I always wonder what runs through my lab’s furry head when I grab my keys and head out the door…
We’ve all seen those big puppy eyes looking at us like we’re heading to Mars rather than just going to work.
Today, we discuss doggy thoughts and feelings about our everyday comings and goings.
As much as we’d love to have a direct line into our dogs’ minds (I mean, who wouldn’t), we have to rely on science and observation to get the scoop.
And let me tell you, the discoveries are as heartwarming as they are intriguing!
What does the research tell us?
Psychology Today says dogs really do miss us like crazy when we’re gone for a long time. After two hours, they’re way more excited to see us than if we just left for a half-hour.
But after four hours, they hit this sad little plateau and stay there until we came home.
So, dogs don’t just start missing us. They ramp up the missing vibes for two hours before settling into waiting mode.
Now you’re probably wondering if they’re only missing us or just anyone they’re used to hanging around. Science has checked that out, too.
They tested dogs with three different smells – their human, someone they sorta know, and a total random. And guess what – pups love that familiar human smell!
They even chill by the door for a while after they couldn’t sniff out their human anymore. Didn’t do that for the other smells, though they were a bit more into the familiar person than the total stranger.
The Evidence of Emotion
Forget any old-fashioned notions that dogs don’t have feelings similar to ours. How your pup woefully howls when you step out of the abode isn’t just for show.
Studies involving brain imaging technology have shown that dogs have similar emotional centers in their brains as humans do. Mind-blowing!
When you leave the house, your dog may experience a jumble of emotions, including anxiety, sadness, and, of course, a sense of missing you.
Each dog has a unique personality, so while some may sleep until you return, others might be on high alert, listening for any hint of your car in the driveway.
Separation Anxiety
Oh man, let me tell you, my lab takes it super personally when I skip out the door.
Shoes look like a chew toy convention, toilet paper does its best imitation of indoor streamers, or suddenly, there’s a little doggy treat on my couch.
Yep, your four-legged buddy might just be freaking out over you leaving.
So yeah, separation anxiety is totally a thing for our pals. Imagine a little kid losing their marbles when mom pops out for a second but swaps out the tiny human for a furball with a tail.
It might as well be the end of the world for them when you head out. See, dogs and time are not best buds. Your peacing out could be a minute or a month to your pup.
It’s like their heart goes into a blender of worry and stress when they see you grabbing those keys. And how each dog shows it can be as different as their quirky little personalities.
There’s the ‘Remodel the House’ vibe with all that destruction, the ‘Opera of Barks,’ maybe a little ‘Pee on the Persian Rug’ action, or the saddest one, the ‘Chew My Own Feet’ blues.
Dogs are all about that routine life – breakfast at dawn, walkies at dusk, belly rubs on demand. Smash that predictability to bits, and it’s like their world goes upside down.
They’re left wondering if this is the time you disappear forever into the No Treats Land.
Next time you think about it, give ’em an extra snuggle. They’re just loving you hard… like, chew up your favorite sneakers hard.
You’re in a Pack
Dogs are total pack creatures, like their ancestors, who used to hang out and do everything together in the wild.
They kinda need their squad to feel okay. Imagine how it is for them to live with humans; we become their new pack.
So, if we bounce and they’re all by themselves, of course, they will feel a bit blue and miss the whole gang vibes.
Time Perception
Okay, let me get this straight – dogs don’t keep track of time by looking at the clock and counting minutes.
They’re all about living in the now, you know? But they do get the hang of our daily routines. If you grab your keys and head out simultaneously every morning, your furry buddy gets that and waits for the “Welcome back!” moment.
But if you’re late, don’t sweat about them thinking it’s been ages – it’s more like they’re just thrown off because you’ve messed with the regular game plan.
The Scent Connection
Dogs are like super sniffers; they get to know the world one sniff at a time. When you step out, your smell sticks around like a cozy blanket for them.
It’s comforting and a reminder that you’ll be back. And get this – they can tell the difference between the people living there and random strangers just from the smell.
Boredom
Dogs are brainy, and they need stuff to do just like we do, or else they’re gonna be bored outta their minds.
They will get bored if you leave them with no toys, puzzles, or games to play when they’re alone.
And believe me – my bored lab is a trickster! So keep ’em entertained, and they’ll be way happier when flying solo.
A Glance into Their Thoughts
Okay, let’s try to make some educated guesses.
When you’re about to leave, your dog probably has a moment of, “Oh no, not this again!” followed by a flurry of, “Are they going to the magical place where treats come from? Will they bring back a treat? OH! What if they find a new dog?!” Yes, the FOMO is real for dogs, too.
Some dogs might go through a little checklist: Watch the door – check. Listen for footsteps – check. Wait impatiently – check. Occasionally sigh dramatically to emphasize the point – double-check.
But once they realize you’re gone for a bit, their thoughts might shift to something like, “Well, guess it’s time to sniff every square inch of this place.” or “Naptime!”.
Then, probably, even more dramatic sighs.
What are the warning signs that my dog misses me?
Every dog has its own vibe. Whether they’re cool with being alone or can’t stand it, each pup’s different. But how does your furry friend handle it when you’re not around?
If they’re the type that just can’t deal without you, you’ll definitely spot the signs. Does your doggo demolish your shoes or pillows when you’re out? Or maybe it gets all whiny when you’re heading out the door, or give that door the saddest puppy eyes ever after you’ve left. And when you get back? Zoomies!
Look out for these little hints, and you’ll have your answer. Every dog has its own way of saying, “I missed you like crazy!”
Keeping the Bond Strong, Even When You’re Apart
The bond between you and your pup doesn’t have to suffer just because you lead a busy life. You can do a boatload of things to make separations easier and keep your dog feeling loved and secure.
Dogs are creatures of habit, and they find comfort in routine. Keeping your coming and going at consistent times helps your dog adapt and understand that you will come back.
Whether it’s a specific treat you give them or a particular phrase you say, having a ritual can reassure your dog that this is just a temporary thing.
Leaving an item that smells like you, such as an old t-shirt, can provide comfort. It’s like a scented security blanket.
Giving your dog exercise before you leave can tire them out, so they spend more of the day resting rather than pining.
Toys, especially puzzle toys filled with treats, can keep your dog busy for hours. Who has time to miss you when there’s a peanut butter-filled Kong to conquer?
Leaving the radio or TV on can provide comforting background noise. Some dogs appreciate the sound of human voices; it’s like having company.
Finally, dog cameras and treat dispensers you operate from your phone can help you stay connected with your pup even when you’re away, offering comfort to both parties.
Happiness is Seeing You Return
No matter what their day was like, for most dogs, the best part is clearly when you return. Their vitality isn’t all about the walk they’re hoping to get.
It’s genuine love and relief, and they missed you.
Their thoughts might be a whirlwind of, “You’re back! You’re back! Everything is awesome again!” paired with an intense need to smell every part of you to figure out where you’ve been.
It’s their way of catching up on the day’s gossip. “Ah, I smell coffee shop and… is that a cat?! Scandalous.”
So, the big answer is yes – our dogs almost certainly miss us when we’re gone and celebrate when we return.
This relationship is mutual – we’re not just imagining the connection. Keep loving your pups – they love you back, even when you’re away!
Does your pup also have a unique attitude? Let me know if the comment section!
