Yahoo News 
This is what happens when you leave your dog home alone, according to experts
Most dog owners imagine that their faithful friend calms down pretty quickly after being left alone – and copes well in their absence.
But that might not actually be true, according to experts from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Dogs actually start getting stressed once they pick up the fact you’re leaving – perhaps as you walk towards the door – and some dogs may stay stressed right until you get back.
MORE: Life of grime! Student bags £500 after winning award for ‘Britain’s dirtiest student house’
Speaking to IFLScience, the Canine Behaviorist and Welfare Team (CBWT) said, ‘When stress levels increase – a dog’s heart rate, respiratory functions, and levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol – are also likely to rise.’
Dogs often salivate, pace, bark and howl when stressed – as well as ‘destructive behaviour’.
Some urinate on the floor to relieve the stress.
The CBWT says, ‘The first 30 minutes after being left alone is usually the most stressful time for the majority of dogs. However, for some individuals, this elevated level of stress can last for the whole time that they are left.’
Having another dog around can sometimes help – but (depending on the temperament of the animals) could even make things worse.
The key, the CBWT says, is to teach your dog that being left alone is safe from an early age.
The CBWT says, ‘All individuals are able to learn during the critical socialization period as a puppy, around 3-14 weeks old, that being left alone is okay.
‘This is possible by gradually, and positively, building up the time they are left alone so that each time it’s longer and longer.’
