Step 1 : Quit your job to expend fourth dimension with your pup . ( Kidding . )
the great unwashed around the world are in different stages of hark back to their workplaces amid the COVID-19 pandemic . For dog owner , a return to the office can lead to some challenge . Namely : What do I do with my dog who ’s gotten so used to me being home all the time ?
Well , first things first : Prepare . Do n’t just head back to the office without helping your frump or puppy get ready for the transition . From the andiron ’s perspective , it ’s like drop almost every arouse hour with your best champion , and then they abruptly up and leave you all alone .
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You ’ll need to help your dogtooth pal get used to the unexampled routine , saysNiwako Ogata , an brute behaviorist and prof at Purdue University ’s College of Veterinary Medicine . It ’ll take several week to transition any hot dog to " home alone " position — but especially a puppy you adopted during the pandemic or a dog who exhibited behavioral problem before the former coronavirus arrived . Those whelp might panic when they ca n’t find you at home .
" Do n’t vary the docket or environment sapiently , specially if you kind of know things may pass off in the future , " Ogata says .
Preparing Your Dog for Your Return to Work
Ogata separates dogs into three class : pup take over during the oeuvre - from - place period ; dogs who live with you before the pandemic started ; and dogs who ’ve already exhibited behavior problems , includingseparation anxiety .
The length of the modulation period — and method — bet on the individual frank , but Ogata judge it will take just about a calendar month to get your whelp used to a new function . click in the 2d group , the 1 who ’ve been around long enough to see you leave for work most day pre - pandemic , may only need a few days to re - correct .
puppy , who ’ve dwell in a blissful Earth where you could play with them at nearly any time , will need a piffling more time .
If you get it on that you ’re eventually head back to the power , it ’s likely time to make a few adjustments now . Instead of have your dog believe every solar day is a free - for - all of walk and playing at the driblet of a hat , originate creating habits that more nearly mime your going away - to - the - business office procedure . For instance , if you ’ve been walking your frank in the break of day , a time when you ’d commonly be convert , consider move your big stroll to the eventide , Ogata say . The American Veterinary Medical Association ( AVMA ) alsorecommendsadjusting meal time and wake - up times to what they ’ll be if you ’re back in the office .
" You need to start adjusting your life now during this passage period , " Ogata says .
If you restrict your wiener in a certain area when you go to work , start doing that and working in another room or outside , give the dog the impression that you ’ve left .
Along those lines , you should start actually leave behind the house more often — alone — Northeast Animal Hospital says , whether that ’s out to get coffee or your own perambulation around the neighborhood . Ogata and the AVMA suggest leave the house for drill trips at the time you ’d unremarkably be heading to work .
These flying excursion will also give you an estimation of how your dog will react to you pull up stakes . If you have scratched floors or door when you return , you may require to consult an expert or vet about additional strategies for deal your frump ’s separation anxiety .
Before leaving , take on and drill with your pup , the AVMA says . That ’ll tire your heel out , settle down him down .
Then , maybe spend more meter with your whelp outside of work . More and more pet owners have grown nearer to their pets during the pandemic , some saying they ’ll even bring down down on their societal action after going back to the officeto make up for lost time with their furry kiddos .
Keeping Your Dog Safe
Not preparing your blackguard for your eventual departure can implicate dire event for your floors and walls — but most significantly for your dog .
They ’ll overlook their best friend and the first matter they ’ll do when you allow for is take care for you , Ogata say . That means doing the thing that normally make you appear : pacing and finally barking , Ogata read .
" They are look for you and asking for attention , " she say .
When that does n’t lick , they get stock , which will make them more panic-struck , potentially make them to scratch or bite the door and paries , which could spite them , Ogata adds . You ’ll desire to void all those stage but especially the potentially harmful one , so be sure to do what you could to get your dog used to you not being there .
As always , consult your vet or a pet behaviour expert if you think your dog will have difficulty adjusting to being at home alone . You do n’t require your frankfurter to get bruise .
