If you’re like most, you’ve been working from home for a year…or longer. But now that things are starting to return to normal, you may need to head back into the office. Which means potentially leaving your furry friend home for the first time in a very long time. While this may create some separation anxiety, I’m going to give you some tips to help relieve the anxiety and make the transition as easy as possible for the both of you!

Starting Small

The first step is making small changes to your routine. These can be really simple things. Such as spending a few minutes outside when you go to get the mail, going into another room without your pup, watering the flowers, or even a quick walk around the block without them. 

Once your dog gets used to these smaller increments of time, you can slowly increase the amount of time you’re gone. Which can be small errands and things of that nature like going to grab a coffee, or running to the bank. Little trips that allow your dog to be alone for a little bit longer. You can then work it up to an hour or two to see how they do. 

Implementing Crate Training

Now I want to emphasize the key word “training” with this. I say this is because putting a dog in a crate without creating a positive relationship with it first, can make your dogs’ anxiety worse. Proper crate training can help give the dog a safe space to be  in when you’re not home. Not only does the crate provide a secure spot for them, it also helps to ensure that if any anxiety does occur, it will not lead to unwanted chewing. 

If your dog has never been in a crate before, or if you’ve only used it once or twice, you’ll want to start to train your dog to use the crate and build up a positive association with it. This can be done in a variety of ways. Using the crate for feeding time can be helpful way to start.

A crate isn’t the only way to keep your dog secure, you can also designate a place in the house for your pup to be in. Another option can be to block them off using gates, either in the kitchen, or laundry room.

A Tired Dog Is A Happy Dog

One thing to remember is, just like you, your dog has been asleep all night. This means they’ll have extra energy to get out when they wake up. That’s why carving out a little time in the  morning before you head to work, to play with, or walk your dog can help relieve some anxious energy. Something as simple as throwing the ball with them, or going for a walk, or even just playing inside can help release some of their energy. Not only does this tire them out a little, it also helps establish a routine. 

Establishing A Routine

Most anxiety stems from not knowing what will happen next. Unfortunately we can’t actually explain to our pets that we will be home after work or a period of time. That’s why establishing a routine comes in handy. Having a routine in place is a way of showing them what to expect everyday. Something as small as giving them a treat before  you leave each day, or having them go in their crate can help create a a daily routine for your pup.

What you choose as your routine is completely up to you and what fits in with your lifestyle. The main thing is you stay consistent with it. As I stated previously, going for a walk or play time before leaving can be a great way to set the tone for the day.

Calm Exits And Returns

Making a big deal as you’re leaving or returning home could potentially worsen your dogs’ anxiety. Instead, try calmly leaving, by picking up your keys and heading out quietly, this will show them it’s ok for you to be away. The same goes for when you come home, calmly greet them hello. Avoid a bunch of hugs and good bye’s, I know this can be difficult but it can make a huge difference. 

Setting Boundaries In Your Everyday Routine

Setting small boundaries and allowing your dog to go off on their own during the day even when you’re home can help your dog develop the confidence to be alone. Teaching your dog a place command can help give them alone time while still being with you. This small boundary helps to create some space between you and your dog. 

During the day you can have your dog go into a “place” for a certain amount of time. Which means you can then move freely around your house without your dog by your side. This helps to show them that it’s ok if they can’t always see you. Letting your dogs into your backyard to explore on their own is also good way to add some separation. Even just going into another room and shutting the door behind you can help…this includes the bathroom. *wink wink*

Enrichment Toys

Giving your dog something to keep them entertained while you’re  gone will help make sure they don’t find something on their own to get into that they shouldn’t.  It will also help to keep them occupied when you leave. Helping to stimulate their brain in a constructive way can be very beneficial to easing their anxiety. Some examples of these are a puzzle toy, or a toy you can fill and freeze, just be mindful of what you leave your dog alone with.

Enlisting The Help Of A Dog Walker

I’ve personally been a dog walker for over 16 years. Having someone to come in during the day to help break up the day for your pup can be super helpful. Most dogs feel better knowing that even though their owner has left, someone else is coming in soon to play with them. It also helps if you are keeping your dog in the crate while you’re gone. Having someone come in during the day gives your dog a chance to stretch their legs and get some pent up energy out and most importantly go to the bathroom.

This also plays into establishing a routine. The dogs I walk know exactly what time I’m coming and wait for me. Which helps gives them something to look forward to in the middle of the day. They learn that it’s ok when you leave, because someone else will be coming in soon after.  

Limiting Affection

Now I know this is not an easy one. But it can be beneficial in the long run, especially with a dog that suffers greatly when you are not around. I certainly don’t mean stop loving your dog altogether. But there a small ways you can limit affection throughout the day to help them be better on their own. 

You can use the “place” command for this as well, while you’re watching tv or even while you’re still working from home, putting them in a place from time to time rather than having them on the couch with you. This can help to create some space between you and your pup, and will limit cuddling and petting time a little. 

Monitoring Your Dog

If you’re nervous about leaving your dog alone you can invest in a small camera. Having a camera will enable you to observe how your dog reacts when you’re not around, even if you’re just outside or in another room. When you’re able to see exactly what’s going on with your furry best friend it takes the guess work out of the equation, and help you gauge what steps to take to fix the issue.

Background Noise

Noise can play a big part in your dogs’ anxiety, you may want to invest in a small sound machine or leave the tv or radio on while you’re away. Buffering out any outside noise can help decrease their anxiety, and can be soothing for some pups. Having a cover on their crate can also help with this as well. You want to make the environment as comfortable as possible for them so they’re not triggered by unwanted noise. We usually leave the food network or Disney channel on for our pups.

Leave A Little Bit Of You Behind

Leaving behind a t-shirt or an article of clothing that smells like you is comforting to your pup while you’re gone. You can leave it in their bed, or crate or wherever they usually sleep. It can even be a stuffed toy that you’ve been around. 

Talk To Your Vet

If your pup is still struggling, you may want to to talk to your vet about supplements or medication. I would absolutely talk to them even before giving them over the counter supplements such as cbd oil or calming chews, just to be on the safe side. Some pups need a little extra help when being left alone. 

There are also other calming aids you can look into such as a thunder shirt or a heated snuggle toy.

I hope these tips help you and your pup transition back into the world! Navigating through separation anxiety can be a difficult task, and while it’s not an overnight process, with a little patience and practice, you and your pup can work on it together. Just be sure to start small, and work your way up.