Separation anxiety

[Jackiegarcia1]

Hi I’m a young college student, who still lives at home with my parents and takes care of puppy prince who’s now 10 months. Since COVID happened I’ve been a full time college student online! Prince is used to having me at home, and having me train, play and take him out. I assume whenever I do leave him home alone he sleeps because he wakes up with that sleepy face whenever I get home. I’m now trying to find a part time job, but I’m scared that him being alone everyday while I work will give him separation anxiety since he’s so used to me being with him. So my question is how can I make it an easy transition and how can I keep him busy so he doesn’t die of boredom.

 

[Rits]

Start having him kennel for short periods while you are home so he learns it's no big deal and doesn't always mean mom is leaving. It sounds like he is already off to a good start with you leaving him at times! Take more trips or longer trips. Keep it varied. He will honestly sleep most of the time. Quantity of time doesn't matter all that much, they don't have much concept of time. The quality of time you spend with him when you are home is what is important! So while you may be tired coming home, he will be ready for exercise and working that brain through training.

You can leave him a frozen Kong if you desire to make the transition easier.

 

[Jackiegarcia1]

Start having him kennel for short periods while you are home so he learns it's no big deal and doesn't always mean mom is leaving. It sounds like he is already off to a good start with you leaving him at times! Take more trips or longer trips. Keep it varied. He will honestly sleep most of the time. Quantity of time doesn't matter all that much, they don't have much concept of time. The quality of time you spend with him when you are home is what is important! So while you may be tired coming home, he will be ready for exercise and working that brain through training.

You can leave him a frozen Kong if you desire to make the transition easier.

Thanks I’ll be sure to stock up on kongs and brain games to keep him entertained while gone! I usually just leave him a bully stick or any bone he likes!

 

[JanS]

I assume whenever I do leave him home alone he sleeps because he wakes up with that sleepy face whenever I get home.

If that's the case I doubt he has any separation anxiety. As stated above, crate train him and give him a lot of fun experiences when you're home.

 

[LifeofRubie]

You are not alone! My two used to be crated from 8:30a-12:00p and then again from 1:00p-5:00p, Monday thru Friday, or so when both my husband and I worked outside the home. My husband was then home starting July 2019 and I've been working from home since March 2020 so they've gone almost THREE YEARS with someone being home most of the day.

Even now that I'm home, I'm still in the office from 7-4 so they get some additional outside time but we're not partying all day, every day. They mostly sleep when I'm working

Dogs are very adaptable so even if a new routine comes along, as long as he has outlets for his energy, he should settle in just fine.

Exhibit A: I just had a sandwich for lunch for which both dogs were readily available for. As soon as I finished it, they both exited to resume their naps

 

[Viemarangelrock]

I’d also add, that departure cues like putting on your shoes, coat, picking up your bag or jingling your house/car keys sends him a message loud and clear that you plan to leave. When you are stuck at home, pick up your keys now and then. Put on your work shoes even if you are not going anywhere. Then stay home and carry on as normal. The goal is to prevent creating a link in his mind between departure cues and feelings of anxiety about being alone. When you are getting ready to leave, make sure you are calm and relaxed and the same when you return.

 

[Ravenbird]

The goal is to prevent creating a link in his mind between departure cues and feelings of anxiety about being alone

Yes, and remember that you don't have to do this forever. They eventually get use to being left and "just know". All that said, a big deal breaker is making a scene when you leave (bye bye sweet puppy, you be good, mommy will be back soon...) and don't make a party when you come home. Open his crate, or if he's in the house, just walk in, no words or eye contact no matter how silly and goofy he's getting for at least 2 or 3 minutes. Put your things down, put up groceries, change shoes, whatever. Coming & going needs to stay quiet and uneventful so he doesn't get worked up.

 

[Kaiser2016]

We're in the same boat with the pandemic having me home all the time for the last 2 years, while my hb was already home with Kaiser nearly every day before that too. I'm heading back into the world mid-April and we've been preparing him for my departure by leaving for varying amounts of time. During the pandemic we also made it a point to leave the animals (we have a cat too) home alone during grocery runs. Nothing like a full work day, but still, giving them alone time is good practice. If you're going to be working part-time, that should hopefully ease the transition. They are adaptable and it's important to not make a fuss when coming and going (which can be tough!), but you can do it. Good luck and keep us posted!