With COVID quarantine there has been an increase in new pets, and although it is awesome to have that companion while people have been isolated at home, we have to remember that eventually we won’t be at home all the time. Dogs are more likely to develop separation anxiety than other pets. Dogs enjoy companionship, they want to be with their people. So how can we start now to help our pet’s with the transition from being home 24/7 to being away for 8 hours+ each day?
Room Separation
If your dog is constantly by your side, begin by just having some room separation. Perhaps they are in the living room while you are in the kitchen. Give them a toy or treat to have (one that is ok for them unsupervised) and use a gate to keep them separated. Do this for short periods to start and build up the time you are separated.
If you have an open concept space and are able to make it so at first they can see you but can’t come to you that is great, but eventually you will want to change the room separation up so that they cannot see you or come to you.
Crate Training
There are some big benefits to teaching your pet to enjoy time in a crate.
- First it gives them a space of their own. Dogs especially, like the “den” feeling of a crate, my own personal dogs will often go there to lay down with the door open, instead of on the dog bed in the living room. They too enjoy the separation sometimes.
- Second it allows them to be safe while you aren’t home. If your dog has never been home unsupervised, you never know what they may get into or what they may destroy if they are having a little anxiety. Having them in a kennel (that they have been trained to feel comfortable in) means not worrying about what they are doing while you are away.
- Third it makes traveling in a vehicle easier and safer for both you and your pet! Having your pet loose in the car can be dangerous in many ways; they could run across you or bump you while you are driving, in the event of an accident they can be thrown around (or worse – out of!) the vehicle, when you stop to get out – they could escape and either be hit by another car or run away.
The size of the crate should only be large enough that they can stand (not with head raised up) and turn around. If the crate is too big you may find that they use one side for a potty and the other side to lay down.
For details on how to crate train your pet see our blog: Crate Training
Once your dog has become accustom to the crate you can start with short periods where they spend a little time in their crate while you are home, then leave the house for short periods (even if it is just in the yard), and work on lengthening the amount of time you are away. Eventually you will want to get in the car and drive away too, even if at first it is just around the block.
Feeding them their meal or giving them a stuffed Kong when they are in the crate will give them something to keep them occupied instead of focusing on you.
Increase Game Play & Activity
Another great way to help your dog settle in the crate is to have a good play session, run, or long walk prior to. If they are tired they are likely to just rest while you are away.
Incorporate game play that stimulates your dog mentally as well. Mentally being tired is even better than physically; purchase games that hide treats, teach your dog some tricks, hide their favourite toy and get them to search for it. Even playing “hide and seek” with you is very mentally stimulating (go to a different room (or if outside, hide behind a tree) when they aren’t paying attention and then call them – big reward of treats or tug play when they find you).
Seek out a Trainer
If you are struggling with any part of training your pet to be independent, seek out the advice of a local trainer. Positive reinforcement training is the best way to enforce behaviours to occur long term. Lots of praise and reward for what your expectations are will help your pup learn quickly, happily, and help them retain that training.
Get Started Now
Begin separation training as soon as you can, so you have plenty of time to build up the amount of time you are away. A slow steady increase will bring positive results in the long term rather than being quick and hasty and having to deal with the consequences of that.
Other considerations
There are other options if you have a dog with separation anxiety:
- Doggie Day Care – If your pup is good with other dogs, seek out a local day care where your pup can go when you aren’t home
- Dog Walker – Hire someone to come midway through your time away to take your dog for a walk and give them some love and attention
- Purchase a Camera & Treat Trainer – There are automated treat dispensers available that you can place so that the treat that is released goes into your pet’s kennel. Use a system that allows you to see and talk to your dog when you aren’t there, this will allow you to verbally praise and then reward, good settled behaviour.*
*Be aware that some dogs may find this more anxiety provoking if they can hear but can’t see or get to you. Each dog is different, so it will be best to find a system that works for you and them.
Additional Resources:
Albert North Vet Clinic 