Leaving your furry friend behind is never easy - whether you’re going to the shops, work for the day, or even an entire vacation. But what do dogs think when you leave? Do dogs miss their owners, or do they simply want to know they’ll be fed, watered and walked like usual?
Stick with us to get your answers, and find out about a guilt-free way to leave your dog behind when you next go on vacation.
What do dogs think when you leave?
Every dog is different - some may experience separation anxiety when you leave, while others will have routines established that help them to feel calm and collected when you’re gone.
Either way, most dogs will recognise when you’re about to leave. Whether it's the jingling of keys or your outdoor shoes coming out of the cupboard, there are certain triggers that tell your pooch you’re leaving.
If your dog is used to being left alone, they might have a routine set up that helps them to pass the time. Some might sleep in a particular sunny spot, while many will get stuck into a puzzle toy or lick mat, then take a well-deserved nap on the couch.
Dogs are also pretty well-versed when it comes to feeding and walkies times, if these are consistent in your household. If they’re left alone when they’re used to being fed, you’re sure to hear about it when you return home.
Whatever your dog gets up to when you leave the house, they’re certainly more settled in the comfort of their own home. In fact, vets agree pets are happiest at home, surrounded by all the comforts they’re used to.
That’s why we recommend you keep them in the place they love the most by finding a pet sitter for your next vacation, rather than sending pooch off to a busy, unsettling kennel.
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Do dogs feel abandoned when you go on vacation?
So do dogs miss you? Or worse, feel abandoned when you head off for vacation? There is no straightforward answer - every dog is different, and it depends on a fair few factors, including where you leave your dog when you go on vacation, and whether they’re used to you going away.
And sure, your furry friend will certainly need to get familiar with you going away - that’s a totally normal part of pet parenting life. But where you leave your pup when you go away? That’s certainly in your hands.
Kennels and dog boarding facilities are loud, unfamiliar and often anxiety-inducing for dogs, so yes, they may be feeling a little abandoned, unsettled and frightened when you’re gone if that’s your current pet care solution.
But luckily, there are better options out there than kennels for our canine companions. As vets agree pets are happier in the comfort of their own home, we recommend welcoming an in-home pet sitter to care for your furry friend in the place they feel safe and at ease.
Staying at home means your pooch doesn’t have to give up any of the routines they know and love, plus they’ll get to spend 1:1 time with a genuine pet lover, who’s there for all the right reasons.
Stick with us to find out about a super simple, cost-effective way to connect with verified, loving pet sitters.
Where can I leave my dog while on vacation?
To make sure your pup continues to live their best life while you relax abroad, why not consider in-home pet sitters?
Here at TrustedHousesitters, pet parents like you can connect with as many verified dog sitters as you need, just for one annual membership fee.
Yup, all of our sitters do it for the love of animals and the chance to explore someplace new. That means nothing is exchanged between pet parents and sitters but pet TLC (AKA in-home, round the clock pet care), and a place to stay.
Along with unlimited pet care, pet parents with a Standard or Premium membership have access to our 24/7 vet advice line for extra peace of mind during sits (plus a whole list of other handy perks).
So, want to have peace of mind that your doggo is being cared for in their favorite place by a genuine animal lover? And like the thought of returning home to a happy, looked-after pup and a tidy home? Click below to find out more about how it all works.
How to connect with sitters
Do dogs remember their pet sitters?
Yes, your dog is highly likely to remember their beloved pet sitters after they leave the house! Our canine companions rely on a sharp sense of smell - it helps them navigate in everyday life, and also remember the humans they’ve had experiences with.
Many of the pet parents part of this community welcome sitters back time and time again. For dog owners, connecting with somebody who helps their furry fam feel safe and loved while they’re away is completely invaluable.
Hear from a few of the pet parents here as they share their experiences with our community of hobby pet sitters.
“We were able to go away knowing she was being well cared for, loved, and totally spoiled, and she didn’t miss us at all while we were away.” - Deb and Scott
“There are not enough words to describe our special connection to Diane now and thank goodness she has agreed to come back to us in January.” - Vikki
“You get wonderful, engaged, and friendly people to take care of your pets.” - Megan and Kevin
“This community, built on the love of animals, cannot be underestimated” - Jen
Will I find dog sitters for reactive dogs?
Welcoming a dog sitter while you’re on vacation keeps your furry friend in the place they’re happiest in the company of a true animal lover. But what if your dog is super reactive or anxious?
As a pet parent, you know your animals best. That’s why we recommend you use your judgement about whether your dog will be happy being left behind. Granted, they’ll likely be a whole lot happier with a sitter. That’s why your best bet is to be super clear in your listing about your dog’s needs, so that you only attract sitters who feel they’re up to the task.
In fact, our member Adelia has a particularly reactive dog at home, and has had great success all round by welcoming our in-home, verified sitters. Here’s what she has to say.
“My dog is dog-reactive and has done very well with TrustedHousesitters sitters. I am very upfront about her reactivity in my listing and discuss her specific behaviors/triggers/handling needs in a video call with a prospective sitter to make sure they are comfortable with her situation. Clarity is the key to keeping everyone safe.” - @Adelia
FAQS
When they’re alone, it’s likely your dog will be concentrating on a task you’ve laid out (such as a puzzle toy), anticipating your arrival home, feeling hungry, or sensing the world around them by tuning into noises and smells.
Dogs can’t keep track of time in the same way that we humans can, but they’re certainly used to routines, and so many become anxious when they haven’t been fed, walked or played with at roughly the same time.
While we can’t ever be sure about what our canine companions are thinking, it’s clear that there is some level of thought about their owners. Many dogs experience symptoms of separation anxiety, which shows us that they’ve noticed the absence of their owners. Our furry friends are also prone to excitement when their humans return home, which might suggest that they associate them with positive experiences.
While many of the pups here are just fine when their pet parents return home, it’s totally natural for your doggo to take a bit of time getting used to your company again.
Whether it’s separation anxiety or simply getting used to the change in company, keeping pets at home will keep them a whole lot happier than being surrounded by all the noise and smells of unfamiliar dogs and humans in a dog kennel.
