Can your dog manage without you?

Ironically, I wrote a similar piece about the end of the summer holidays last year, and the ‘back to school blues’ our dogs can suddenly be faced with, writes animal behaviour expert Karen Wild.

Lockdown hasn’t ended, but we are all wondering when it will and what we can do. I am not trying to encourage anyone to break restrictions. We are better and safer at home.

However, let’s start to work on the next stages and take a positive step towards helping our dogs to cope.

As we know, dogs are very attached to their human families. They observe us at all times, predicting what we will do next, whether it is time for a walk or a game, or is it magical dinnertime? Over the lockdown, many family dogs will have become used to having us and the children around all day. Suddenly without any seemingly obvious warning, we, may no longer be there, and our dogs will notice.

As I mentioned, dogs are very good at observing routine. They are brilliant associative learners, meaning that they quickly form links between one event and an
outcome.

It is not surprising that they can suddenly miss what was a prior, enjoyable occasion, perhaps playing in the garden with the family on a sunny day. Suddenly, those people are not there.

By seeing things from the dog’s point of view, we can also decide how best to make sure they don’t suffer from the blues.

Prepare the new routine. If your dog is going to be walked earlier, bring the walk forward in time a little each day now.

Provide new companions when lockdown is finally over - even though this may be months away yet - and we can return to normal. Dogs do not enjoy being alone for long periods. They are sociable creatures, and develop behaviour problems if they are kept by themselves. Make plans to look around for an insured, experienced dog walker or daytime dog sitter that can give your dog some daytime activity when it is safe for us all to return to work and school. Your dog will not miss you if they have a bunch of new playmates!

Make sure your dog has lots to do. Activity games, walks in new places, playing with their dog playmates, are all ways to divert their attention. They will not have a moment to consider the loss of
company.

Enrol your dog in school! Not the one with the children in it, why not enrol in a fun training class or activity to give your dog more mental stimulation.

Our online classes have been brilliant for a variety of useful tips but also fun and games which we all enjoy and share together.