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The mornings are getting cooler, the wind is getting stronger, and the sun is setting earlier. That can only mean one thing; school is almost back in session. After months of upheaval, for better or for worse, the world is starting to return to normal. With this return to normalcy, our pets are going to be left alone at home more often. For all the COVID puppies out there, this will likely be the first time they have been left alone, and that will present certain challenges. Lets explore how we can help our furry friends through this difficult time.

  1. Start Early: The time to start leaving your dog alone isn’t on the first day of school, its weeks to months before. You want to start with small trips away from home at first, so that your dog doesn’t think each time you leave you will be gone for hours. You can gradually work up how long you are gone each trip.
  2. Create a Routine: Just like humans, dogs thrive on routine, and it can be very comforting for them. Start to develop a routine for when you leave in the morning. This includes the little details; like where you grab your car keys from before you leave. Try to make your entrances and exits as boring as possible, so they learn it’s no big deal.
  3. Film It: When you first start leaving your dog alone, do like they do in the movies, and set up a nanny cam. This way you can see how your dog reacts when you are gone, see how anxious they are, and learn how much work you have left to do to make the experience more positive for them.
  4. Create Distraction: Fill your house or crate with items that are safe for them to be left alone with, and that make for good long-lasting toys/treats. This is where those frozen Kongs come in handy!
  5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Teaching your dog to be alone is not an easy task, especially if they are anxious by nature. Don’t be afraid to contact a trainer to help with these issues. At Leduc Animal Clinic we are more than happy to connect you with a positive-methods trainer, or discuss if medications may be needed.

Happy learning! Best of luck to all the little humans starting their school year!

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