, Jens Jokumsen thinks you should not get one:

"Choosing to have a dog and spending time with it is a lifestyle. Even if you come home after five or six hours of work, you can’t leave again in the evening to go to the theatre or the like, because that’ll leave the dog without company for a great many hours."

He says that Danes want the best for their dogs; they spend a lot of time on training and buy many things for them:

"We want our dogs to be happy, but many owners run into problems. And if you don't have time for the dog, don't get one. "You should keep in mind that it’s not a human right to have a dog.”

Dog home alone

It takes time to gradually teach a dog to be home alone.

Make sure the dog has been taken out before you leave – not just to relieve itself, but to sniff and have a long walk with you to ensure it is mentally tired.

In total, a dog must go on at least three half-hour walks a day.
Mark the dog’s alone time in the same calm manner every day, for example using treats and the same phrase when you leave – and without fussing over the dog.

Keeping a light on and the low speech from a radio may feel calming to some dogs.

Arrange for the dog to go to daycare or have a walk during the day if you are away for more than six hours.

Animal Protection Denmark recommends that you do not leave your dog alone for more than six hours.

A survey three years ago estimated that Danes had 810,000 dogs – a significant increase since 2000 when we owned 585,000 dogs. The dog has since 2000 been more popular than the cat, which previously held the leading position.