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Ask Yvette

Dear Yvette,

I am returning to work after a maternity leave. Should we be doing anything to prepare our dog for the change in my schedule?

Anne

This time of year, many people notice varying degrees of anxiety in their animals. Often this is because families with children have returned to school hours. There are other times when the disorder seems to rear its ugly head. Often it happens when there is a change in the daily activity of a family.

Families often notice the disorder in the following scenarios:

  • Return to work from an absence such as maternity or sick leave

  • Move

  • Change in lifestyle such as when a retired person becomes more socially active

  • Death or loss – whether that is a person or another animal in the home

  • Seasonal/shift base change of work schedule. For example, teachers.

  • Young puppies first time alone after summer.

    If you potentially fall into one of those categories, do a little preventative maintenance. Here are some common ideas to help you, and your dog get adjusted more quickly.

    Crate train: Crates work well for housetraining, and can keep a young dog or anxious dog safe when you are away. If an emergency arises, like an injury, you have the option to use the crate for rest and faster healing. After a move, you can ensure your dog is supervised until he learns the ropes around the new home. Make sure you buy a sturdy crate and make sure there are no choking hazards on the dog or in the crate. Instructions on crate training is available on my website at www.awesomedogs.ca.

    Start planned absences: If you haven't already done so, start planning absences at least a month before you really have to change schedules. If your dog is anxious at least you have the time to begin working on the problem. Start by planning short absences. Increase the time to longer and more realistic sessions.

    Home When Alone Time: Give your dog at least 10 minutes of alone time when you are home. Think of it as “quiet time in the crate.” It teaches dogs they can be by themselves. This step may prevent some dogs from learning the crate means the people are leaving.

    Keep Arrivals and Departures Boring: Many people feel guilty. They fuss over their dogs before leaving, and they immediately fuss when they return home. Ignore your dog for 10 minutes before leaving, and 10 minutes after coming home. Dogs that are flooded with attention go from a tremendous high of attention to a bottomless pit of nothing. The dog waits all day for the owner to come back in. The contrast is too strong. Make coming and going a non-issue.

    Mental & Physical Stimulation: Tired dogs sleep and pass the time quickly. Leave something interesting to entertain your dog. Stuffed Kongs are the item most trainers recommend. Ensure that your dog has empty bowels and bladder before you leave. Turn on the radio to provide background noise. Most animals respond best to classical music. No one knows why, but even chickens lay more eggs to classical.

    Severe cases need professional assistance. The small amount of time it takes to plan ahead is extremely worth the effort.

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    Yvette is an award winning pet writer and pet behavior columnist. She also is the author of Meeting Milo, a North American dog bite prevention program to reduce the approximately 2 million children bit by dogs annually. She is the owner of AwesomeDogs.ca and works as a behavior consultant in London, Ontario.

    This column was originally featured in The Londoner
    See more of Yvette... www.awesomedogs.ca
    www.meetingmilo.com

    Yvette has 2 dogs of her own, KIKI and KAYA. Take a look...

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