How to Keep Your Pet out of Mischief while You are Away at Work

You are not going to find many mischief makers equivalent to pet pooches or cats in creating havoc throughout the living arrangement while you are away. Horror stories abound of a dog or feline pet shredding linens, digging through plush piles of carpeting, scratching beautiful wood doors, and devouring clothing and shoes.

So how do we keep our pets from getting into serious mischief while we are away at work? Following are some suggestions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Persistence in getting your pet to behave while you are away at work.

1. Here is the good news. From a behavioral standpoint, most dogs and cats are very adaptable. Our friendly trouble makers can learn to live within the boundaries of their master's schedules and work life. If you can be inventive and are determined, your pet's tendency to get into trouble while you are away can be put to a halt!

2. The first thing you need to learn is that your dog's or cat's outlandish shennanigans are a result of anxiety or boredom. Therefore, if you deal with the true underlying problem of their unacceptable behavior, you will be able to put an end to this pattern.

3. Recognize dogs have a hard time being left home alone. The dog is very social and being without company goes against the dog's natural instinct. Also, since they are not trained to use litter boxes, like the cat, many times they must rely on their owner's schedule in order to take pre-determined walks.
   
   Most dogs cause mischief right after their owner leaves or shortly before he or she returns from work.

4. Things can be made worse on our best friends as we as humans tend to make our exits (to go to work) and entries (coming home) far more dramatic than is necessary. The best time to leave is when your dog is calm or even napping.

5. The most improper scenario of departure is to leave in a guilty fashion along with good-byes that are over-emphasized. By the same token, entering with excited hellos is just as detrimental to your pet.

6. Although your canine is excited to see you when you arrive home, you must remain as calm and low-key as you possibly can upon entry. The same should be said about your exit. The less amount of drama you put forth, the better you will make the circumstances.
   
   In doing so, you will be making the transition time before you return home easier on your dog.

7. Your dog will be extremely anxious if they see a suitcase or witness you packing; therefore, it is strongly advised that after you have your items packed that you settle things down a bit by sitting down yourself with the newspaper or book and cup of coffee. This will help both of you start the day with a more peaceful frame of mind.

8. Boredom, as well as curiosity will lead cats into trouble much more often than loneliness. (Most cats can function fine without humans for at least a day or two.) Normally, your cat will find shredding the sofa a form of entertainment or a recreational opportunity as opposed to a stress reliever.
   
   If your cat is experienceing anxiety, generally he or she will turn this behavior inward: He or she will groom himself (herself) to excess. In example, he or she may lick a patch of his or her skin bare.
   
   Also if your cat is ignoring his or her litter box, this is another tell-tale sign of anxiety.

9. Following are some suggestions in order to address your cat's boredom: Leave different rooms open for exploration and hide toys in unusual locations. In example, place a crumpled wad of paper under a rug; dangle some catnip (from above) and within your cat's grasp; or toss a small towel on their scratching post.
   
   Remember anything you can do or distraction you can create to keep your feline friend active while you are away will lessen the possibility he or she will find a less-favorable amusement.

10. Puppies and kittens face even bigger challenges if you are not home during the day. If you will not be home enough to get your puppy or kitten properly socialized, then you should consider an older animal when choosing a pet.

11. Pet sitters can be a helpful resource when it comes to younger pets. They can assist in taking your dog out for a walk; check in on your pet during the middle of the day by providing your dog or cat with some company, and giving your pet a noon-day treat. This can make an extraordinary difference for the pet having a hard time adjusting to being home alone.

12. Although a pet-sitter can provide a temporary solution, another recommendation is to find a second pet. Two cats are ideal for households where everyone works long hours. Two dogs can be good companions to one another and a dog and cat can form a friendship, particularly if they grow up together(or are around other animals in the household.)

13. Companions and toys are probably the best solutions in regard to your dog or cat's behavioral problems while you are away.
    
    Also try to anticipate your pet's antics. In example, take out the trash nightly or before you go to work; and don't give your dog an old slipper as a chew toy. Close your closet doors; lock them if you must, and don't leave slippers or clothing items lying about in easy grasp.

14. Make sure your pet has plenty of food and water and assure the house is cool in summer and warm in winter.

15. Leaving your pet outside when you are not at home may also be a risk. Statistics reveal a higher number of unfavorable events occur when dogs are chained out-of-doors for long periods of time.

16. Make sure to take time to truly enjoy the company of your pet when you are around. This will make your time apart much easier.

Tips & Warnings

• In regard to combining pets: Don't make the assumption that this is necessarily the answer to your pet's mischief-making issues. There can be two dog teams that can tear a place apart or cats that leave home because they don't care for a pet dog. You will need to see a combination of pets to a point where they are companionable and well-behaved before leaving them home alone.