Tips from Shelter Mutt
Helping Your Dog Adjust When You Head Back to The Office After Being Remote
At Shelter Mutt, we understand that the transition back to the office after remote work can be tough for both you and your furry friend. Your dog has grown accustomed to having you at home all day and may feel anxious as you return to work.
Here are some tips to help ease the transition for your dog:
- Gradual adjustment: Start by leaving the house for short periods and gradually increasing the time you are away.
- Start with small increments of time away from the house. For example, start with 15 minutes and then gradually increase the time by 15 minutes each day until you are away for a full workday.
- To help ease your dog’s anxiety, reward them with a special treat or toy before you leave. Then, depart as if it is a routine occurrence, without showing a lot of emotion. When you return, put away the special toy and avoid acting overly excited. This will help your dog understand that your departures and arrivals are normal, everyday events and nothing to worry about.
- Exercise: Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before you leave in the morning to burn off excess energy and reduce stress.
- Routine: Keep your dog’s routine as close to what it was before remote work as possible, including maintaining the same feeding and walking schedule.
- Crate training: If your dog is crate trained, this can be a great way to keep them safe and comfortable while you are away.
- If your dog was crate trained but has not been in a crate for a while due to your being at home (or is new to crate training) here’s how to make the adjustment;
- Introduce the crate gradually: Place treats and toys in the crate to encourage your dog to go in on their own. Start by leaving the door open, and then close it for short periods while you’re at home. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate with the door closed.
- Make the crate a positive place: Give your dog treats and praise when they are in the crate. You can also place a blanket or bed in the crate to make it more comfortable.
- Gradually increase time spent in crate: Once your dog is comfortable with the crate, start leaving them in the crate for longer periods, starting with 15 minutes and gradually increasing the time until they can comfortably spend the length of your workday in the crate.
*Using a crate can help reduce anxiety by providing your dog with a safe and familiar place to retreat to while you are away. Just be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure a positive experience for your furry friend.
Remember, every dog is different, and the transition may take longer for some dogs than others. Be patient and consistent, and you will help your furry friend adjust to your return to work with ease.