Can Dogs Develop Monday Blues?

Because as humans, we know we can!

We share our lives with our dogs surrounding us. Whilst some owners are here with their dogs 24/7, others have to go out to work sometimes. And as proven by research, dogs can sense our moods, and become accustomed to routines. So when you awake on Mondays, and take a deep sigh, stop and think... can my dogs develop the same Monday blues?

You may be thinking how ridiculous this sounds. However, when thinking logically, in the proven knowledge that our dogs can sense our moods and become accustomed to routines, does this still seem like such a weird suggestion? To me, some of this sounds like it could come to perfect sense. I have heard tales of owners putting on a certain jacket, or outfit, and their dogs reacting. Such as a walking/training coat. And, a human outfit needed for their job. No, dogs can't think 'ah, my human is now going out to work as a X at the X earning £X per hour and spending X hours there and stopping for a X break on their way home'... BUT, they can establish around when their owner is going to return home; just like when your pet knows when dinner is scheduled. Therefore, could our dogs know when the human-filled weekend has come to a close?

Our dogs can react to the clothes we wear

The answer is.... POSSIBLE! With a secure routine in place, dogs can learn when and what is happening. Obviously not as vividly as us, who can recite the days of the week and plan ahead, however they have that amazing sense of routines. If you do not have a particular routine in place, your dog will find becoming accustomed harder.

So! Now you know... If your dog does seem to develop signs of 'blues'... You can do many things to aid with his mood. Some signs are a seemingly sad attitude, lack of enthusiasm, or even the complete opposite for some dogs, being hyperactive and/or showing overreactions when he senses you are going or something is happening.

There are two main things you should do to help prevent the canine blues...

- Make sure you wake up early enough to give your dog a good walk before anything happens. This will give him the opportunity to use up some of his energy, so that he is happier to settle, relax, and sleep if and when left/something occurs. You should aim to maybe do some training with him, and allow him to run around and play for a good amount of time. This should prevent your dog from becoming stressed.

- Ask somebody trustworthy to come in and care for your dog during the day. Therefore if he misses you, he can still be given the opportunity and time to go to the toilet, play, run, walk, and mooch outdoors, plus be given the human companionship and company he so desires. Even if he doesn't appear to show signs of stress or discomfort, this is still a very good idea if you have to.

So, two main messages have been spread here. One, your dog can develop a good sense of routine and become accustomed to them. And two, you CAN prevent canine blues, and do the very best you can to ensure your dog is contented and receiving the attention he thrives.

*You should never leave your dog on his own for large periods of time, without humans in and caring for him. Small periods may be OK, however ensure your dog is contented and his needs being met. If this isn't the case, you must invest in some solutions.

Keeping your dog crated and alone for large periods can cause stress

Thanks to hosts Snoopy's Dogblog, Alfie's Blog and My Brown Newfies