Encouraging Independence
In order to build your dog’s independence, they need to be able to choose to spend time away from you and get reinforced for it. We can encourage this by setting up an enrichment activity for them to engage in that is away from you, therefore they have to choose to take themselves away in order to engage in their enrichment activity.
- Thread a string through the Kong and prepare it with treats and freeze
- Tie the Kong to an unmoveable object that is away from where you are
Note
you may need to start this activity within eye view and then gradually move it out of sight and further away.
Enrichment
For some dogs, barking when alone may be related to boredom, frustration, or excess energy. Increasing mental and physical enrichment can help meet your dog’s needs and reduce unwanted behaviours.
Examples of enrichment activities include:
- Stuffed Kongs
- Lick mats
- Puzzle toys
- Snuffle mats
- Scatter feeding or foraging games
- Long-lasting chews
- Food-dispensing toys
- Scent games and “find it” activities
- Training sessions using positive reinforcement
- Trick training
- Rotating toys to preserve novelty
Providing enrichment before you leave the house can help your dog settle and create a more positive association with alone time.
