Preparing For Post Pandemic Alone Time
15 months later and here in most of North America things are looking a bit more “normal” again, looking being the operative word. I can’t help but wonder what is bubbling under the surface after months and months of seclusion. It has me feeling anxious when I’m around people, insecure about my looks, what to wear when the joggers and yoga pants come off (what is fashion anymore?), how to act around anyone but my family. I have to believe that our dogs are in somewhat of a state of shock as we try to toss them into the deep end and act as if they should have no feelings about it. It’s been a year of drastic change for them too and our dogs lead rich emotional lives. Let’s give them a bit of grace.
All of a sudden there are many more people and dogs to encounter on walks which can be scary or exciting (or both). Dogs are seeing our entire faces again (or for the first time), hearing louder sounds, smelling lots of new things, its overwhelming and over stimulating! For me, a behavior consultant who specializes in treating separation related behavior problems… I think about our dogs are being left alone again, and this is turning out to be a big problem for some. I’m getting a lot of urgent calls from panic stricken doggy parents whose dogs just aren’t too thrilled that this long vacation is ending.
Here are a few tips to help your dog adjust to life post pandemic:
Meet your dogs needs prior to leaving them alone:
Be sure they have gone to the bathroom recently - remember they may not be used to holding it for hours at a time anymore.
Exercise or enrichment before your departure - this isn’t about exhausting them its about ensuring they are ready to relax or nap. If your dog is feeling anxious, even exercise and enrichment usually won’t mask it, but lack there of can give a false read for a dog whose needs haven’t been met.
Close binds/windows if your dog is sensitive to sounds outside.
Leave on TV/Music if your dog is sensitive to outside noise.
Watch them on camera:
Before you head out for a full work day, or even a 2 hour brunch, be sure you know how your dog can handle a trip around the block. Set up a laptop, tablet or phone with a program like Zoom or FaceTime and watch on your phone. Observe their behavior after you leave and jot down some notes.
What kind of body language do you see (tail tucked, panting, pacing, trembling)
Are they vocalizing (barking, whining, howling)
Any destructive behavior
Keep it short - Build up Gradually
If you haven’t left your dog for the last several months, start with just a few minutes and work up from there. Even if they do really well, gradually build up the time over the course of a few weeks. They may be ok with a short trip but a few hours might be a struggle. Slow means fast when it comes to reintroducing alone time.
If you notice any unusual signs of stress, return immediately: You won’t be reinforcing their behavior by returning, but you will be relieving them of stress and panic. The longer your dog is left to panic, the more likely it will be for them to associate that feeling to being alone.
Stress related behaviors might include (not limited to):
Barking/whining/howling
Destructive behavior - especially around exits/windows
Pacing/inability to settle
Trying to escape crate/confinement area
Self Harm (excessive licking/pulling out hair, chewing)
Urination/defecation (when potty trained)
Avoid Punishment
Punishment in the form of e-collars, bark collars, citronella collars, shake cans or other types of punishment that attempt to deter our dogs from making noise or being destructive when we are away may seem like an appealing “quick fix” however this type if training will simply suppress your dogs behavior and does not address the “why” of their behavior. The gold standard for helping dogs overcome separation anxiety is gradual desensitization therapy which aims to change the emotions behind the behavior and leads to long lasting behavior change. Suppressed behavior will almost always come back somewhere else and it can be extremely dangerous.
Avoid Absences if they are Struggling
If you discover your dog is having a hard time being alone, try to avoid excessive time away until they are more comfortable. This may mean enlisting a dog walker, pet sitter, the help of friends and family, bringing them to work or on errands and/or sacrificing a bit more of your new found freedom while you work on their comfort. I promise its in everyones best interest to help get your pup to a good place before you get back to “normal”
Look out for another blog post soon on ways to suspend absences during training!
Get help - Sooner than Later
If you feel your dog is struggling, do not wait to ask for help. Many dogs have struggled to adjust to alone time after this year, you are not alone in this struggle and separation anxiety is not something that the average dog guardian should be able to “fix” with a quick google search. It can take time, the sooner you start the better! Below are some resources for dog guardians.
Resources
“Mission Possible” - Self Paced Online Separation Course for Guardians: https://courses.malenademartini.com?aff=13
Work with Me: A Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) I offer intensive training that will give you and your dog the best chance at success: https://www.acanineaffinity.com/separationanxiety
FREE Separation Anxiety Webinar: Learn More about Separation Anxiety, how to identify it and how to begin treatment
Additional Resources from Malena DeMartini: HERE
If you need me, I’m here
Melissa Dallier, CPDT-KA, CSAT