Preparing your dog for the “new normal”

Did you know that separation anxiety is very common in dogs?   Most dogs are pretty social creatures and can get very lonely and distressed when they are left alone.

It’s also worth noting that any routine changes can affect your dog’s behaviour. During the lock-down, your dog is probably getting used to you being at home a lot more than normal and most dogs love it. However, what will happen when the restrictions on movement are lifted, and everything goes back normal, or “the new normal”?

An abrupt change in routine that may increase the time your dog is home alone can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
Your doggo probably won’t like it and will miss you a lot. He/she just got used to another routine, a much better one, so they won’t understand what has changed.

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Dogs will show signs of separation anxiety in different ways but some of the signs are;

• Destructive behaviour
• Unwanted toileting
• Barking, Howling or whining
• Attempting to escape
• Repetitive behaviour or Pacing
• Excessive salivation or panting
• Loss of appetite

These behaviours do not usually occur in the presence of the owner and it is likely that they will probably happen within the first 30 minutes of being alone.

Even if you believe your dog is happy when left home alone you could always check for the hidden signs by filming your dog while you are away.

Ways to help your dog

It is really important that we never punish an anxious dog, even if the behaviour is annoying or frustrating (such as urinating in the house or chewing the furniture). It will not help and in fact, it will most likely make things worse as you raise the dogs anxiety and stress levels even more.
 

Here are some suggestions of ways to reduce their anxiety

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1. Prepare now – Try leaving the house, when you can, and leave your dog alone.  During lock-down they are probably not left alone very much, and they need to get used to this again gradually before life goes back to normal.  Try leaving them in another room for some time, rather than let them follow you around the house.  Maybe try leaving them in the house, when you go into the garden for a while.  It’s all about the de-sensitisation of the anxiety triggers.
   
   
2. Distraction and Enrichment - When you leave the dog alone leave them an irresistible toy by the time you leave the house .  There are lots of interactive treat toys, but you need to make sure your dog can be left safely with it.  Try to give this toy every time you leave and take it back once you get home again.
   
3. Exercise - Take your dog for a walk before leaving to go out to work etc. This way your dog will be tired, calmer and quieter when you leave.
   
4. Comfort - Some people leave some of their clothes with their dog as your scent can be comforting.
   
5. Stay calm - Down tone your comings and goings. Stay calm and project that calmness to your dog.  We know it’s exciting when you get home and you’ve missed your pup but try not to let the situation become over excited.
   

After the quarantine, many dogs will be impacted by the changes in routine. They are used to have you at home all the time now. They will miss you and you will have a hard time leaving your dog home alone. Hopefully these tips will help but if you are concerned, please consider contacting a dog behaviourist for more personalised advice.  We highly recommend Dog 999 which is run by our Founder, Rachael and her business partner Sam.  Both have a lot of experience with lots of behavioural issues and have years of experience particularly with Rommies, who we know can be very sensitive little souls - Dog999

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