Separation anxiety can cause serious problems for man's best friend but it can be cured with effective practice. (ASPCA)

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How to prevent separation anxiety in your dog while returning to work

May 25, 2020 | 4:48 PM

NANAIMO — A difficult challenge has arrived or looms for most dog owners.

After months staying home due to COVID-19 and enjoying full days with their dogs, the time is now coming to venture back to work and leave pets alone for some or most of the day.

Separation and isolation anxiety is a serious concern for animals after they become hyper-attached to their owners.

Dana Nielsen, lead trainer and owner at Lead Right Dog Training in Nanaimo, said it’s a tough situation for the dog and the owner.

“The best thing you can do is give them strong leadership. Not baby-ing them in these moments is the healthiest, best thing the dog really needs.”

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Nielsen gave several tips about how to best prepare your dog for returning to a normal routine.

• Not getting excited when leaving and arriving at home. If the situation doesn’t improve, keep to yourself and not give your dog attention for the first few moments when arriving
• Leave a chew toy or something the dog can focus on while you’re away
• Practice with your dog about staying in separate rooms while you’re home, to better prepare them for being alone

“Most people, if you close the door and your dog is whining and crying, people feel they should go in there,” Nielsen said.

“That’s natural for humans are nurturers. But what you teach the dog is screaming and freaking out gets you what you want. They’re not going to relax next time inside the home, because they’re going to think if they do it for longer the owner will eventually come back.”

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety often show their symptoms through howling, whining, scratching and destroying walls and doors and having indoor accidents despite being housetrained.

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