Post-Lockdown Series: How to make your pet comfortable when you leave

Post-Lockdown Series: How to make your pet comfortable when you leave

 

 

One of the biggest topics of conversation surrounding pets and the easing of lockdown is the challenge many owners are facing - my pet is used to having me around, what happens when I leave?

 

Every human year is roughly estimated to be 7 to a dog. So when we think about being around them for a long time, it’s a lot longer for them. Even if you had the most well behaved and cooperative pooch before lockdown, you could still notice a change when you start leaving for long periods of time. To save the chewed-up furniture and the general distress of your companion, we’ve compiled our top 10 for reducing stress on your pet when you leave.

 

Practice
 

Get that training in asap! Start leaving your house for a few seconds then minutes and build up the time. Mix it up, go for slightly longer periods but make sure you also only leave for a minute or two. Your dog will remove the attachment that no matter when you leave, it’s not always going to be for a long time.

 

Reward when you’re home
 

When you’re around the house with your dog, when they’re quietly in their own space, reward them! Let them know this is the behaviour you want when you’re not around. Check out our tasty treats selection here!

 

Remove distractions
 

Some dogs can become overwhelmed when they feel vulnerable by external sources adding additional pressure. Maybe consider closing the curtains that face the street because they bark at people walking past, or not allowing them into that specific room when you’re gone.

 

Find a special toy
 

Find something they truly love and will keep them entertained for an extended period of time. Make sure they don’t have it when you’re in the house but it’s what they get when you leave. Our latest toys range can be found here!

 

 

Get exercising
 

Make sure your pet has had plenty of exercise before you leave so they aren’t full of energy.

 

It’s not a big deal
 

Don’t fuss over your dog when you leave. It’s normal and by saying goodbye multiple times you’re fuelling their anxiety.

 

Never punish
 

If your pet gets upset when you leave, never punish them. They don’t feel good and if you yell at them for barking it’s not going to make them feel any better. Make sure to ignore your dog when you come in until they are completely calm and only reward them when they are.

 

Lessen their space
 

If you let them roam the whole house, consider making this smaller. They have a safe place and by making that their only area they feel more comfortable.

 

Ask a friend
 

If you’re gone for a few hours, ask a friend to poke their head in and let them out for a pee. No one wants to have to hold that!

 

Get some extra help
 

If the anxiety is bad, seek help from a professional. Your dog deserves the best and a session or two with a trainer could make all the difference!

 

 

It'll be tough for us all over the next few months- going back to work, facing the world again, but none more so than for our pets. Please be patient with them- they've kept us all sane and entertained throughout lockdown, it's time we do the same for them as we integrate back into society and step back out into the world again.