Latchkey dogs

You've been working from home for two years and have a year-old dog that you are able to give lots of attention to. Then one day things change and you have to work outside the home.

A latchkey kid is a child who returns from school to an empty home because his or her parent or parents are away at work, or a child who must spend part of the day alone and unsupervised, as when the parents are away at work. There are now many afterschool programs that offer a safe place for the children of parents that have to work to survive.

But what about dogs who are home alone all day?

Pet parents across America struggle with their dog's emotions and their own when it comes to leaving their furry friend home alone while they go to work.

Today, because we consider dogs as family members, we're more sensitive to their need for stimulation and company.

Dogs are very social animals, and they would like nothing more than to be by your side 24/7. But that can't always be the case.

Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety when you leave them alone. Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become upset because of separation from the human that they have become attached to.

According to the ASPCA, when treating a dog with separation anxiety, the goal is to resolve the dog's underlying anxiety by teaching him to enjoy, or at least tolerate, being left alone.

And Dr. Marty Becker, a veterinarian and coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Cat/Dog Lover's Soul, believes that if dogs must be left for a lengthy period, they should be given long, exerting walks before their pet parents depart, and left with chew toys or food puzzles so they have some stimulation while they're away.

You have a lot of options for when you need to leave your pooch alone. There are steps that can be taken to help make sure that your furry friend stays happy during the long day when you're gone.

Doggie daycare is one option, but not everyone can afford daycare, and not every dog is a good candidate. One thing to remember is that all dogs are different, and although canines should be socialized when they are puppies, not all dogs enjoy the social life, just like humans. You wouldn't bring a wallflower to a prom and you wouldn't leave a social butterfly at home with nothing to do.

Another common solution is to adopt a second dog to keep the first dog company. This can be a great idea - or create a bigger problem. There are many factors to consider, including the size, gender, energy, and temperament of your pooch and of a potential new dog. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a second dog is a good idea for your current dog. When the fit is right, adopting a second dog can bring a lot of happiness into everyone's life.

Another option is to hire a dog walker to provide exercise and maybe some playtime for your under-stimulated, home-alone pooch. Or you might know a friend or neighbor that has pets and wouldn't mind an extra dog along on his walk.

One of the best things you could do is to supply some good first-thing-in-the-morning exercise, because the best way to leave your dog is to leave him tired.

So try getting up a little early and provide the stimulation that your furry friend needs. Exercise helps calm your pooch down in more than one way. Physically, it tires him out, and it also can relieve anxiety because during a good workout your dog's brain releases endorphins, the feel-good chemical that reduces stress. Having an anxious and hyper dog at home alone is a recipe for disaster. So take your dog on a vigorous walk and maybe a game of fetch before you part ways.

You can also keep your pooch happy by providing him with the right kind of environment when you're not at home.

Animal behaviorists' agree that dogs need environmental stimulation, just as humans do.

A bored dog left to his own devices, whether inside or outside, may act out by chewing up your belongings or digging holes in the yard. Boredom can be as much of a cause for acting out as separation anxiety. For this reason, it's important to leave your furry friend with his favorite toys. Dog toys, like Kong, a nontoxic rubber toy with a hollow center, is a good option. When stuffed with food it provides dogs with a healthy outlet for their natural desire to chew. It will last longer when you freeze the food inside. Just hide a few food toys, like Kong, around the house or outside the house.

Remember, if your dog will spend his time outdoors when you're gone for a few hours, provide a warm enclosure in the cold months and shade during the warm months. The best-case scenario would be a doggie door, so he can go inside when he wants.

For some, the only way to avoid leaving their dog alone is to take him to work. Fortunately for pet parents, there's a growing national trend to allow dogs in the workplace. Many business owners in Sisters do just that.

If you currently don't have a dog, and you're considering adopting one; think about whether your lifestyle is appropriate to be sharing it with a furry friend. If you think your potential dog might be spending time home alone that should be a big aspect of your decision when choosing your new friend.