If you, like most dog owners, have to work full time and leave your dog home alone, here are some ways you can feel better about leaving your dog. The time will pass more quickly for your dog, and you will have a sense of relief in knowing that your dog is not sad while you are gone. You can also reduce the chance that your dog will bark constantly until you return home.

Create a special indoor place for your dog. Leaving your dog outside all day is a bad idea. You run a real risk of your dog developing behavioral problems and you cannot protect your dog from sudden storms and bad weather.

If you must confine your dog to one room in your home, use a gate that the dog can see through to block the doorway. Make a separate toilet area in the farthest corner of the room using newspapers or a doggy litter box.

If your dog is a puppy, do not let him have access to the entire house. Puppies become bored easily and can harm themselves chewing or swallowing dangerous objects.

Leave your dog's favorite toys and perhaps a blanket. Your dog needs a special place to take a nap and play, a place that he knows is there especially for him.

Leave plenty of water and food for your dog. Special treats can be left on occasion as a surprise or reward for good behavior.

Leave the radio or television on to provide some noise. If you leave music on for your dog, make sure it is classical or some type of soothing music.

Do not make a big deal out of your leaving in the mornings or your return in the evenings. Spend time with your dog in the mornings before you leave and when you return home, make the greeting casual.