This Is What Dogs Do When They Miss Their Owners

When missing their owners, canines may display a variety of behaviors such as crying, howling, barking, or lying down. Some of these behaviors must be treated by a professional.

The bond we feel with our furry friends is so strong that it's always hard to say goodbye to them, whether it's just because you're leaving for work or because you have to leave them at daycare or under the care of a person during the holidays. And while we're sure we miss our dogs for sure, we've wondered if they feel the same way, too.

Several studies have shown that dogs form positive associations with their favorite people, so they don't like to be apart from them for long.

In fact, dogs have associative memory. This term indicates that canines associate certain things they encounter, such as sounds, smells, or sights, with other events or behaviors. For example, if they hear your keys rattling as you pick them up, you may associate that sound with the fact that you are leaving the house.

So, here are some signs that your dog may miss you when you leave your home.

1. They sit by the door or window

Although this is normal behavior during the day, a dog may sit looking out the window until late at night, without moving, when it misses its owner. Therefore, it is very important that if you plan to leave your canine alone for several hours, someone can go check on him and take him out for a walk.

2. Sleep on top of your things

Many times, pets will be attracted to our scent and will search for it; this also applies to cats. You may find that your dog sleeps next to his shoes, sleeps on his pillow, sleeps in his robe, or spends time near some of his favorite belongings. This may be a sign that you miss him.

3. Destroy their things

Some dogs become destructive when left alone. This behavior is a sure sign of separation anxiety or boredom and can be harmful to both you and your dog, because it could ingest objects that it shouldn't.

To correct this type of behavior, it is essential to consult experts on the subject, since this condition usually manifests itself in different ways in each animal. However, Óscar Javier Vargas, certified canine trainer and operational director of the Univerzoo animal behavior center, recommends the following steps to prevent these symptoms in companion animals.

Try to get to know your dog's parents, their character, and whether they have suffered from anxiety in the past.

Do not greet or say goodbye to your pet.

Allow him to spend time alone and enjoying a toy, whether recreational or edible, without your intervention.

Assign game moments where the interaction with you has a beginning and an end.

4. He cries when he is getting ready to leave.

Another clue to possible separation anxiety is your dog's worried whining just before you leave. Dogs are perceptive and are very easily annoyed by some small clues that you might be leaving such as taking the keys, putting on your jacket or taking your bag.

This should also be consulted by a professional so that it is that person who indicates what are the steps to follow to correct this type of behavior.

5. They don't eat

Los perros que están motivados por la comida pueden dejar de comer o perder el interés en las golosinas y la comida cuando usted no está. Esto es especialmente cierto si los alimenta libremente y, por lo general, les gusta mucho su comida.

Los perros, al igual que los humanos, pueden perder el apetito debido a la distracción o la depresión. Usted puede saber si esto ocurre debido a su ausencia, si su perro come tan pronto usted regrese.