The corona virus pandemic has been hard on everyone, not forgetting our dogs, who not only don't understand what's been going on, they also don't understand why now, after 18 months of us being at home more, we're now home less.
We've all had to adapt to different routines and most likely your dog has had to adapt also to not being able to go out to different places that they're used to and meet up with friends. What the heck is going on?
For puppies that came into our lives during this pandemic only know this world, so how can we help our dogs through the upcoming changes?
The most commonly asked question from my clients, friends and family is "Does my dog have separation anxiety? Do you have any advice on how to deal with it" - Well, the answer is most likely yes and secondly... take a seat, this could take a while!
Dealing with separation anxiety is probably, for the most part, going to be the most important factor here. There also isn't a quick-fix overnight cure. You need to prepare your dog weeks in advance, especially if you're going to be leaving them for more than an hour or so.
Lockdown Dog Tips: Helping Your Dog Adjust to Post-Lockdown Life
If you have a lockdown dog, helping them adjust to life outside the bubble of constant companionship can take time. One of the most important steps is getting your dog used to being left alone. Start by leaving them in another room, like the bathroom or going outside without them. A baby gate is a great tool because it separates them but allows them to still see you. Gradually, increase the time they're separated, so they get used to not seeing or hearing you at all. Eventually, you can build up to leaving the house for short periods, extending the time away slowly. This process is especially crucial for lockdown dogs, who may not have experienced being alone as much.
Before leaving, ensure your lockdown dog has had a mentally stimulating walk. This doesn't mean exhausting them, but allowing them to walk at their pace and sniff around, which can be even more tiring for their mind. Also, provide interactive toys like puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and licky mats to keep them occupied while you're gone. Leaving the radio or TV on for background noise, and closing the blinds to limit environmental distractions, can also reduce anxiety.
When you leave or return, avoid making a big fuss, which can heighten your lockdown dog’s stress. Keep it calm and routine, so they don’t associate your coming and going with high excitement or anxiety. If your dog gets anxious when they see you putting on shoes or grabbing keys, practice this routine in small steps without actually leaving, so they get used to it.
Socialisation for Lockdown Dogs
For many lockdown dogs, having guests over will be a novel experience. Puppies who were raised during lockdown, or dogs who haven’t seen visitors for a while, may get overly excited or anxious when meeting new people. Ask your guests to ignore the dog when they first arrive, only paying attention once your dog has calmed down. You can have treats ready as a distraction to help manage your dog's behavior when someone new walks in.
Since your lockdown dog might not have learned proper greeting manners, prepare for some excitement. It's common for dogs to jump up when they’re thrilled to see someone, so raise your knee gently to block the jumping and move forward, keeping your knee raised until they calm down. Reward your dog with treats only when they’ve demonstrated the behaviour you want.
Outings and Travel with Your Lockdown Dog
Finally, after months of restrictions, we can travel and explore more places with our lockdown dogs. However, visiting new and busy areas can be overwhelming, especially for a lockdown dog that hasn’t been exposed to many sights and sounds. Introduce these environments gradually, starting with short trips, and keep an eye on how your dog is reacting.
Car journeys might also be new to your lockdown dog. They may have only associated car rides with vet visits, so spend some time familiarizing them with the car. Use treats and toys to create positive associations, and make sure they’re securely tethered for safety. Avoid feeding them right before a journey, as this can cause nausea.
Dog-Friendly Eateries
After an outing, you may want to stop at a dog-friendly café or pub, but be mindful that this might be overwhelming for a lockdown dog. These places can be full of distractions, and your dog may become overstimulated. Train your dog to sit calmly between your legs or on a familiar mat to help them feel secure in new environments. If the setting proves too stressful, it’s best to leave early or skip the stop altogether.
Following these steps will help your lockdown dog adapt smoothly to new experiences while keeping their anxiety in check.
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