In most countries COVID-19 forced families to stay home in lock-down for several weeks. Our family pets were surrounded by their favourite people almost 24/7.
Soon though many of us will have to go back to work, children go back to school...
This abrupt transition can cause anxiety and stress in many of our pets.
Here are a few tips to help your dogs when you have to return to work or school
Take Care
Els
Soon though many of us will have to go back to work, children go back to school...
This abrupt transition can cause anxiety and stress in many of our pets.
Here are a few tips to help your dogs when you have to return to work or school
- Wear work or school uniforms during the day when you are home. Pick up hand bags, keys or lunch boxes and move them around the house without actually leaving. Specific clothes and the items mentioned can be a trigger for dogs as they know they are associated with you leaving. The purpose is to reduce the trigger.
- Make sure you leave rooms without allowing your dog to follow you; close a door behind you and return without making a fuss.
- Start engaging with your pet on your terms, not when they demand attention. This will help reduce the risk of separation anxiety.
- Do not put your dog's food in a bowl. In a natural environment dogs would have to hunt to get food. Allowing them to work for their food (hunting games, puzzle toys, LICKIMAT, ...) is mentally stimulating, satisfies their natural instinct and will help them relax more.
- A good understanding of a STAY command for dogs also helps in preventing separation anxiety. We teach the dog that with a STAY you will always return.
- When you do have to leave, give your dog a good walk full of mental challenges (make the walk an adventure), then let them work for their food and leave a radio or tele on so they have familiar sounds during the day.
Take Care
Els
