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As much as you would rather spend all your time with your furry best friend, there will be times when you can’t physically be with them. Whether it is for work or recreation, a question on many dog owners’ minds is if they can leave their dogs at home alone safely and comfortably.
Maltipoos can be left alone at home, just avoid any extended periods as they are prone to separation anxiety. Just like dogs have different personalities from breed to breed, they also have different needs, such as levels of patience and independence. Some dog breeds do better than others when it comes to being left home alone. When it comes to Maltipoos, less time alone is better.
What Is a Maltipoo?
Maltipoos are an extremely social and intelligent mixed breed thanks to their parental breeds—the Maltese and the Toy Poodle. They are affectionate, smart, and hypoallergenic. There is no wonder why anyone would want to have one or more in their family. Maltipoos make for great companions and are often considered Velcro dogs.
Velcro Dogs and Separation Anxiety
Just like it sounds—and appropriately named—Velcro dogs are dogs that love sticking by their owners as much as possible, and Maltipoos fit that description. As wonderful as that may sound, Velcro dogs can be prone to developing separation anxiety, and Maltipoos are no exception. Leaving Maltipoos alone for extended periods is not recommended because of how loyal and social they are. Separation anxiety is not just uncomfortable for your dog during the time of separation but also bad for their health.
Your Maltipoo may suffer from loneliness, boredom, stress, fear, or a mixture of them when you are gone. Your dog may turn to destructive behaviors to cope with being alone.
- Excessive barking
- Whining and crying
- Chewing up furniture or other inappropriate items
- Urinating or pooping inside
- Clinging to you when you return, fearing that you will leave again
How to Help Your Maltipoo’s Separation Anxiety While You Are Away
Keeping your Maltipoo distracted from your absence is crucial to keeping separation anxiety at bay or reducing the effects. Stimulating puzzles and other fun, safe, interactive toys can help keep your Maltipoo entertained while you are away. They are an intelligent breed, and having puzzle toys to solve can keep them entertained.
Comforting Sound
Having the television on with their favorite show or having a playlist with some calming tunes can also help keep them comforted and make them feel less alone.
Safe Space
Providing a safe space for them to retreat to and rest is also essential. Whether it is a cozy dog bed with their favorite sweater with your scent on it and their favorite stuffed toy or a limited area to have access to since they do not require a lot of space—it can feel less lonely for them in a smaller space rather than having access to an entire empty home.
Food and Water
Make sure to have plenty of water available for your dog. An automatic pet feeder with plenty of food or having someone you trust to come to check up on and feed them are great options if you will be gone for long. This will prevent interruption of their routine and interference with their meals and schedule.
Interactive Pet Cameras
Something great and not as widely explored about technology is its application in helping our pets. Nowadays, interactive cameras allow you to check in, speak with, and even toss a treat to your Maltipoo, all controlled by your phone. This is a tool to explore and help your Maltipoo know that you are always around, even when they cannot touch or sniff you! Just remember to be one step ahead of them and only toss treats for calm behavior.
Preparation for Your Absence
- Feed your Maltipoo their meal before heading out and making sure they have plenty of water.
- Take your Maltipoo for a walk before you need to go.
- Socialize and give plenty of attention to your Maltipoo before leaving.
- If possible, try to gradually increase your time away to allow them to learn.
- Whenever you leave your home, do it calmly and avoid dramatic goodbyes.
Final Thoughts
All dogs have their own unique personality and needs, but one thing they have in common is the need for food, water, potty breaks, physical exercise, and mental stimulation. For Maltipoos, socialization and attention are just as important. When you are not able to be with your precious Maltipoo, hiring a pet sitter to spend their time with your pup while you are away or having a trusted person come check in at some point during your absence are both great options to make sure your social pup is okay and being cared for.
When those are not possible, there are still solutions to make sure your Maltipoo is safe and occupied with everything they need to keep entertained and feel comforted while you are away. Inevitably, we cannot be with our beloved pets 24 hours a day. But we have technology on our side, and for those times when you will be absent for a bit longer than usual, you can rest assured that your Maltipoo will be okay, as long as you prepare and provide your dog with different tools and solutions to make sure their needs are met.
Featured Image Credit: OlgaOvcharenko, Shutterstock
