What dogs think about when home alone is enough to make you never leave

Experts say dogs can miss their owners when left alone because they associate them with positive experiences and are social animals. They may feel unsettled at first, but familiar routines and surroundings can help them cope; many spend much of the time sleeping or engaging with toys.

Researchers suggest dogs’ dreams reflect their daily lives, so owners may feature in them, though this cannot be confirmed from the article. Some dogs show distress through barking, whining, illness, indoor urination or destructive behaviour, while others settle into ordinary activities such as chewing or listening for sounds.