Post-pandemic guide to leaving your pup at home

For the past 18 months, many of us have been working from home with our dogs by our side. That’s the good part. The not-sogood part is that our constant presence hasn’t prepared them for our postpandemic return to work and school. Here are some ideas to help with that transition.

First, know the signs of stress and anxiety. Panting, pacing, shaking, whining, yawning, drooling or licking, and changes in eyes, ears and body posture (including stiffness or tucked tails) are all signs of unease in your dog. If leaving the house for even short periods of time triggers these behaviors, you need to take steps to help them while you’re still home.

One of the things that can reassure a dog is to keep a consistent schedule for feeding, potty and exercise.

Some dogs also find comfort in a kennel or crate. It’s important, however, to take time to teach your dog that this is their safe place. Practice crate “stays” lasting no more than 10 or 20 minutes. Do things around your home while your dog hangs out in the crate, and offer some treat-filled toys. As soon as you finish, open the crate door; repeat until your dog feels completely comfortable. And never leave a dog inside a crate for longer than four hours at a time.

If your dog tends to become anxious when you’re getting ready to leave, you need to get it used to the sights and sounds of you going away. Be sure to keep your exit calm rather than making a big deal of saying goodbye: this can make a big difference in how the dog views your exit.

Help them associate leaving with something positive instead of scary by giving them a stuffed Kong or other treat-filled toy before you walk out the door. Especially if your dog has never been left alone before, it’s critical that you practice leaving home without them, starting in short increments. This is a slow process that can take several days, so be patient.

First, pick up your keys or purse as if you were leaving, then put them down again. Do this several times throughout the day.

Next, open and close the door. Don’t go out yet: just get your pup used to the sound and sight of the door opening and closing, and nothing bad (like you walking out!) happening. Now you’ll go out the door, wait five or 10 seconds, and come back in. This helps reassure your dog that you will come back. Increase your time outside the door to several minutes; then start the car and move out of the garage or driveway. Drive back to where you were, and come inside.

The final step is to actually drive away, leaving your dog for 15 or 20 minutes. Put your dog wherever it will be while you’re actually gone for the day, whether that’s a crate, in a special room, or free-roaming the house. Over the next few days, gradually increase the amount of time you’re gone.

Some dogs experience such high anxiety when their person isn’t with them that you may need to seek the help of a certified trainer and behaviorist. In the meantime, consider taking your pup to doggy daycare a few times a week, or hire an experienced dog walker who can come each day and take your dog for exercise.

Try these tips so going back to work doesn’t have to mean misery for your dog or you.

Joan Merriam lives in Nevada County with her Golden Retriever Joey, her Maine Coon cat Indy, and the abiding spirit of her beloved Golden Retriever Casey in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@ joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a Golden, be sure to check out Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.