As federal workers in Yorktown and surrounding areas prepare to transition back to office life, many are facing an unexpected challenge: helping their beloved pets adjust to a new routine. After years of increased time at home, your beloved pets have grown accustomed to your constant presence. Now, as you return to your workplace, many dogs may experience separation anxiety. Hearts at Home Pet Sitting is here to help your pets adjust to your new workday and navigate the change smoothly.
Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Separation anxiety is more common than many pet owners realize, and it exists on a spectrum. Some dogs may experience mild distress when left alone, while others may exhibit severe symptoms.
It's important to recognize that separation anxiety is not a reflection of your dog's training or your care as a pet parent. It's a complex emotional response that can affect dogs of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds. Some think separation anxiety has a genetic component, but further research is needed to better understand its breed and genetic implications.
Signs of Separation Anxiety
As you prepare to return to work, take a look at your dog's reaction to you leaving home for an hour or two. If you see any of the following signs of separation anxiety in an otherwise healthy dog on an uneventful day, your dog may be experiencing separation anxiety.
The signs of separation anxiety include the following:
Excessive barking, whining, or howling
Destructive behavior, especially around exit points
Inappropriate elimination (even in house-trained dogs)
Pacing or restlessness
Excessive drooling or panting
Attempts to escape
Preventing and Managing Separation Anxiety
In preparation for your return to the office, the following are steps you can take to help your dog adjust:
Gradual Desensitization: Start with short absences and gradually increase the time you're away
Create a Positive Association: Leave your dog with a special toy or treat that they only get when you're gone
Be Mindful of Crate Times: Limit crating length to less than 5 hours at a time and use high-level treats to create a positive association with the crate. Hire a dog walker like us to come by and give your dog a much-needed crate break
Maintain a Calm Departure and Arrival: Avoid making a big fuss when leaving or returning home - I know that last part is hard because you're excited to see them, but a big to-do may make the next time you leave that much harder on your dog(s)
Provide Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys and interactive feeders can keep your dog occupied while you're away; consider soothing classical music or reggae, both of which also provide mental relaxation, relieve stress, and create pleasant environment for them
Establish a Consistent Routine: Dogs thrive on predictability, so try to maintain a regular schedule for walks, meals, and playtime. When possible, try to leave home and return around the same time so your dog knows what to expect from your absence
How Hearts at Home Pet Sitting Can Help
At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, we understand the unique challenges faced by federal workers returning to the office after so long. Our team of experienced dog walkers and pet sitters is here to provide the support and care your dogs need during this transition. Here's how we can help:
1. Midday Visits: Our dog walkers can provide companionship, gentle walks, adventure walks, and playtime during the workday, breaking up long periods of alone time for your dog.
2. Customized Care Plans: We will work with you to develop a care plan tailored to your dog's specific needs and anxiety level. We can do this for cats, too!
3. Positive Reinforcement: Our sitters are trained to use positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog associate alone time with positive experiences. You tell us about your training plan, and we can practice it in your absence.
4. Regular Updates: We'll keep you informed about your dog's behavior and progress, providing peace of mind while you're at work.
5. Flexibility: As your work schedule changes, we can adjust our visit times and frequency to best support your and your dog's needs.
6. Enrichment Activities: Our sitters can provide mental stimulation through games, training exercises, and interactive toys. If you have a favorite trick, toy, or activity in mind, share it with us, and we'll implement it during visits.
We Help Your Pets Adjust To Your New Workday
As federal workers in the Peninsula area navigate this upcoming transition, you're not alone in supporting your pet family. Hearts at Home Pet Sitting is committed to providing the care and attention your dogs need to thrive, even when you can't be there. Together, we can ensure that your return to the office is a positive experience for both you and your beloved pets. And, if it isn't, we'll work with you and your veterinarian to get your dog into a routine that works for everyone.
Hearts at Home Pet Sitting offers dog walking and cat sitting services in Yorktown, Poquoson, Hampton, and Newport News. To register your pet(s) or home with us, please complete a new client questionnaire here. Existing clients may request services here. Those outside our service area are encouraged to find a pet sitter near you at the Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters websites.
Please visit our website or contact us by email at Hello@HeartsAtHomePetSitting.com or by phone at 757-745-9868 to learn more. We look forward to working with you and your pet family!
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