How to reduce your dog's separation issues

Today, people are working from home more than ever. As a result, many dogs are enjoying a lot more time with, and attention from, their owners.

Dog adoption rates have skyrocketed as people seek enjoyment and extra companionship. But what will happen when life eventually returns to normal? Check out these tips and ease your worries.

Teach Puppies Alone Time

Dogs are social creatures and need to learn coping skills to be comfortable when they are left unattended. Otherwise, they may become anxious when they are alone, which can result in destructive behaviour such as chewing on furniture and digging up plants in the garden.

Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone right from the start will help you avoid separation issues in the future. As tempting as it is to let your cute puppy follow you around, this can lead to them becoming overly dependent and potentially anxious when left alone.

Set Up a Playpen Or Crate

An enclosed space will keep them secure when you’re not in the same room. Allocate some time each day to leave your puppy alone—after playtime is perfect. Allow them an opportunity to toilet and then give them something safe to chew on to help them settle. If you are planning for your dog to spend time outside during the day, it is essential that you set this up from the beginning.

Create a Routine

It’s important for adult dogs to also spend time alone. When you are home, put your dog outside for short periods while offering a chew toy, or encourage them to settle on their bed or in a crate while you move around different parts of the home. Dogs like routine because it makes them feel secure.

Setting up and maintaining an exercise routine will be important once you start leaving home more, or your dog may become bored and possibly destructive. This is especially important for adolescent dogs and active breeds. Think about the amount of exercise you are giving your dog now and ask yourself how much exercise you will be able to maintain if circumstances change.

Establish Good Chew Habits

Teach your puppy or dog what is acceptable for them to chew. Only give them toys that are clearly distinguishable from household items. Chewable toys that can be stuffed with a treat like peanut butter are a good option.

When you want your dog to have some quiet time, give them a safe chew toy so they learn to associate this time with something positive. When you leave home, give them a chew toy to help them relax and keep them occupied.

Train Your Dog

This should include teaching the basics of “sit,” “stay,” and “down” but also training them to go to their bed and stay in position when requested. Trick training is also a wonderful way to use any extra time to develop a bond with your dog.

PUPPY ESSENTIALS

• Don’t let your puppy follow you from room to room.

• Confine your puppy if you can’t actively supervise them.

• Teach them to lie on a bed or mat at your request.

• Encourage them to use food-dispensing toys to help keep them occupied.

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