Helping Your Dog Cope with Reopening the Country and Returning to Work

Whether you feel emotionally or physically ready for it, the fact is businesses, schools, and public spaces will soon reopen and pet parents will begin returning to work. So, what does this mean for your dog? Big changes in the daily routine can be difficult for our best furry friends, especially those that had playmates and family members around for so much of the past few weeks.

As we begin returning to work, school, or to our previously busy lives, everything at home changes. Moms and dads get up earlier, kids that have been home during the day are away at school or out with friends instead. There’s less time for cuddling on the couch, shorter neighborhood walks, and fewer days of carefree fun with the pups.

Dogs can really struggle when it comes to drastic changes in routine, especially if those changes mean suddenly spending a lot more time at home alone. Not surprisingly, many pet parents will notice changes in their dogs’ behavior as the country reopens and their human families return to work. Most common behavioral changes include chewing furniture, urinating or eliminating in the house, attempting to escape, barking excessively, and showing signs of restlessness and/or anxiety.

A vast majority of these behavioral changes can be attributed to the change in their day-to-day routines—the sudden schedule changes, the drastic reduction in both mental and physical exercise, and a lack of stimulation they’d grown accustomed to during stay-at-home orders and city-wide lockdowns.

The good news is, with some patience, understanding, and a bit of effort, you can help your four-legged family members adjust quickly and avoid the behavior blues!

• In the days and weeks leading up to the changes ahead, slowly start adjusting your schedule so it isn’t such a sudden, drastic change. If your new schedule means your dog will need to be fed, walked, and allowed to potty at different times of day than he’s used to, gradually adjust his schedule instead of just springing it on him one day.

Likewise, if your dog will be spending a lot more time alone once you return to work, begin leaving her alone for gradually longer amounts of time in the coming days and weeks. A slow transition will be far less stressful on both you and your dog.

• To make your dog more relaxed during the day while you and the kids are away from home, plan to exercise him in the mornings before you head out for the day. Even just a brisk 15-20 minute walk or active playtime in the backyard will help to expend some of the energy that could make him restless during the day.

• If your dog has specific dietary needs or is in need of frequent feedings throughout the day, an automatic feeder can help to ensure she gets the nutrition she needs, when she needs it.

• If you’re confident that your backyard is 100% secure, both from an escape artist pooch or from intruders, an automatic dog door can be a lifesaver for dogs that can’t “hold it” all day.

Remember, the goal is to set your dog up for the best chance of success, not test whether or not he will fail. To make sure your dog is relaxed, comfortable, and happy while he’s home alone, make sure he’s got access to favorite toys and a comfortable place to nap.

A favorite trick among pet parents that have to leave their dogs alone for a portion of the day is to stuff a Kong toy with peanut butter and offer it to the dog right before leaving. This irresistible treat keeps the dog occupied during those first several moments when anxiety about being left alone is at its worst. Just be certain that whichever toys or treats you leave behind can be safely played with or consumed while unattended.

• Instead of leaving your dog, who’s grown accustomed to the hustle and bustle of a family-filled home, all alone in a quiet house, turn on the television or play a radio softly before heading out. Consider a DVD made especially for dogs that’ll provide entertainment or relaxation while you’re away.

Also remember, although you’ve been at work all day, your dog’s been eagerly awaiting your return—don’t forget to exercise and play with her again as soon as you get home, no matter how tired or just not in the mood you may be. (A nice walk around the neighborhood is a great way to unwind after a long day at the office!)

If all else fails, consider sending your dog to school, too! Enroll your furry, four-legged student in doggy daycare or hire a dogsitter, walker, or trainer to stop in and pay her a visit during the day while you’re away.