— P, via emailI think ‘denouncing’ your friends and neighbours to the RSPCA because they leave their dog alone sometimes is a bit of an overreaction.
Lots of owners leave their pets in a safe but solitary place when they go out for a while. It’s pretty normal, P.Have you scanned the various dog welfare websites (including the RSPCA’s) on this issue?
I have, on your behalf. The general consensus seems to be that four hours is the most a dog should be left home alone. Tips to alleviate the animal’s anxiety include leaving them with a favourite toy, or arranging for friends to drop by.Why don’t you offer to do that?
Be honest with your neighbours. Tell them you can hear their dog whimpering when it’s alone and you’d be happy to pop in to cheer it up.
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