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The federal government will require federal employees to return to the office over the next few months and many non-federal employers may follow suit. We know from over 20 years of working with dogs how stressful the transition may be for them—and for you. We want to help prepare you and your pup by providing tips to help reduce your dog's anxiety around being alone during the day. We hope the tips help, and if you still encounter problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can help you through the process. We care about you and your adopted dog and want to be as helpful as we can during this transition.

 

Why it matters

 

Since you have been working from home for several years, your pup has become accustomed to having you around. Like most dogs, they always want to be near you. When you return to work full time, that will significantly change your pet’s routine and may be stressful for them. Start preparing now for the upcoming change in their routine to reduce that stress. 

 

Start practicing NOW

 

Get your pet used to your long absences during the day by practicing leaving the house for short periods. Increase the length of your absences slowly. 

 

Things that can help

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•  A remote camera to view your pet/s while you are away from the home. Remote cameras are very affordable and a great way to understand your pet's behavior when you are away. By tuning in to the video feed of your pet, you will be able to see if they are stressed when you are away from the house. Here is a remote camera that some of us in the rescue use: Blink Camera link

• Hire a dog walker or daycare. Start interviewing now for a reliable dog walker or visit doggy daycares. During the short trials you will be doing to prepare your dog for your long absences, you will know if your dog will need one or more visits during the day. We recommend installing a RING camera (or the equivalent) so you will be able to tell when your dog walker arrives and leaves during the day. Your indoor cameras will also help you see your dog's reactions to the dog walker visits they will receive. 

• Consider daycare or daycare with your neighbors. Some dogs do great at daycare especially young dogs who love to play with other dogs. Consider testing your dog in daycare to see if they are comfortable being around new dogs. Many daycare centers have cameras so you can easily assess if your dog looks stressed. Another great idea we hear from many adopters is exchanging daycare with close friends and neighbors you trust. 

• Provide mental stimulation for your pet. Before leaving for work, take your dog on a walk to release energy. Another source of stimulation is interactive and treat-dispensing toys, which give your pet something to do while you are gone. 

 

Examples:

 

1. Interactive chew ball on AMAZON or here is one on TEMU: Interactive chew ball. Fill the ball with yummy food or treats.

2. Puzzle Toy. Sprinkle food on all the levels to keep your pup busy. 

3. Lick Mats. Spread with a tablespoon of cream cheese or peanut butter and freeze. Your pup will spend time enjoying this delicious treat! 

4. Leave the TV on or provide background noise for your pup. This helps reduce stress and also blocks out noise from the outside that may trigger your dog to bark. 

 

Worst-case scenarios

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If your pet still experiences extreme stress after applying all of the techniques mentioned above, it may be time to speak to your vet about medications to help your pet adjust to their new routine of being alone during the day. Keeping your pet on medication for a short period of time will help keep them calm during a potentially stressful time in their lives. Alternatively, consider some of the following OTC stress-reduction supplements that CHR uses.

 

CHR has been using the following supplements for the last 20 years. One popular supplement we don’t recommend is CBD oil because we have seen it produce adverse effects on some animals. Always speak to your vet before starting a new supplement.

 

• Calmkeen—Calmkeen contains casein, which studies have shown reduces stress in dogs.

• Composure—Has safe ingredients to help reduce anxiety. Composure is regularly sold online, or your vet may have this supplement in stock. 

• Speak to your vet about any additional supplements they recommend. 

 

We understand the concerns you may be experiencing with the transition of going back into the office. You are not alone. Please know that you and your pets are family to this rescue, and we will always be there for you. Do not hesitate to contact us for support in putting a plan in place to reduce your dog’s anxiety during their transition to a new schedule. The last thing we want to see is more dogs being rehomed due to behavioral issues that arise when their owners go back to the office full time.