Secret lives of dogs – five home alone dog habits explained
From sneaky and cheeky to weird and wacky, these are the doggie, and sometimes dodgy, shenanigans your pooch may indulge in when they’re left at home on their own.
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We’re a bona fide dog-loving nation. They share our homes and sleep on our beds, but how much do we really know about our beloved pets?
Most of us are pretty sketchy when it comes to knowing the ins and outs of their behaviour, in particular what they get up to when we’re not around. To help explain some of the surprising habits of our canine companions, we’ve deferred to the experts.
From sneaky and cheeky, to weird and wacky; read on for seven doggie shenanigans your pooch may indulge in when they’re left home alone.
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SNEAKS A LIE-IN
If you’ve barred him or her from sharing your bed yet return home to find a few telltale dog hairs under the covers, it’s a clear sign that your pet might be flaunting the rules when left to their own devices.
“Dogs have been selectively bred to be ‘man’s best friend’,” explains Katie Catherwood, founder and dog coach at Heads & Tails Pet Care Services.
“If left alone for long periods of time feelings of loneliness and isolation can develop, and one of the ways they cope with this is to surround themselves with your smell – and your bed is obviously particularly pungent.”
EATS SHOES
Ever returned to the house to discover shoes shredded? Though not confined only to footwear, dogs left on their own can develop a serious appetite for destruction. But contrary to popular belief, they aren’t doing this out of spite or revenge for being left alone.
“There’s a very strong link between dog destruction and a lack of exercise – but not for the reason you may think,” says Katie.
“While a cardio workout is important, arguably the most beneficial aspect of a dog’s daily walk is the mental stimulation that comes along with it.
“Without this opportunity, dogs will find other ways to relax – the very act of chewing releases endorphins, so dogs who are gnawing away in your absence may be doing this in an innocent attempt to chill out.”
TWITCHES CURTAINS
It’s not only nosy neighbours who indulge in a bit of curtain twitching. Leave your pooch alone for the day and chances are they’ll turn into a solo version of the local neighbourhood watch.
The canine who peers out of the window does so for a few different reasons: they might be waiting for you to return, they may be bored (the window provides entertainment), or – for barking dogs – they may be protecting their territory.
“Dogs who assign themselves the role of ‘sentry’ aren’t on a power trip,” explains Katie.
“In contrast, they’re often insecure and genuinely believe their behaviour – barking at passers-by – is a survival mechanism.”
INDULGES IN NETFLIX AND CHILL
Forget to turn the TV off when you leave, or feel guilt tripped into giving Rex a potential boredom reliever? Studies have shown that dogs cannot only watch TV, but they can recognise sounds as well as images of other animals.
“They don’t quite see the same variety of colours that we do,” explains Katie. “But there’s certainly enough to provide good entertainment value.
As for what dogs like to watch, at this stage the experts say this is totally up to the individual animal, with different personalities preferring different shows!”
DIGS A HOLE
Though a dog consistently digging up your backyard may be exasperating, there is method behind this seeming madness.
In fact, there are several reasons why your pet may decide to tunnel when you’re not there to keep them in check.
Soil can contain minerals they may be lacking in their diet; the ground is cooler a few inches below the surface, so if it’s particularly hot outside they may entrench themselves in earth to cool off; some dogs dig to alleviate boredom; some dig to hide their toys from other dogs; and some will burrow if they smell or hear something underground, such as a small animal or insect.
Originally published as Secret lives of dogs – five home alone dog habits explained
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