NO LONGER WORKING FROM HOME? TIPS ON HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR PETS…AND YOU!
The pandemic has changed many of our lives forever. As the new year begins, and more and more states are reopening, some of us will be returning to the office.
Our four-legged fur balls have grown accustomed to having us right by their side for almost two years. It’s important to start the prep work now. Especially, if your pet is super clingy.
DO THINGS TO REMIND YOUR PET WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE ALONE
Take a short walk or car ride without your pet. Each day, increase the amount of time they spend alone to mimic the time you will be spending at work.
Encourage your pet to be independent by giving them activities they can enjoy on their own. Treat mats, Kongs, or other chew toys will work well. Additionally, hide their favorite treats around the house for them to discover.
START YOUR BACK TO WORK ROUTINE, BEFORE YOU GO BACK TO WORK
Start your “leaving for work” rituals now. Pets are very smart and will remember that you carry a briefcase, or a particular bag when you are leaving for work.
Your attire may also be an indicator. Maybe you would always give them that special treat before you walked out the door.
Do that. Do all of this now to get your furry friends back into a routine.
SLEEPING AND EATING
Working from home may have caused us to change up our sleeping, and your pet’s walking and eating routine.
Get back on that wake-up schedule. Take that morning walk. Start the feeding routine as if you are already back to work.
As much as you may want to, try NOT to feed, walk, or play with them during the hours you will be at work.
CRATES
Did your pet spend most of their day in the crate while you were working from home? If so, you may want to consider getting them used to this environment, once again.
Let them take naps in there. Put them in the crate when you are taking those walks or car rides without them.
DOGGY DAYCARE/PET WALKERS
Although doggy daycare and pet walkers can be quite expensive, the cost may be worth the peace of mind. Not only for your comfort, but for your pet’s.
Also, thanks to innovative technology, we can now interact with our pet during the day via doggy cams. Some of them will even allow us to dispense treats!
Keep in mind, a tired dog is a happy dog! Helping your dog release energy is a great way to ease their stress and will also help to make them too tired to be destructive.
BEHAVIORAL ASSISTANCE OR TRAINING
Despite everything you have tried, your pet just is not adjusting well to being home alone. A dog trainer may be able to help boost your dog’s confidence, reduce anxiety from being alone and help deter counter-surfing.
This is also a great time to have a discussion with your veterinarian about prescription medications, or other useful tips they can provide for you and your pet.
OLD HABITS BECOME NEW AGAIN!
The first few weeks are going to be the toughest. Before you know it, your old routine will become new again. Both you and your pet will become more comfortable with the changes as your “new normal.”
When you walk into the door from a long day at work, make the most of this time together. Long walks will be stress relievers for both of you.
NEW NORMALYour doggy, kitty and even you are going to be impacted from these changes. Preparing for these changes can make a huge difference as everyone transitions into their “new normal.”
