Are you one of the 23 million American households who adopted a pet during the Pandemic? Even President Biden adopted his dog Commander during this time. President Biden has always been fortunate to have a trainer for his dogs, Major and Commander, to help them adapt to his fast paced ever changing lifestyle. He also owns a home in Delaware with dog loving employees who can take care of the dogs if they act up in the White House. Lucky dogs for sure!
Unlike the President, most of us don’t have a trainer and certainly don’t have second homes with people to take care of our dogs especially if they are naughty. And now, as the same 23 million households who adopted furry friends are transitioning back to work, there are a lot of pets out there who are going to create all sorts of trouble as they try to adapt to being separated from their owners.
Cat owners can relax because cats do not depend on humans to feel secure. Their independence has never been fully bred out of them and they are able to adapt to long hours alone. Dogs on the other hand are fully dependent on their humans to help them feel safe and secure. As we prepare to return to our jobs full time, it is doubly important to take care of our beloved canine friends to help them avoid extreme separation anxiety and the resulting problems that go with it.
Train Your Dog
The vast majority of dogs that are surrendered to agencies are dogs who were never trained properly in the first place. When people see a well behaved dog in a movie or television show they all of a sudden want one of their own. In fact, canine adoptions always skyrocket when dogs star in Hollywood productions. What people don’t understand is that these animals are trained by professionals who work with them all day long. Most Hollywood dogs also have two or three look-alikes who share the workload.
It is imperative to take the time to train your dog. It’s never too late. A trained dog is a dog who knows its boundaries. Dogs are pack animals and you are the pack leader. If you don’t assert yourself as the leader, your dog will take over and start developing undesired behaviors. You don’t need a lot of money to train a dog. In fact you can do it for free. Call your local Humane Society or ASPCA. They are great sources of information. Your veterinarian can also advise you. The internet is filled with training videos and there is a plethora of dog training books within your reach. Training your dog takes a lot of time, effort, and repetition. Dogs are no different than kids and need constant practice to master a command. Dogs are also eager to please and want to do as you ask. A well trained dog is a trusting dog and will be much easier to transition to change.
Transitioning To A New Routine
Your dog has spent the last year with you 24/7 and depends on your continued presence. As you head back to the office it is vitally important to transition your dog to face many hours without you. A dog suddenly deprived of its human leader will quickly become anxious and confused and develop unwanted behaviors such as chewing, scratching, and defecating.
Transitioning your dog to a new routine takes time and you need to start now. You have most likely house trained your dog by taking it out on demand. Suddenly leaving it alone for 8 hours with no preparation will ensure an unwanted mess. Start by adding an hour to the amount of time you usually leave the house to run errands. Confine your dog to a small space, a crate is ideal for this as dogs don’t like to mess where they sleep. Always make sure you take the dog out to do its business right before your departure. A long walk is ideal. Continue to increase your time away from home every few days until you have reached your desired goal. Upon your return, do not raise your voice and excite your pet. Quietly say hello and take it outside immediately. Be sure to praise your dog and provide a small treat when it relieves itself. Doing this regularly will soon become the routine your dog can expect.
Calming Your Anxious Dog
Many dogs who have been transitioned successfully with regard to house training still show signs of anxiety from being left alone. Chewing and scratching are the most common signs, or a neighbor might report excessive barking. These dogs also tend to show great fear at loud noises such as thunder or fireworks. Fortunately, there are numerous products available that will help your best friend relax. Several natural solutions have been proven to be highly effective. Something like a pet CBD tincture might work wonders to help your pet remain calm, and it has the added bonus of promoting a healthy heart and immune system. Pheromone diffusers, sprays, and collars have all been shown to soothe anxious dogs. There are also calming coats for your dog to wear that gently apply pressure providing a feeling of security. You might even want to consider a self warming bed which warms on contact and provides soothing and secure comfort. If the problem is severe, be sure to talk with your veterinarian.
You have made the commitment to owning a dog. This commitment includes taking the time to prepare your dog for any changes in its routine. Helping your dog to transition to change will go far to ensure a positive and rewarding relationship with your new furry best friend!
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