Dog alone! Does camera help?

Sandra likes to spend a lot of time with Gioia. But sometimes the young dog is simply not allowed to go with her. Training her to stay alone is difficult. Does a surveillance camera help? Sandra tells us.

We've had a Havanese puppy at home since summer 2016. We hit the jackpot and are allowed to take the dog to work with us. Nevertheless, I think it's important to teach a dog that it can be left alone for two or three hours at a time. There are always situations when Gioia can't be with us, whether it's a visit to the doctor or the weekly shop.

We have carefully built up the time she spends alone, first in seconds, then in minutes.

We live in a farmhouse on the first floor. The stairs are probably the only thing that hasn't been renovated. They groan and creak at the slightest touch when you walk up to our flat. As soon as I put my foot on the bottom step, our dog heard it and was already waiting outside the door wagging her tail. It was impossible for me to tell whether she had relaxed in the meantime, whether she had been pacing around or even whining and barking.

Before I increased the time to an hour during training, I wanted to be sure. I found what I was looking for at digitec: Logitech Circle. Perfect for what I wanted to do and easy to use for blondes ☺

Network camera

Logitech Circle

1920 x 1080 Pixels

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The camera is operated via a free app. Install the app and create an account. Then connect the camera to the Wi-Fi and you're ready to go. Place the Circle in a suitable location and align it so that you have the desired area in view. The app guides you step by step through the various functions.

Thanks to the app, I can now be there live. But I can also access short sequences: when the camera registers movement, the recording starts. There is also a time-lapse summary of the day.

The camera also has a microphone and a loudspeaker. With the app on the smartphone, you have an intercom system. During the training phase, I didn't want to take any risks of frightening or unsettling our dog. She's just rather sensitive. However, the function could be useful if you want to stop your pet from doing something from a distance and give the trained cancellation signal at the right moment.

The camera function helped us during training. Surprisingly, we were able to increase the time very quickly. Gioia can now stay alone for a relaxed three hours. She trots around a bit, stretches and explores. However, she is not nervous, shows no signs of stress and behaves calmly. Of course she keeps an eye on the door, waits for us to return and is certainly happier when we are home. But she copes really well.

We definitely continue to use the camera when we leave Gioia alone from time to time. On the one hand, because it gives us peace of mind. On the other hand, because sometimes funny pictures are taken ☺