Separation anxiety: what happens when we go back to the office?
While this year has been a tricky one to say the least, it’s likely that Fido is having a field day since you’re home more often than not. However, how do we prepare our pups for the eventual transition when we go back to the office? Below, we’ll detail exactly what you need to know about canine separation anxiety so that you can keep your pup’s tail wagging even when you’re back in the workplace.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can present itself in many forms. In general, dog separation anxiety is presented in destructive or disruptive behaviors whenever your pooch is left alone. This could be:
- Digging and scratching at doors
- Howling, whining, and barking
- Eliminating indoors
- Destructive chewing
- Excessively drool or salivate
- Pacing back and forth
Dogs suffer from separation anxiety out of a hyper-focused bond with their caregivers or a general feeling of insecurity when left on their own. Keep in mind that some dogs may be more genetically predisposed to develop separation anxiety than others so it isn’t necessarily caused by poor pooch parenting.
Regardless of the cause, it’s up to you to help your canine cope with his condition. Below, we’ll dive into a couple of strategies you can employ to make sure your mutt is at ease even when you’re out.
How To Ease Separation Anxiety
If your pooch has a mild case of separation anxiety, here are some ways to ease his experience while you’re out and about.
Create a Den
Give your pooch a secure, spacious area where he can lounge about, play, and relax. Be sure to put some of his favorite blankets, toys, and treats in the den whenever you leave so that he starts to create a positive association with your absence. Practice giving your pooch alone time in the den even when you are home so that he learns how to entertain himself while feeling secure.
Puzzle Toys
Some dogs experience separation anxiety out of sheer boredom. To prevent this from happening, give your pooch plenty of puzzle toys so that he can stay occupied. You can also encourage sniff work by getting a snuffle mat, or simply hiding treats throughout the house for him to find.
Exercise
Before leaving, try to give your dog a long walk or quick jog around the neighborhood. This way, he will get all of his pent up energy out so that he can relax rather than chew up the couch cushion while you’re gone.
Leave Something With Your Scent
Some dogs appreciate having items with a familiar scent around for reassurance. Leave one of your old t-shirts in Fido’s bed before skipping out.
How To Build Canine Confidence
In more extreme cases, separation anxiety is likely an ongoing problem. Here are a couple of strategies to help build canine confidence.
Entering and Exiting
One of the most rookie mistakes surrounding dog separation anxiety is to make a big deal out of entering and exiting your home. Stay calm when coming in and out so that your pooch knows that it’s just business as usual. Remember, you set the tone for your pooch. In addition, wait to greet your pooch until he’s calmed down once you come home.
Find a Dog Walker You Trust
If you’re gone for more than a couple of hours, be sure to invest in a dog walker that understands your pooch. This way, your pooch can socialize and bond with other individuals while still getting critical exercise and care.
Invest in a Behaviorist
When all is said and done, invest in the help of a trained professional. A dog behaviorist can help you figure out your dog’s triggers and create a personalized care plan so that your pooch is comfortable when you’re gone.
Prepare Your Pooch Accordingly
In order to make your transition back to the office as smooth as possible, practice leaving your pooch on his own for increasingly long periods of time. For example, you could start by leaving your dog alone for five minutes and building from there.
Allowing your dog the opportunity to see you safely return will help build his confidence and give him the skills to become more independent. From there, start leaving your dog on his own while you’re out for an hour or two running errands. Gradually increase the time he’s left alone until you’re confident he’ll be comfortable when you’re away for a full workday.
With ample practice, your pooch will be perfectly primed for when you return to the office. Enjoy watching Fido come into his own with these salient separation anxiety tips.
