Though many people are relieved for being able to return to work in-person, some pet owners are worried about leaving their dog home alone. Specifically, individuals who adopted a dog during the pandemic, are concerned about them developing separation anxiety.
“Leaving my house has become so stressful now that I am back to work.” said Laura Hatano, a dog owner. “I feel so guilty leaving my dog at home alone especially since she has never been alone since we adopted her.”
Like so many people during the beginning of the pandemic, Laura Hatano adopted her dog to help her daughter (Julie) cope with suddenly being at home all day. While having a dog has helped her family immensely during these times, with the transition to going back to their regular schedule has them worried.
According to bestfriends.org, 76% of dogs and cats were saved from shelters in California in 2020, which is 1.8% up from 2019.
“When I am not home I worry that she (the dog) is going to cry or bark. I also worry that she will need to use the bathroom or destroy something.” said Hatano.
With so many people starting to ease back to full time work and school, many people are now facing the challenge of getting back into a routine, and having to train their new dog to be able to adjust to being home alone.
One way that dog owners can combat separation anxiety and other behavioral issues is to go to a dog trainer.
Karin Chan, the owner and head trainer at The Driven Dog, makes customized training programs for all dogs in any life stage and any behavioral issues. “We focus on teaching clear communication, being fair and realistic with our goals for our dogs, and respecting the dogs for who they are.” said Chan.
Chan also shared how to combat separation anxiety in dogs. “We recommend new owners crate train their dogs early on. Crate training isn’t just for dogs who are problematic, but also to set boundaries, and teaching your dog that being bored and alone is ok.”said Chan
Crate training may in some ways seem like an ‘imprisonment’ for dogs, but it’s just a way for them to feel calm in a single space.
“Think of your potential schedule after life returns to normal. If you’ll be gone for 6-8 hours a day, then start to teach your dog that being alone and bored for that span of time is normal, and accepted for now.”said Chan.
Chan also shared what not to do when life returns back to normal.
“If you’ll be busy for most of the work week and can only take your dog on adventures on weekends, don’t get your dog in the habit of going to the beach in the middle of the week.” said Chan.
“We (The Driven Dog) do not recommend dog day cares, in general. There are of course few exceptions to every rule, but we find that day cares only offer a band-aid solution to issues like separation anxiety.” said Chan.
Life slowly going back to normal can be a hard transition after over a year of quarantine. However, with the proper dog training and steadily getting back into a routine can make the transition for you and your dog go easygoing.