Stepping Back Into The Office

Stepping back into the office: It may have gone in a blink of an eye for some of us, and for others it may have felt like a neverending struggle between work and family responsibilities. For myself included, the balance of working in my home and trying to homeschool my children was indeed a challenge in itself. But through it all, no matter how much extra energy my children seemed to muster from somewhere, our faithful Libby (the family dog) was there to lend a paw. After all, not only did she get to see the children all day for what felt like the foreseeable future, but also me, the less exciting add on to her day.

It is only now that we are starting to go back to some sort of normality (I say this loosely as what is normality anymore), that I have been thinking about Libby and how much of a change is about to happen in her life. Like any pet parent, I don’t want her to feel any separation anxiety as we leave to go to work or back to school. 

With that in mind, here are some useful suggestions that I have found helpful:

Stepping Back Into The Office – Helpful Suggestions

Counter Conditioning

Giving Libby a KONG stuffed with her favourite food helps to create a positive association and distraction especially during those first 20 minutes that she is alone at home, which is typically the highest point of a pet’s anxiety. Probably the most well-known interactive dog toy, the KONG comes in a variety of sizes and types. As one of the easier treat puzzles, the KONG is a great option for dogs that are new to interactive toys. 

Desensitization

Some of you may have felt empowered by working in less formal attire or even your pyjamas, and for most of you now this will feel like normal. Going back to the office or off to school is breaking this newfound normality, and for your pets they have come to think of this new way of life as normal. Try and practice leaving so it’s not such a radical change in your routine. Try putting on your coat and instead of going out the door just sit back down. Next maybe try going to the door and instead of leaving just turn around and sit back down. These steps will help make your pet less sensitive to the routine actions taken right before leaving and returning  home. 

Other Tips & Tricks

As hard as it is to leave them, especially after they have been right by your side or lying next to your feet for the last few months, try and not make a big deal about you coming or going for the day. Instead, you could try tiring them out on a longer walk in the morning, burning off all that extra energy will help them have a nice relaxing day. 

Final thought, you want them feeling safe and secure at home so leave the radio turned on for them or leave an item behind that smells like their favourite pet parent…that’s you.

If you need any further advice regarding our range of KONG toys or anxiety solutions please do pop into the store or give us a call, we are here to help. Stepping back into the office is hard enough without having to worry constantly about your best four-legged friend at home.