Dog Days

The holidays are over! Some people are depressed. I'm actually ready for the spring. But, I realized that my dog is going to miss all of the attention he's been getting for the past 2 months. We've been home, going outside multiple times during the day, and making sure tummy rubs were never in short supply.  We'll soon be back to work and school leaving him to entertain himself for a few hours. Thank God my parents are retired, so he won't be all alone.  Yet, I know the change will affect him. Here are some tips to help your doggy adjust to business as usual.

1. Wake up 10 minutes early and get ready. Once you're dressed, spend 10 minutes with your dog doing his favorite activity. This activity does not include the morning restroom break. For my dog, this activity would include a few tummy rubs, a song, tossing the ball around, and treat.

2. Leave challenges around the house. Put chew toys around his designated area. This will give him something to do rather than tear up the couch or baseboards.  Cover his doggy bed with a blanket.  Hide a treat under his pet bed or a towel.

3.  Hire a pet sitter for an hour a day, 2 or 3 days a week. You can gradually wean your dog off these services or maintain the practice if you find that your pet is happier when you get home.

4.  Schedule dedicated doggy time each evening. As days get longer, you will have more time to play outside. Until then, you can have a scavenger hunt with your family including your furry pal.

Any ways that you can include your dog in family activities will be best during this transitional time. Separation anxiety is real for our beloved pets. To help them through this change, we must make a deliberate effort to include them in the smallest of activities to compensate for the lack of presence until it's time for Spring Break!