Getting Your Pup Ready for the "Old Normal"

For the last few months, many of our furry friends have had the unique opportunity to spend a lot more time at home with you, their owners.  As people acclimate to working again in the office, it is important to remember pups will be affected by the return to work as well and will need help transitioning back to the “old normal”.  We have compiled several ways you can ease your pups back into this "new" lifestyle.

One recommendation experts are giving is for owners to begin to “social distance” from their pets while they are still home.  Things like having your pets work on a puzzle bowl or kong in a different room and spending time in their crates are examples of this “social distancing.”  Experts are also recommending that owners put comforting items in their dog’s crates, like favorite toys or treats to make alone time more enjoyable.

Another important factor in ensuring your pet’s successful transition to spending more time alone is thorough socialization. The socialization of your pets is an important and necessary part of the training routine. As you return back to work, the amount of socialization for pets is bound to drastically decrease from what it may have been while you were home! Now, more than ever, there is a need to continue the socialization of four-legged family members throughout this change.

Poorly socialized dogs can experience fear of new places, things, people, and sounds. By introducing your dog to as many new experiences while you can, they learn that fear is not always an appropriate response to something that is new. Dogs who are not properly socialized may experience their “fight or flight” instincts kick in and can suffer from high stress. Overall, socialized dogs have more stress-free lives, and are easier to take with to new places!

There are many things and experiences out there to introduce to your pup. Children, car rides, public places, other dogs, strangers who don’t look like you, loud noises, grooming, and crowded spaces are a few of an unlimited number of opportunities to socialize.

According to Pet MD, consequences of poorly socialized dogs can cause chronic stress hormone release and affect their health in the long run.

Being home alone can lead pups to become destructive. One way to avoid this is by providing your dog with appropriate enrichment. Setting up sounds, toys, obstacles, and excitement in the yard or house can allow you to channel any destructive behaviors into fun stress-relievers and exercise.  Without the availability of correct outlets for stress relief, you may find your furry friend digging in the yard, chewing belongings, or even scavenging through garbage to find enrichment themselves due to boredom or separation anxiety.

Come, Sit, Stay is available to meet these socialization needs as you are considering returning to work and begin to return to a normal schedule. We are now booking potty break visits for puppies to have a break from the crate and stimulation during the day, walks with a non-household member to introduce a new face or that midday walk to keep you focused on your tele-meeting. Come, Sit, Stay's experienced team is ready to help keep you focused on work or help socialize your pup and enrich their time away from you!