Prepare the pets before you return to work

by Christy Caplan

As people return to work, it’s important to prepare their pets. According to a survey by DOGTV, 65  percent of dog parents are no longer comfortable leaving pups home alone for an eight-hour workday, and 62 percent have not prepared their pets increased time alone

Prepare now

 

Rachael Davis, CPDT-KA, CNWI, says prepare ahead. “Begin getting your dogs used to a routine, even if you haven’t had much of one.” Leave the house for a short period every day. If your dog hasn’t been home alone, start small — just a few minutes — taking steps to ensure their comfort and inability to hurt themselves or cause damage.

 

Separation anxiety is a medical condition, Davis says, adding that “it means your dog is panicking when alone and you return to find urination or defecation, panting, puddles of drool, or injuries from your pup trying to escape, and often much barking. If this sounds like your dog, find a local veterinary behaviorist to help.”

 

Every dog is different, and while some bark when anxious, others whine or hide. Other signals include panting, restlessness, lip-licking and/or constant yawning.

 

The following tips can help smooth the transition. These techniques take time and practice is essential.

 

Begin short stints of alone time

 

Keep departures low-key but make sure your pup knows you’re leaving. Grab keys, a purse, etc. Some training methods recommend sneaking away without fuss but establishing what “normal” looks like when you leave home is important. Start with a few seconds, progress to 30 seconds then to a few minutes.

 

Try leaving your pup in a closed bedroom, bathroom or X-Pen and consider a camera to observe your pup’s behavior. If s/he shows signs of stress, try allowing him or her to roam, taking precautions against self-harm or damage. Enrichment can help determine if a dog does better roaming or contained.

Offer enrichment

 

Puzzle and enrichment toys are calming. Stuffed Kongs work well for some. Local pet merchants are experts and happy to suggest options. Use these tools when home and when away for short periods.

 

Consider a pet sitter

 

A friendly daily visit from a professional, friend or family member can really help. Dogs quickly realize that fun happens when the visitor arrives.

 

Dog sports

 

Davis agrees that “a tired dog is a good dog,” saying K9 Nose Work and other scent games can really help. “Scent detection games provide mental stimulation and allow your dog to use their problem-solving skills for good. “Because K9 Nose Work is such wonderful mental enrichment, you’ll find it helps tire them differently than regular exercise, like fetch.”

 

Small everyday things make a big difference

 

Get outside with your pup at least once daily. Studies show time in nature has a profound effect on mental health — for you both. Experts also say people who spend 90 minutes walking in nature experience decreased negative feelings.

 

Soothing an anxious dogs may take a village, but these techniques can help.

 

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/dogtv-gathers-worlds-leading-pet-130000811.html