News
UK Dog Owners Prove That Dogs Really Are A Man’s Best Friend
Thursday 21st December 2017
From leaving the TV on, to dishing out extra food - thousands of dog owners are going that extra mile to ensure their dogs are happy while home alone.
A new study carried out by Lintbells, manufacturers of premium pet supplement YuCALM, discovered that dog owners really go that extra mile to make sure their furry friend is happy when in the house on their own – with many even getting friends to drop by to check on them.
After surveying 2,000 dog owners Lintbells found 86 per cent leave their dogs at home alone, with 46 per cent admitting they feel sadness when they close the door to their pet pooch.
The study also revealed many dog owners treat their beloved pooch to a new toy or bone as they walk out the door, install a dog flap or use a web cam to check up on them.
More than one in 10 have arranged for a dog sitter to go to their home to keep their mutt company, while 24 per cent have asked a friend to drop in to spend time with their pet.
But the survey also found two thirds of owners admit they feel so reluctant to leave their dog unattended for even short periods of time they end up lavishing them with treats or attention when they walk through the door.
More than one in five have allowed their dog to sleep next to them in bed to make up for not being around and more than one in ten have even given them a steak dinner.
Others spend longer than usual grooming or walking them when they get home while 16 per cent have cooked their dog’s favourite meal to make it up to them.
Dog behavioural expert Dr. Emily Blackwell PhD, CCAB, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Welfare who works closely with YuCALM and Lintbells, said:
“Leaving dogs alone should be a normal experience for both the owner and their pet and shouldn’t be something dog owners worry about. It is vital to introduce this time alone for your dog from a very young age, so that this becomes a normal part of life and their routine.”
Top 10 things dog owners do when they leave their dog at home alone:
- Leave the radio on for them
- Buy them a new treat/bone/chew
- Leave the TV on for them
- Ask a neighbour or relative to pop in and see them
- Come home with a special treat to make up for being out
- Leave them more food than usual
- Leave them better quality food than usual
- Install a dog flap
- Buy a webcam to check on them
- Use a doggy monitor
Top ten ways owners make it up to their dogs after leaving them home alone:
- Take them outside for an extra-long walk
- Give them extra back/belly rubs
- Let them onto the sofa for a cuddle
- Buy them special treats
- Buy them a new toy
- Take them out straight away to play with them
- Let them sleep in the bed
- Cook their favourite meal
- Groom them
- Not scold them for something they usually get told off for
YuCALM for Dogs is on promotion during December. Take a look at the December Monthly Mailer and turn to page 15 for full details.*
YuCALM for Dogs
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