Keys to a good "de-confinement" for dogs: how to avoid dreaded separation anxiety when you return to work

The pandemic isn't over. It's true that we have fewer infections every day, but the virus is still out there. Even so, we're starting to get our lives back to normal; we're returning to work, to class, to the office, and our dog will be left alone at home again.

We can't just leave them alone like we used to... we need to establish some rules so they don't suffer from the dreaded separation anxiety with the return to routine and don't go completely crazy when they're alone. Follow these tips if you don't want to find an unexpected "gift" in the form of pee in the middle of the hallway or a cushion that has spontaneously exploded.

How to prevent separation anxiety

During this long lockdown, dogs have enjoyed having us at home 24 hours a day. We've also taken them for walks more than usual with the excuse of "I'm going to take the dog for a walk." So, most of them haven't been left alone for about three months, depending on the autonomous communities. That's why now, we can't just go to work, close the door, and expect nothing to have happened when we get back.

Surely, when you're away from home for the first few days, your neighbor will warn you that your dog hasn't stopped barking, and you yourself might notice that he's hoarse. You might even find a surprise in the form of destruction or pee in the middle of the hallway.

According to experts, being left alone for many dogs is like children returning to school: a mix of anguish and anxiety in equal parts. We need to be patient and help our dog get through these unpleasant moments.

Keys to help your dog overcome separation anxiety

You can follow these simple steps to help your dog:

•       Hide toys with treats inside around the house and let them find them. The tastier the treats, the more entertained your dog will be.
•       If you're going to leave the whole house open so they can go from one side to another, put a few more beds around the house so they can lie down wherever they want.
•       If you see them shaking before you leave, it's preferable to leave them a piece of clothing impregnated with your scent, for example, your favorite home sweater.
•       Practice the "key routine": go through the whole process of picking up your keys, bag, backpack, or whatever you do when you leave for work. When your dog gets nervous about you leaving, put everything back in its place. The next time, go out the front door, lock it, and then come back in after 5 minutes. Repeat this operation as many times as you deem necessary, adding 5-10 minute intervals each time. When you come through the door, don't pay attention to your dog until he is completely calm.

Practice and Routine, the Dog is a Creature of Habit

The key to all these tricks is to start as soon as possible, ideally when they are puppies, and practice every day.

But it's very simple: do everything you do before leaving the house. These gestures become signals for your dog, and they will learn that there is nothing to fear, that you always come back. Some dogs learn that there is nothing wrong with being alone for a few hours. Most spend their time sleeping, or looking out the window, or calmly eating the delicious treats you've left for them.

When you leave them toys, try to ensure they are not too hard, so they don't damage their gums or teeth. Also, by having their own things, it's less likely they'll take it out on the living room furniture. As for the type of toys, natural latex ones are better than plastic ones, so if they swallow a piece, nothing would happen because it's non-toxic.

After all, the company of our pets has been very beneficial during these days of confinement. Also, thanks to them, those of us who have dogs have been able to go out for a short walk.

Hopefully, we won't forget how valuable their friendship is, and we will dedicate the quality time they deserve to our pets when we return to normalcy.

If the problem of separation anxiety persists, contact a dog trainer or ethologist. The veterinarian can also give you behavioral guidelines so that your dog does not suffer.