Do Dogs Miss Their Owners

When dogs stay home alone, what do they do? “The Secret Life of Pets” shows us a nonstop party. Fun idea, but far from reality. Do dogs miss their owners? Studies prove that dogs actually get stressed when left alone. Their behavior changes, and they may feel anxious without their favorite human around. 

Keep reading to learn more about the canine mind and emotions, with handy tips for ensuring your dog’s happiness even if you are out for a while.

Can Dogs Miss Their Owners When They Are Away?

In many households, dogs become proud members of the family. Therefore, they synch into our routine and get used to certain schedules. Life is filled with all kinds of moments. Thus, many pet parents wonder whether the time apart affects them. 

Do dogs miss their owners when they are away? Dogs and their owners have a unique bond. This relationship is similar to that of children with their parents. You’re their safe place, their comfort. When you’re not around, they can get anxious. It’s more than just missing your touch. They miss the rhythm of your daily life together.

Canines are also super sensitive to their surroundings. Do dogs miss their owners when they are about to go? They may detect subtle signs, such as the sound of keys, your footfall, or the rustle of your clothing. All this tells them something is changing.

How Long Do Dogs Miss Their Owners After Separation?

When it comes to time, dogs don’t perceive it the way we do. They can’t track the hours or minutes. But they can definitely feel how long you’ve been gone. It’s not about time on a clock. It’s about their sense of when you’ll return. 

When dogs miss their owners, they immediately start preparing for your return. They may pace around, sniffing your stuff or sitting by the door. Time stretches out in their minds. They’re only waiting for you to return.

Do dogs miss their owners when boarded? As the hours go by, that sense of missing you grows. They don’t just miss the routines. It’s more about the bond. The connection you share is what makes them feel your absence. Some dogs might cope better, but others will still show signs of worry or confusion. Then, when you return, their enthusiasm is overpowering.

Do Dogs Really Miss Their Owners When Rehomed?

As you can see, canines are really emotional creatures. They care a lot about the people who care for them. So, it’s only natural that when they are moved to the other house, it can lead to a whirlwind of responses. Therefore, when dogs miss their owners who previously took care of them, it’s not just a fleeting feeling.

Pets long for more than simply the company of their caregivers. They miss the familiar sights, sounds, and routines that come with their daily lives. When that suddenly disappears, it can cause confusion and distress. 

Do rehomed dogs miss their owners? Both physically and emotionally, they are devastated. A void may form in their environment when the person they depended on for solace and protection departs. They may appear bewildered or disturbed as they try to adapt to their new environment.

Do dogs miss their owners when they are rehomed? The answer is often yes, and the feelings can be intense. That being said, dogs are also incredibly adaptable. Over time, they may begin to bond with new people and find comfort in their new home. However, their bond with their previous owner doesn’t fade.

Why Do Dogs Miss Their Owners: The Science Behind It

Research shows that dogs go through many emotions. The most fascinating fact is that they also sense human feelings by watching faces and movements.

Research from the University of London found that dogs comfort their owners when they’re upset. They nuzzle, lick, or stay close. This shows that the canines not only feel emotions but also recognize them in humans. As social animals, they are deeply affected by our moods and actions.

Does a dog miss their owner when separated? A 2017 University of Lincoln study suggests they do. Researchers observed that before owners left, dogs became restless or clingy. When the owners returned, the pets showed clear relief and excitement.

A 2020 study by Azabu University in Japan took it further. Scientists tracked 50 dogs, monitoring their heart rates and behavior during separation. Dogs showed stress. It was manifested in pacing, whining, and an increased heart rate. The longer the absence, the stronger the reaction.

How long does a dog miss their owner? The study found that there’s a definite correlation between the time a dog spends alone and the intensity of their emotions over this period. Some dogs adjust within hours, while others take much longer.

Signs Your Dog Misses You While You’re Gone

Canines don’t just love their owners; they rely on them. Naturally, dogs miss their owners when they are away and feel their absence. Some stay calm, but others struggle. The following behavior in your dog will help you define whether it pines for you when you are not home.

Watching the Door or Window

Do dogs miss their owners when they are away and sit by the door? Lots of dogs indeed rest by the door or gaze outside, expecting their humans to arrive. They lift their ears at every noise, wishing it’s you. Some remain in one place for hours, unwilling to budge.

Restless Behavior

A dog that paces or moves around a lot might be looking for you. Some check different rooms, circle their bed, or sniff around spots where you usually sit.

Eating Less

If your dog normally loves food but suddenly ignores it, they might be feeling sad. Some lose interest in treats or skip meals because they’re missing their owner.

Whining, Barking, or Howling

Dogs express emotions through sound. It might be whining, barking, or howling. Any of these sounds can indicate that they are calling for you. It’s their way of coping with loneliness.

Holding Onto Your Scent

Do dogs miss you when you’re gone? You can tell it by seeing your dog snuggling with clothes, blankets, or anything that smells like you. Your scent brings comfort and helps them feel closer to you.

Overexcited Greetings

When you come back, does your dog jump, wag, spin, or cover you in kisses? The bigger the reaction, the more they looked forward to seeing you. Some even zoom around in pure joy.

How to Help Your Dog Cope When You’re Away

Do you come home and notice your dog distressed? That’s a sign your pet missed you very much. Make their time alone easier. The following recommendations will help you ensure your four-legged companion feels better next time you go out.

Keep a Steady Routine

Dogs feel safe when they know what to expect. So, stability should be your primary focus. Try to leave and return at the same time every day. Don’t rush when leaving; rather, make it a calm, routine process.

Leave Something That Smells Like You

Your scent is comforting. A worn t-shirt or a favorite blanket can make them feel close to you. It helps them relax while you’re away.

Give Them Fun Toys

Bored dogs get anxious. To ease that feeling, put out various interactive toys. They will keep your dog’s mind busy. The more entertained they are, the less they’ll worry about you being gone.

Play Background Sounds

A quiet house can feel lonely. Soft music, a TV show, or even a recording of your voice can make them feel less alone.

Arrange for a Walker or Visitor

Do dogs miss their owners when they go to work? If you work a 9-to-5 job, that’s a long stretch away from your pet. Being apart for so many hours can be tough on them. A dog walker or sitter can assist. A quick walk or a little playtime can break up their day and keep them happy.

Stay Chill When You Return

Dogs feed off your energy. If you act too excited, they’ll think being alone is scary. Instead, greet them calmly and reward relaxed behavior.

FlatRover: Trusted Pet Sitters for When You’re Away

Many pet owners ask, will a dog miss its owner when they are at work? The answer is yes! Dogs form deep bonds and often feel lonely when left behind. That’s why finding the right sitter matters. 

FlatRover makes pet care simple. Owners and sitters can register for free. So, the platform is really straightforward to connect with trustworthy caregivers. 

Do dogs miss their owners when they go on holiday? They certainly do. However, with a caring sitter, your pet will receive the care and attention it is accustomed to. There’s no payment expected. You provide your place in exchange. And for sitters, this is a great opportunity to enjoy a new city or even country for free!

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Conclusion

The genuine, strong emotional connection between animal companions and humans is purely magical. It has fascinated scientists and pet lovers for years. Does a dog miss their owner when they are away? As a dog parent, you’re a big part of your pet’s life. So, believe it. Your dog notices when you leave, even for a short time, and can react in different ways. The most important thing here is to ensure their happiness and comfort in those times when you need to be away.

FAQ 

Do dogs miss their owners when they go on vacation?

It really doesn’t matter where you go. The very fact that you are away from your dog will certainly make it feel stressed out. That’s because they are used to seeing you around. And when you are not in their immediate environment, they get sad. Going on vacation typically takes several days or a week. So, your animal friend will surely miss you.

Does my dog miss me if I’m away for a long time?

Dogs don’t know the clock, but they sense the absence. They anticipate their routine, including having you around to play and feed them. So, when something from this schedule changes, your dog feels it. For some, it’s only a few hours of missing you. For others, the feeling can last much longer. 

What are the signs that a dog misses its owner?

Your pooch can show it misses you in different ways. It can wait by the door or watch out the window. Some temporarily lose interest in food or toys. Others become restless and start pacing around. Whining or sleeping more than usual can also be signs. Some even carry their owner’s belongings, searching for comfort in their scent.

Do dogs miss their owners when rehomed, and how do they adjust?

Dogs get attached to their former surroundings and humans. So, naturally, they’ll miss everything they had in the past household. Some dogs adapt quickly to a new home, while others take longer. During adaptation, they can feel different emotions, including confusion, anxiety, and fear. And it’s okay. The most important thing here is to make sure you do everything possible to ease that stress. Stability, patience, and positive reinforcement help dogs feel safe.

How can I make time apart easier for my dog?

When a dog misses their owner, it’s really important to ensure stability. Stick to your dog’s routine. To make the time apart less tedious for your dog, leave a toy or something that smells like you. Treats and puzzle games can also keep them busy. It’s a great idea to turn on the TV. This will make the house feel less lonely. If you're away often, a pet sitter or a familiar friend can help keep them company.