Since the world had been dealing with a global pandemic, many puppy and dog owners have been home. Being home more had been fantastic for our little furry friends. Their owners have been around so much more, and it has created a strong connection. However, when it is time to return to work as usual or back to the office and we as owners have to leave our dogs again, there may be cause to worry. Whether you own a brand new puppy, an adult, or a senior dog, it can cause stress and anxiety in our pets.
Certain situations can trigger this development in dogs, such as leaving the house more often or any abrupt changes in routine that will significantly impact them. It is similar to dogs that have experienced abandonment somehow and the behavior they have become accustomed to from being in that environment.
It can be a problematic behavior disorder in dogs (and families) to deal with when they experience separation anxiety. If you are concerned that your pup might be showing signs of stress or that there will be separation anxiety when you have to leave your pet again, there are some helpful things that you can start doing right now to help with the transition.
GIVE YOUR DOG MORE EXERCISE
Having your dog outside longer to play catch with a ball or taking a nice long walk before you have to leave is a great tactic you can start using. Dogs love to play and be active, and you can work them until they have expended all of their energy. Dogs that are more worn out will be more likely to take a long nap from exhaustion so that they won’t be awake and wondering why you have left.
You could pair this prevention tactic with creating a safe, peaceful place for your dog to lay once their exercise or activity is finished. You could include a blanket or dog bed with some of their favorite toys so that they feel calm and comfortable.
DISTRACT YOUR DOG WITH FOOD OR TOYS
Another good reason to have things like toys or possibly even treats is to help distract your pup from the fact that you will be gone. There are so many great ways to engage your dog and keep them busy for extended periods.
Your dog might eventually look forward to you leaving. Why? Because that means they get to play with their favorite toy or chew on their favorite treat. It creates a very positive experience for your dog so that leaving doesn’t have to be complicated.
Have your dog work on a rawhide chew that might take them some time to get through or possibly bring in a food puzzle are perfect distractions for dogs. They will be mentally occupied, not to mention, if you provide them with a chew toy, that means they will less likely be chewing on your favorite shoes or the legs of your furniture.
GIVE YOUR DOG MORE TIME ALONE
A common mistake many owners make is thinking that because they are getting back to a routine that they were once familiar with, it won’t affect their dogs. It is an adjustment for both of you. According to the Mawoo Pets, almost 40% of breed dogs including the special breeds such as Goldendoodle, French bulldogs, etc when seen by vets and animal behaviorists are diagnosed with separation anxiety.
The stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus pandemic had millions of us staying home with our dogs all day long, and it creates a consistent routine. As owners, we have given our dogs this consistency, and they have thrived, but going back to work can cause stress, panic, and fear within them.
Establishing a new routine while you are still at home is a great way to introduce your dog’s idea without going full boar. Take short blocks of time where you are gone for a few minutes, then a few more, and try to work it up to even hours if you can. The time apart will be crucial in helping your dog transition easier when you leave for real.
Some suggestions that you can do while still at home:
- Close the door to the room you are working in (or any room) for shorter, then more extended periods each day.
- Go outside during a break or at lunchtime while leaving your dog indoors (and where they cannot see you).
- Walk out of the front door and come back within just a few minutes, then stretch out the time so your dog will get used to seeing you come and go.
Giving your dog time alone can be tricky at first, as dogs who are more prone to feeling the separation may whine or cry when you’ve left the room after a few moments. Though it feels painful, don’t go back into the room right away. It can reinforce this behavior so that they whine or cry even more. Wait until the dog has calmed and isn’t making noise to re-enter, then you can give them some praise for handling the time away.
DO NOT SHOWCASE COMING OR GOING
Another common mistake that many owners make, specifically when coming home, is to make a big show of seeing their dog. The dogs will greet them excitedly with barks and jumps, and owners play into it with high-pitched talking and lots of attention.
Even though you may want to, do not showcase when you are coming or going. If you make it a big deal, it leads to your dog feeling and noticing that you aren’t there. When you return, you must try to greet your dog with a calm tone of voice before giving them lots of pets.
If you have worked on some of these tips and your dog is not making progress or seems to act out with more aggressive behaviors such as having accidents, chewing on furniture, or creating a mess, it might be time to call the veterinarian. Your furry companion may need some anxiety medication to reduce symptoms or something more serious about your pup’s health.
Hopefully, you will have built up your dog’s confidence in your anticipated departure over some time so that there is no worry of separation anxiety, and you can return to work with ease, knowing the transition will go smoothly.
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