Have you recently welcomed a new puppy to your family? Although you may be home more often these days, it’s still critical to take precautions to prevent separation anxiety later down the line, as life starts to transition back.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), between 20% and 40% of dogs seen by U.S. veterinary behaviorists are diagnosed with separation anxiety. Prevent your new puppy from developing this common problem behavior by implementing a normal routine.
How to create a normal routine for your new puppy
Pets thrive on consistency and predictability, and a sudden upheaval in their daily routine can create stress. So, although toting your new pup everywhere may be tempting, remember that life eventually will return to normal, and they will have to be on their own while you’re gone. Help your puppy learn your regular schedule from the first day you bring them home, so they know what to expect. Wake up when you usually would for work, ensuring you leave extra time to feed, walk, and play with your puppy, then head to the “office.” If you are fortunate enough to work from home, you may have a legitimate office, but if not, leave your puppy in their crate with a food puzzle while you work in a different room. Since it will be challenging to remain absent for an entire normal workday while you’re following stay-at-home orders, return to your puppy after a set time, and engage in your normal activities after coming home from work.
Many people struggle with leaving their new puppy in a crate, especially if they are at home and can hear them whining. Teach your puppy independence, first with short absences, building up to longer absences. A beginning step can be as simple as tossing your pup a few pieces of kibble, while you walk to a different room. With multiple practice sessions throughout the day, build up to leaving your puppy distracted with a food puzzle, while you work in your garden, take a shower, or fold a load of laundry.
Get your puppy’s health started off on the right paw! Contact us to make an appointment for a wellness exam and vaccinations.