The post-vacation period can be a difficult time for pets as they find themselves having to readjust to being 24/7 and without humans. Later, when we get back to the office, it’s natural for our canine companions to be caught in a case of “dog wobble”, and they end up spending most of their day alone.
Being with their parents all day is a real luxury for puppies who enjoy having lazy mornings and just having a meal. best dog foodlong afternoon walks, and plenty of time to spend with loved ones.
But unfortunately, as the world begins to return to some form of normalcy after the pandemic, and many of us return to work after the holiday season, our four-legged buddies are forced to endure the stress and stress of bucketloading. You need to be able to spend time alone without experiencing it. anxiety.
If you have a dog that destroys things around the house, howls, barks, trembles, trembles, defecates, urinates, or has a hard time leaving you while you are away, We understand how painful this is. Separation anxiety in dogs It’s very common and thankfully there’s plenty of help available so you don’t have to struggle alone.
skilled dog behaviorist and trainer, Adem Femi (opens in new tab)has come to the rescue of this topic with six tips you can use to support your nervous friend as they begin the transition from home to office after the holidays.
1. Exercise your dog before leaving
“Exercising your dog effectively helps drain some of his energy. He’s more likely to be calm and rested after you’re out,” explains Fehmi. “Similar to the benefits exercise has for humans, exercise has a positive effect on the mental health of dogs and can help calm them down.”
Fehmi is a strong proponent of regular exercise, but is quick to point out that there is no one-size-fits-all approach and understanding your dog’s unique needs is key to success.
“It’s important to remember that long walks are not for all breeds and ages. Additionally, if you have a lot of stamina, a very high-energy dog will tire even after a long walk.” Maybe not, so it’s important to tailor exercise sessions to each individual dog and their life stage,” he says.
“For example, younger puppies may benefit from exploring new areas of the yard, while high-energy adult dogs may like to play fetch during walks. Due to aging and diseases such as arthritis, mental stimulation may be needed more than physical stimulation.”
2. Give your dog something to do while alone
As you already know, an occupied dog is a happy dog. That’s why it’s so important to have plenty of things for your puppy to enjoy while you’re away, to ease anxiety and reduce stress.
“The more quickly your dog gets bored if left alone, the more likely he or she will start to feel anxious about your absence,” explains Fehmi. , positively reinforces being left alone, because they get to do something fun!
Food dispensing toys are great as an activity. It takes time because you can start with something simple, develop your dog’s interest, and challenge yourself when you become an expert. If you’re a seasoned “gamer pup,” you can even freeze wet food with a rubber food dispensing toy to make it last a little longer. ”
See our guide best dog puzzle toys About some of our favorite options.
3. Create a calm environment
It may sound silly, but playing soft or classical music to your dog while you’re out can calm him down much the same way we calm him down. A great way to drown out noises outside your home that your dog may find uncomfortable.
4. Creating a comfortable space
invest in either best dog beds Use this to create a specific space in your home that your puppy knows is his own calm and inviting place. “This has to be trained from an early age. This is a safe place with absolutely everything they like,” Femi advises. “This is a great place to put their toys and treats when you leave and distract them from your departure.”
5. Calm down when you get home with dogs
“It’s tempting to fuss with the dog when we come back, and this can cause more trouble than it needs to,” explains Fehmi. I want them to know that it is normal for them to come and go throughout the day and that they should not look forward to it or be afraid of it.” , wait for your dog to calm down before engaging with him properly.
6. Consider a dog sitter
“If you’re away for long periods of the day, consider hiring a dog sitter to keep you entertained while you’re away,” suggests Fehmi. “Dogs can be more sensitive to changes in scenery, so leaving them in a comfortable place with their usual sitter will help them calm down, rather than in a kennel, which can cause further stress (this environment is If you are not familiar with !).
Separation anxiety can be very difficult for your dog and for you, the pet parent, but you don’t have to struggle with this problem alone. If you find yourself still experiencing “dog wobble” when forced to do so, we recommend seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer. 1:1 support.
Enjoyed this article and looking for more great dog content? See what it was like when you were a single owner Tried 45 minutes of “sniffari” exhaust the dog.
