Have you ever come home to a house filled with torn up pillows, books, paper, garbage all over the floor? Not to worry – many pups suffer some form of separation anxiety or separation boredom. There are ways of nipping these behaviors, ensuring you and your pup live harmoniously together forever!
1. Take your pup to daycare. It’s critical for your pup to socialize – after all they are pack animals. Even if your best bud would rather hang with people – getting out of traditional surroundings keeps the mind active and less interested in exploring through pillows, garbage cans or books. In addition, daycare helps to burn off excess energy – keeping your pup at a healthy weight.
2. Good food!!! Good food and doggie probiotics help heal your pup’s gut and in turn, help them pay attention, and helps to relieve anxiety. Did you know that more Seratonin is made in the tummy than the brain? The better the food, and the better the gut, the better the entire disposition of the dog will be. Avoid foods with sweet potato, chick peaks, legumes, peas and for many dogs - chicken. These are all allergy producers and
3. Be Cool When Leaving Your Pup! We see so many doggie parents make a big deal when leaving their pets at daycare, and most likely at home. All that does is increase your pup's anxiety. When dropping your pup off for boarding, don’t look at your dog with puppy eyes, kissing it, repeating how much you will miss it. You are not being a mean pup parent if you turn your pup over to staff without so much as a word goodbye. That helps to ensure your pup that you are happy with leaving them, and that they are going to have a good time.
4. Walk your dog! Not all pups can come to daycare every day, and for those days – make sure you walk your dog before you leave the house. Just letting them outside in a fenced yard is not enough. We are all rushed in the morning, but it’s imperative for your pup to have a long walk, allow them to sniff and explore a bit – all helping to relieve boredom before their long stay at home. Never leave your dog alone with an antler, rawhide or other chew. They can choke and you won’t be there to help them. You can stuff toys such as West Paw or Pet Safe toys with either organic blueberry, pumpkin or apple blends, doggie bone broth or doggie peanut butter (not human variety). Put them in the freezer the night before for a long and satisfying lick!
5. Just Leave! When you leave home don’t make eye contact with your pup, don’t talk to them, don’t say” I will be right back sweetie,” “See you soon,” or anything we tend to say when leaving. That becomes a trigger for your pup and it’s not what you want to do – just leave. Walk out that door! Dog's are creatures of habit - including your habits. When you grab your keys - that is a signal that you are leaving. So grab those keys and STAY! Walk around the house. Put them back down. Put them in your pocket. Leave for a minute, and then come right back. Give your dog a treat and stay. Give your dog a treat and leave for 5 minutes. You want to eliminate as many triggers as possible.
6. Smells like you! If you have a t-shirt or blanket that smells like you – leave it with your pup whether its boarding, or staying home. Familiar smells – perfume, stinky socks, are all things that make your pup feel like you are close.
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Music to Calm the Soul! Finally, we have great luck with calming music designed for pups. There are music cubes you can get on Amazon or download Music for a Dog’s Ears. But play the music while you are home as well to avoid those ‘My Mom/Dad’s away triggers’. But be warned – you might fall asleep!