I hope you are staying happy and healthy during this pandemic. Don’t forget, nature is not closed. Go out into the fresh air, and take a stroll through the woods with your pup, even if it’s only through your backyard.

I know there are quite a few people who are at home teaching lessons to their children. If you are off work, you probably still don’t have much time on your hands with everything that’s going on. Thank you for taking the time to read my column today.

Since we at home, and nearly everything is closed, I think we should use today’s time to discuss separation anxiety. If you’re at home with your dog longer than you usually are, her routine has likely changed significantly.

Although this new time provides additional opportunities for bonding, we want to be ahead of the game by ensuring we know what to do once it’s time for life to resume.

Today we will go through the cause of separation anxiety, the symptoms of separation anxiety, and what you can do to help your dog ease back into your normal routine once this settles.

SEPARATION ANXIETY CAUSE

OK. Let’s say you are usually gone from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., but now you have been laid off due to COVID-19, that amount of time added to your schedule staying home is what your dog will become accustomed to. You may have once had to fight separation anxiety in the past when you went to work or to the store, but since your dog’s routine is changing again, you may see symptoms of separation anxiety begin once you go back to work.

SEPARATION ANXIETY SYMPTOMS

Each dog is unique and therefore may handle separation anxiety differently than another. Some dogs exhibit separation anxiety by completely destroying the house whereas another may bark continuously while you’re gone (or both).

You may also notice urination/defecation inside your home due to separation anxiety.

It’s important to note here:

Do not punish or scold your dog for this. Just like us, circumstances due to COVID-19 have made life a bit more complicated.

DECREASING ANXIETY

Unfortunately, there are some dogs who will experience severe separation anxiety regardless of how much you prepare them for your ‘back to normal’ routine. But, I would like to discuss ways to reduce their level of anxiety as much as possible.

I know this is a hard one, but don’t make a big deal out of leaving anywhere without your dog. Act like everything is going according to plan and you’ll be back soon. If you are stressed, she will be stressed. If you excitedly say goodbye to her, this will likely worsen her anxiety.

Puzzles to keep your dog’s mind busy while he is inside the house also help. Most dog lovers have not heard of the puzzles for pups. You would be surprised (and probably amazed) at all the different kinds of dog puzzles that are available.

I know you can’t exactly run to the store and grab a dog puzzle, but there are still many places like Amazon and Chewy who are delivering these types of things. This could be the perfect opportunity to try out some new items and see what your dog loves.

There’s so much more to talk about on this topic. Unfortunately, I am out of space for this week. Don’t forget if you have any questions about your dog’s behavior, or even a general question, Dog Behavior Group is available to you on Facebook. We have awesome, extremely helpful members in the group. You can also follow me on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/specialistamberdrake.

I hope you stay safe and healthy.

Until next time.