Preventing separation distress in your dog and other problems that may occur after lockdown

During the course of lockdown your pets will have experienced more company than usual and may become more dependent on the constant affection you and your family have been providing. To help prevent any issues that may arise once we are able to go back to work and have friends round, here are some things to begin implementing;

Provide physical barriers and distance throughout the day

Utilising a baby gate or different levels of the house, make sure that and your dog are separated during the day. Initially start with shorter durations and allow your dog to see you through a baby gate before going long durations out of sight.

Take walks and trips without the dog

Going out of the house without the dog reminds then that it is okay to be on their own and that you will be returning! Build up times slowly. If your dog currently struggles with separation you may need to start with seconds, rather than minutes or hours.

Look into buying a camera to observe the dog when you are out

Being able to observe your dog during this time you will see how they are coping and if you need to go more slowly or get help from a behaviourist.

Try to adopt 'normal' feeding and walking routine

Follow a rough feeding and walking routine that would be in place when you are back to work in a 'normal' routine. This will set your dog up for success when you do return to work. If you have a dog walker then ask when they normally would arrive for your dog. It is good to vary timings by 15-30 minutes so your dog doesn't anticipate their walk or their meals at an exact time and get anxious when this doesn't happen.

Boundary training

Known as boundary training, is the practice of sending your dog to a bed or mat when asked and remaining there comfortably. This practices distance whilst remaining calm.

Interactive food toys and chews

Products like Kong chew toys helps your dog entertain themselves without needing constant interaction from you thus becoming less reliant on you as their source of entertainment and affection throughout the day.

Make sure your dog is getting enough alone time

Sleep deprived and cranky dogs are not fun to be around and it isn't good for growth, repair and mental development. When dogs are left alone they are able to get undisturbed sleep but unfortunately lockdown has disturbed this for many pets.

Waking up/sleeping routine

As much as sleeping in has been a treat for us all, it is beneficial for you and your dogs to get in to a routine of waking up at the time they will be when you go to work. This also applies for bed time and, if your dog has been sleeping in your bed over the last few weeks but didn't before, now is the time to revert back to the normal routine.

Consider desensitising to masks

Your dog will be exposed to people wearing masks possibly for the first time in their lives. It can be scary for them as they cannot read facial expressions and may be confused. Now is the time to start introducing them to your dog as a normal thing. Pair with treats and gradually lift the mask to your face and increase the duration of wearing the mask over time.

For when people can come over to the house

Your dog has been used to you being in the house but when it is possible for friends and family to visit please do this gradually. A sudden influx of people who are all very happy to be reunited may be too much for your dog. Provide a safe place for your dog to go if they feel uncomfortable and do not allow people to approach or hug your dog.

Have you noticed any difference in your pets?
If your dog is struggling to be left alone then please get in touch.