Whether you bought your dog before the pandemic or during those lonely lockdown days, chances are that your dog has become used to you being around. But what happens as the world returns to a sense of normality? This guide will go through some simple steps you can take to help your furry friend cope with your being at work and how to truly make the most of your time together.
What Behaviors Will my Dog Display?
The main thing you’ll have to worry about is separation anxiety. This is more common than you think, especially in a post-COVID world. Our dogs became used to having the entire family around all the time, they probably got longer walks and more attention than they were used to getting.
But now that workplaces are opening again and people are slowly venturing back to the office, dogs are being left home alone, and they don’t understand why. Even if they were used to it before COVID, it’s been over two years that things have changed.
There are many behaviors that will indicate separation anxiety but look out for:
- Soiling in the house
- Destructive behavior (chewing furniture or the carpet)
- Barking or howling when you leave
- Pacing
A dog with separation anxiety might not display all these symptoms, only a few, but it’s important that you keep an eye on your dog if they start urinating in the house or ripping up the carpet.
Can I Prevent This?
It’s entirely possible to prevent your dog from developing separation anxiety, and that’s what I’m hoping to help you with today.
There are several steps you can take in order to help your dog cope with your return to work and hopefully stop them from becoming too anxious when they’re left alone.
Routine is Key
Remember how life was before the pandemic? Most of us had jam-packed schedules filled with work and social events. If you had a dog pre-COVID, chances are that they coped fine with your busy life.
Start with short bursts of being away from your dog. A quick trip to the grocery store or grab a coffee with a friend. No more than around 30 minutes before you come home again, and then you can gradually increase the time you spend apart. Start this a good month before you’re due to return to work to give your dog time to adjust.
Provide Stimulation
When your dog is home alone for long periods of time, they can become restless, and this is when destructive behavior starts.
Provide you dog with some toys that will keep them busy and challenge their skills. Try a licking mat, a toy that has treats hidden in them, or even a KONG toy. Each of these toys provides mental stimulation, and some of them also reward your dog for playing with them.
Only bring these toys out when you’re going out so your dog will start to associate them with your departure. Chances are that they won’t realize how long you’ve been gone.
Walks
I know that it can be difficult to fit a walk in before you head to work, but for the sake of your dog, please try. If you can have your dog do some exercise before they’re home alone for the majority of the day, they’ll be able to burn off some of their excess energy. This should mean that they’ll sleep for longer, and they won’t be pining for you while you’re gone.
Have Lunch Together
On the off chance that your workplace is close to your home, consider popping in on your lunch break to check on your dog. They’ll enjoy your company, even if it’s only for 15 minutes, and it’ll make the time you spend apart seem shorter. It’s a good opportunity to let them out, top up their water bowl, and give them a good fuss.
Hire Some Help
If I’ve had to leave my dog at home for a longer period than usual, I’ll either book him in with our local doggy daycare or ask a registered pet sitter to check in on him. I leave my house keys somewhere accessible, and she will come in twice a day to give him some fuss and make sure he’s alright. It gives me peace of mind that he’s not destroying the house.
Use Technology
We’re used to video monitors for babies, so why not apply pet technology to our dogs? There are many pet cameras available these days, from simple surveillance to being able to talk to your dog from your desk. These can help you and your dog cope with being apart from each other.
What to do if my Dog Develops Separation Anxiety?
Seek the help of a pet behaviorist or specialist. These are invaluable when your dog has a problem that is beyond the reach of conventional training.
This type of special help can come at a cost, but once their behavior has been fixed, it shouldn’t return. In COVID times, a lot of these behaviorists offer consultations over video call so they can assess your dog and see if they can help them.
It might seem like your dog is beyond help once they’re destroying furniture or soiling on your new carpet, but the quicker you get help, the quicker your dog will be back to normal.
Returning to the workplace after spending a lot of time at home can be daunting for you and your canine companion. Follow the steps I’ve outlined above, and it should make it easier for both of you.
