When a dog barks often, is destructive in the house or paces excessively, he/she is sometimes labeled as having separation anxiety. In some cases, it may be true (contact a positive reinforcement-based dog therapist in that case) but in some cases, the dog may be just plain bored. Imagine if you had to stay at home for 8-12 or more hours at a time. five days a week, with no people around, and you have no other animal companions, no toys, no stimulation, nothing to do! Hiring a professional dog walker for an hour is good, and there are other things you can do to keep your dog happy and stimulated, when he has to be at home alone. This is a helpful article by Victoria Stilwell, world-renowned dog trainer and behavior expert best known as the star of the international megahit series It's Me or the Dog https://positively.com/dog-training/article/behavior-problems-dog-boredom-vs-anxiety.
And this is from Denise Mazzola, with 30 years experience in R+ dog training, solving aggression issues, she also has a radio program, a Youtube show called Doggie Dilemmas, and helps dog walkers be their best with her Dog Walking Academy intensive class. Here she recommends specific brain toys, even DIY toys and puzzles, and things to help your dog stay busy for a few hours safely: https://denisemazzola.com/what-is-a-brain-toy/ https://youtu.be/ho0MiClyaDg?si=YtKUJdb2VrTPeSPs
If your dog does have separation anxiety, please learn how you can help him/her in the most positive, lasting way, by reaching out to a professional such as Malena DeMartini: https://malenademartini.com/for-owners/separation-anxiety-training-programs/. Prozac is often recommended by veterinarians, but that is a drug which has side effects and decreases the quality of life for your companion animal. Behavior modification can help.
