First off: you're not a bad dog parent. Not even close.
You grab your bag, pick up your keys, and there they are — big eyes, droopy ears, just watching. You close the door… and yep, the guilt hits.
Are they bored? Lonely? Wondering why you’ve abandoned them (again)?
It’s a lot. We get it.
Here’s the truth: you feel guilty because you care. And that says a lot.
That Gut-Punch Feeling? It’s Real.
Leaving your dog can feel awful — even when you know they’re safe and totally fine.
It’s like your heart gets pulled in two directions: love for them, and the life you’ve gotta go live.
And for some dogs, it’s tough too. They might cry, bark, shred stuff, go super quiet, or just look sad.
Separation anxiety is more common than you’d think — and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.
Sometimes it’s not anxiety at all. Some dogs just don’t love changes to their routine. And hey, who does?
A Few Things That Can Help (For Both of You):
-
Make a mini goodbye routine
Something quick and calm like “See you soon, buddy” — no drama, no fuss. Dogs feel your vibe more than your words. -
Distract with food or toys
A frozen Kong, snuffle mat, or puzzle feeder = something fun to focus on while you head out. -
Leave a little piece of you
An old T-shirt with your scent can be super soothing. Weird, but it works. -
Keep things consistent
Morning walk, breakfast, out the door — same order each day if you can. Dogs love a bit of predictability. -
Practise short goodbyes
Try leaving the room for a few minutes here and there, so alone time isn’t always a big deal.
And You?
Cut yourself some slack. You’re doing your best — and that’s more than enough.
Part of loving your dog is letting them build confidence and independence too.
You’re allowed to go to work. To have plans. To not feel like a terrible human every time you walk out the door.
Loving your dog doesn’t mean being with them 24/7. It means showing up with care, building trust, and figuring it out together.
You’re not alone. You’re not doing it wrong.
And your dog? They love you. End of story.