BARK TO WORK…

5 Easy Tips To Transition Your Dog

By Katy Cable-The Weekly Runt
A 3 min. Read

August is typically: “The most wonderful time of the year!” -BACK TO SCHOOL! After months of crowds invading all my neighborhood bars, stores, restaurants and beaches, I’m always excited to have them all to myself again. This year, with CoVid, things are very different. Nearly every school around the country is either utilizing a partially or entirely online schedule. Many jobs are also being done from home or possibly gone completely. The summer crowds may be here to stay for awhile. But, for some of us, myself included, after months of being home, we’re heading back out the door to work.

A new routine can be extremely traumatizing to any pet. Especially a new rescue or shelter dog that has grown accustomed to having you home all the time. Even pets you’ve had for years may not take too well to you suddenly leaving all the time for work. Just this week, I realized how codependent my little Pug Olive had gotten. I made a quick trip to the grocery store while my husband was also out at an appointment. I returned home 2 hours later to a frantic, howling Pug who had torn through every trash can in the house and chewed through her bed! Whether you’re returning to work or school, or there’s a change in your routine, the following tips should be a big help in getting your pup adjusted.

1. EASE YOUR PET INTO THE NEW SCHEDULE BY STARTING WITH SHORT TRIPS AWAY FROM HOME. Gradually increase the amount of time you’re away. Your pet will learn that you leave but you always return.

​ 2. CREATE A SPECIAL AREA FOR THEM THAT CAN ONLY BE UTILIZED WHEN THEY’RE LEFT HOME ALONE. I bring out a crate and leave it in the bedroom that I put my dog in when I go away. I leave the door of the crate wide open and inside, I place a special pillow with my scent. I add a few drops of lavender essential oil and a special toy. Before I leave, I put on some soothing meditation music and my dog knows it’s ZEN time.

​3. SET ASIDE SPECIAL TREATS & TOYS. My Pug Olive is OBSESSED with a little duck that makes real-life quacking sounds. I also have a little stuffed bear that is filled with lavender essence and pheromone which keeps her calm. Just prior to leaving, I open up her “special…