Why Won’t My Dog Eat When I’m Not Home?
Many dog owners are often baffled when they find out that their dog refuses to eat when left alone. Why Won’t My Dog Eat When I’m Not Home? What gives? when they are with the family, they would eat a truckload of food. It’s not at all abnormal though, and if you ask many dog owners, you’ll get several reporting the same problem.
What happens in the minds of dogs and why do some lose their appetite? or it could be he won’t even look at the tasty bone he could chew to his heart’s content. Yet, the moment you come through the door, Rover goes rushing to go enjoy his goodies. This is not abnormal behavior. There are several explanations for this behavior. It’s probably more common than most believe.
Remember that feeding is the basis of canine health and part of the reflection of emotion. Your dog is trying to tell you something. Understanding the reason is essential to help you and change this behavioral habit, as it could worsen and harm their health. In this Poet blog we will answer your concern: Why Won’t My Dog Eat When I’m Not Home?
#1 My dog wants me to watch him eat?-History
It is common to wonder why your dog wants them to watch you eat. Many dog owners unknowingly have established a history of supervised eating. Giving them human characteristics. Since early puppyhood. If a human was to demand we watch them eat (and not eat without being watched), we would have understandable concerns. This is why it is important to note that dogs are creatures of habit & community social animals. So most likely, it’s as simple as he was used to always eating in the kitchen with you standing by his side at all times. Thus beginning the problem. Now 4 months or a year later you have noticed that your puppy won’t eat unless you’re next to him?
It is necessary for us to develop close bonds with our dogs from the time they are young. This is an important period of socialization for a dog life helps reduce behavioral problems, but too much too early can have drastic effects over time. Because now you Have accustomed your dog to eat with you, either in the dining room or in the kitchen? If their only experience is eating while you are present, for them to eat without you is not an option.
They will choose any time to eat only while you are near. And even if you do not eat at the same time, they will enjoy your presence while doing so. protect them and give them the best quality of life and a little restraint early on will go a long way
#2 Fears not being able to protect the home- STRESS OUT
Some dogs are quite comfortable being left alone. They may perhaps alarm bark a couple of times when they hear some odd noise, ringing alarms, a postman visit, noisy construction. Many things can happen while you leave your dog at home but then they’ll settle, perhaps eat a bit and then snooze for the rest of the day. others are more sensitive and will spend most of their time sounding the alarm for every slightest noise. These dogs are just unable to relax, but not because they miss their owners, but more because they aren’t secure in their environment and not comfortable in the role of protecting their territory. Then, once the owners return, these dogs feel very relieved because they no longer must carry the burden of protecting the home, because they know that you will protect them. That’s when they feel safe again to dive into their food,
#3 Separation – Anxiety
While many dogs who suffer from separation anxiety. Basically, this means your dog does not like being away from their best human friend, and won’t eat when left alone, now this isn’t a general rule of thumb. Some dogs with separation anxiety may still eat, even if they are acting panicky and are unable to settle for the rest of their owner’s absence. This behavior is a physiological and psychological way of expressing their frustration.
So don’t be too quick to check box suffering from anxiety if your dog refuses to eat when you’re not around. Consider Analyzing the whole picture: Does your dog have other destructive behaviors when you leave home? Do they defecate, break, bite and howl on a prolonged basis? If the answer is yes, your pet might well fall into this category. If you record your dog’s behavior when you leave the home and see any of these signs, consult with an ethologist, canine educator or trainer to determine if your pooch is really suffering from this serious problem. Always go to a professional for guidance.
Road To Recovery- Tips to Get Your Dog to Eat When You’re Away
Well now that we know the three main reason for our problem why doesn’t my dog eat when I’m not around. ultimately the resolution can be found and resolved once identified. Dogs suffering from real separation anxiety will need days, weeks, months and even years of behavior modification before for your dog to regain the desire to eat without you. is not easy, but also not impossible.
#1 Confidence Levels
Dogs who are insecure in protecting their territory often improve if you work on raising their levels of confidence to motivate them every time you leave and make departures and arrivals not make a big deal. When you are at home and any unexpected visits or strange noises happen, act normally, without giving importance to them. Your dog will learn from you.
#2 Safe Haven
it’s important to make their home feel safe. Make them feel at ease in your absence. Cover up noises by leaving a radio or the TV on. Sound machines may be great in creating white noise, TV channels for children work very well so your dog doesn’t feel threatened by the slightest outside noises. Close doors and windows may also help a dog “put his guard down.” but beware of closing heavy air entrances, especially in summer times. An alternative is limiting access to rooms where they are more exposed to outdoor sights and sounds. lastly, a “nest” bed so they can hide and take refuge. As with dogs that are afraid of fireworks.
#3 Protection Alert
Exercising your dog before leaving the home is a good way to drain energy that may be otherwise used to patrol the home all day. Make sure no neighbors or mail carriers will ring the bell or knock on the door when you’re away. If you have a gate, lock it so nobody will get too close for comfort. The more you make your dog’s environment feel safe and secure, the less your dog will feel stressed in your absence.
#4 Eating Games With Rewards
For dogs who have made of eating a social habit, you’ll need to gradually train them to even eat in your absence. eating games are the best. Throw a treat his direction then move out of sight as his eats it then comes back and repeats. This will encourage the idea that good things can also happen to them when you are not there.
#5 A little separation is not bad
Install a baby gate and teach him to eat at first with you right behind the baby gate, then practice being out of sight for a few seconds. if this proves to be too much at first start with distancing yourself behind them Gradually prolong distance, time and sight.
Finally That Unbreakable Bond
If your dog needs you to watch them eat or cannot eat without you being present, it is a sign of closeness. Just make sure when training them to be more independent you don’t also hurt this bond. Using positive reinforcement is the best way to ensure behavioral change without instigating behavioral problems.