The UK has experienced a very strange and difficult few months, and it’s not just humans that have been impacted.
Dogs have also been living through the current pandemic and our canine companions have had to adjust to a new normal.
For most dog owners, the coronavirus crisis and subsequent lockdown has meant spending more quality time with their pets and this has made the bond with our dogs stronger.
However as life has changed for us, so too has it changed for your dog and they will need to adjust now Lockdown has ended.
Remove triggers
Dogs tend to relate to triggers and this can cause stress. For example, dogs will associate something happening with their owner going out, like picking up car keys or getting a handbag. Remove these triggers by picking up keys and then putting them down again. This will desensitise your dog and those triggers won’t mean anything to them anymore.
Go out without your dog
During lockdown, we were unable to go out more than once a day, so naturally we would take our dog with us. Now that lockdown is easing, remember to go out on your own and see how your dog reacts during this time. This will highlight if your dog has become overdependent.
Set up a camera in your home
If you are worried about separation anxiety, try leaving a camera running in your home to see how your dog reacts when you leave. If your dog lies down and settles after a couple of minutes then you will know it is okay.
Try not to worry
Sometimes we are guilty of worrying about our dogs as we love them so much. However, this worry can cause anxiety within our dogs as they often reflect our feelings. Try to be positive around your dog and don’t worry about a problem unless you see signs of separation anxiety.
Give your dog a toy
Before you leave the house without your dog, give them a toy or something to take their mind off the fact you are leaving. A good tip is also to leave one of your t-shirts in the dog bed, as the scent can act as a comforter for your dog.
Don’t make a big deal about leaving the house
It can be easy to fuss your dog before you go anywhere, but try not to make a deal about leaving. Instead, be as natural as possible. Most dogs will pace for a few minutes and then they will probably spend the rest of the time relaxing.
Speak to the professionals
Finally, if you have tried all of these tips and you are still worried about your dog contact a behaviourist for advice if needed, or consider hiring a dog walker which will be able to help ease your dogs anxiety, provide them with additional exercise throughout the day which should help relax them when you return home from work.
However, as life has changed for us, it has also changed f
However, as life has changed for us, it has also changed for dogs and they will need to adjust to life after lockdown.
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