Dog Moans Louldly When I Leave Home.

[Bionicle5]

I use to work only on the weekends but recent life changes have convinced me to start doing it during the weekdays. I'll be gone 9 hours 4 days a week. Problem is right after I leave my 10 year old Basset Hound starts moaning doing it for hours on end. I don't really have anyone to hold on to the dog when I work. Anything I can do to ease her so she won't stress out?

[barry1010]

Can you afford doggy day care? It is becoming increasingly popular but your dog must be sociable

[emmie]

its way too long to leave the dog, can you afford a dog walker, someone to take the dog out at least twice a day.

[Bionicle5]

Dog often gets aggressive with people she doesn't know. When I walk her around the community I always have a muzzle on her.

[emmie]

then she could be muzzled when going out with a dog walker, until she gets used to them. A dog is a social animal and needs company, no wonder she moans.

[zylaphone]

Poor dog, what a life. Maybe think about rehoming it.

[emmie]

that is an option, to rehome the dog.

[1ozzy]

At 10 years old?

Expect more moaning.

[emmie]

indeed, imagine if that was a child...........

[emmie]

the authorities would be called in, in other words.

[Gromit]

I had a neighbour whose dogs used to start yapping as soon as she left home, barking for hours. It was very annoying. I hope your neighbours can’t hear your dog.

[emmie]

i bet they can hear it, and are being driven mad.

[rockyracoon]

You need to ease the dog in to the length of time you’ll be gone. Leave her for 10 min bursts and gradually increase the amount of time, that way she learns that you will always come back. Also, make your leaving a positive experience using a Kong or bone. My brother used to stuff treats in one of his old slippers and his dog used to get excited when he left. Leave the telly or radio on.

[rockyracoon]

And long walks/exercise before you leave to knacker her out

[emmie]

seems unfair to leave the animal for so long. I know i couldn't do it.

[1ozzy]

Re-homing a dog at 10 years old would be like forcing grandma into a nursing home, against her will.

[emmie]

i can understand that 1ozzy,

[emmie]

then a dog walker seems a better option.....

[Gromit]

I agree with rockyracoon,
10 is quite old and a brisk long walk before you go out would tire it out.
I dog walk a similar aged highland terrier, and she will typically sleep 6-8 hours when I return her.

[emmie]

but like humans not every dog is the same, they are individuals and need walking, looking after full time.

[1ozzy]

They don't need looking after full time if they are content with life.
Find something that suits.
Some good suggestions so far, some others I'd ignore