Dogs love having their humans around during the holidays and quickly adjust to the 24/7 lifestyle. However, while spending loads of time with your dog is excellent, you must start preparing them for your absence after you’ve returned to your regular work routine after the holidays, and you won’t be by their side at all times. Let us help show you how to make the transition a bit easier!
Do the work now to prevent separation anxiety before you return to work.
Our pets will become more dependent on us and attached whenever we are constantly around them. In these situations, it is not uncommon for dogs to suffer separation anxiety, lose the confidence to be alone and feel uncomfortable without their pet parent.
Whether you’re returning to work after a long holiday stretch at home, after a pandemic-related absence, or after bringing a newly adopted pet into your home that has never experienced time alone, here are some techniques to help your dog adjust.
- Associate your time away with a positive reward. For example, if you leave a dog home alone, reward them with a treat. However, ensure it is a valuable reward given only during their alone time.
- Practice leaving and work on building independence when you are with them. For example, teach your dog to actively explore and spend time in separate spaces, away from you. By training your dog to appropriately respond to cues like place, down, or stay, you can help them gain independence and feel safe when they are alone.
- Ease in the length of the dog’s time alone. Begin by leaving the dog at home alone for shorter periods before returning to work. For particularly anxious dogs, start with very short intervals and work toward more extended periods. The idea is to let your dog continue progressing without pushing the dog past its limit.
- Provide a safe space for your dog. If you have not done so, consider the possibility of crate-training the dog or creating a gated area just for them. These safe spaces are the perfect retreat for a dog whenever they become anxious. Remember to use valuable rewards to help them grow to love their area.
- Ignore your dog’s bad behaviors. To help your dog become more self-sufficient, discourage needy behaviors that excessively seek attention.
How to address separation anxiety after you’ve returned to work.
In addition to preparing your pet now in an effort to prevent anxiety later, you’ll also want to take specific steps to guide them after you’ve returned to work.
- Increase play and exercise before you leave for work. If you tire your pet prior to leaving for work, you’ll take away any excess energy that can fuel nervousness and separation anxiety. So take your dog for a walk or a run before heading off to work or play with them vigorously to keep them mentally stimulated and wear them out.
- Offer your dog ways to fill their time alone. Mental stimulation keeps a pet busy when their humans are away. Consider a slow-feeding bowl or treat puzzles to provide tasty distractions for your dog.
- Remain calm when you leave and return. While ignoring your dog’s excitement might be challenging, giving too much attention during these times will increase their anxiety at your departure and arrival times.
- When leaving, switch up the routine. When you follow a pattern, your dog may notice departure cues, such as putting on your shoes, the jingle of your car keys, or grabbing your coat. Mix it up so the dog won’t associate such signals with your leaving, causing anxiety.
- Get help from a professional dog trainer. A professional dog trainer can help your puppy transition into a well-mannered and obedient dog or change your adult dog’s behavior, especially when dealing with changes like your return to work.
- Consider hiring a professional dog walker. A dog walker can allow your pup to relieve him or herself while you are away and get physical and mental stimulation from going out for a walk. The bonus: extra snuggles from someone who loves on them for you! Our go-to recommended pet care professional is Animal Magnetism for your pet sitting and dog walking needs.
How to deal with a pet that struggles with anxiety.
Pet parents should never punish a dog for bad behaviors displayed while they are anxious. Punishment is not only ineffective, but it also increases a pet’s stress level and often makes the situation worse.
Your dog should adapt with proper preparation and gradual easing into a routine. However, if your pet displays severe anxiety, contact a professional, such as a vet or a dog trainer (that’s us!).
Common anxiety signs to look out for in your dog’s behavior include the following:
- aggression
- soiling inside
- destructive behaviors
- excessive whining or barking
- restlessness or pacing
- a change in weight or appetite
- mood changes
- compulsive or repetitive behaviors
- tail-tucking
- shaking
- hiding
- trembling
- excessive chewing or licking, especially if it results in skin irritation or balding
If you are a new pet parent and your pup is struggling with transition, or if your pet needs assistance in dealing with separation anxiety, help is available.
We can help!
Pawsitive K9 Solutions offers dog training services to clients throughout the Los Angeles metro area, including in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Venice, Mar Vista, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Playa Vista, Ladera Heights, Westchester, Long Beach, and Lakewood. Call us or go online to schedule a consult!
Tell us, how does your pup do when you have to leave them alone to go to work?
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