Many Americans opted to bring home a new furry friend over the past year. Puppies across the country became accustomed to cuddles on demand and lots of walks and treats throughout the day, not to mention bathroom breaks whenever they needed them. Now, as people head back to work, their puppy isn’t so happy to see them go.
If you find yourself pulled between heading back into the office and those big puppy dog eyes, you’re not alone. Here are some tips on how to make the transition easier for both of you.
Your Dog’s Spot in the House
When you are home with your dog, you probably let your dog roam freely around the house. However, with you not there, some dogs become anxious without an enclosed space. Their anxiety increases when they don’t have a spot of their own that makes them feel safe. Find a place in your home that you know your dog feels safe.
This could be a crate with a blanket over it, an area that is gated off for them, or one room with a closed door. Whatever you know your dog prefers, help relieve their separation anxiety by giving them a place that feels safe while you’re gone.
Know Your Dog’s Timing
By now, you have probably created a schedule for your dog’s needs— bathroom breaks, playtime, walks, eating, and sleeping. If you are going to be leaving your dog alone for long periods of time, you need to make a plan for their needs. How long can your puppy be left alone? How often do they need to be let out to use the bathroom?
If you have to be gone longer than what your dog can handle, consider a service that can come walk your dog or let them outside for a potty break in the middle of the day. Get help, so that you can come home to a happy puppy.
Give Time and Attention in the Morning Before You Leave
A great way to start your day is by getting time with your furry friend. Go on a walk; it can be good for both of you. Some dogs don’t use the bathroom right when they get outside in the morning.
However, your dog will need to use the bathroom in the morning, so make sure to give them the time they need for a substantial bathroom break before you head out for an entire day. This is also a great time to play with your puppy and give them plenty of attention that can hold them
over for the time that you are gone. In fact, the more you can wear them out, the longer they might calmly nap while you are gone and be awake and alert when you come home in the evening.
Check on Your Dog Throughout the Day
A great way to keep up with your dog is to install interior cameras in your home. Sometimes you just need to check in on them visually to make sure they aren’t tearing apart a piece of furniture or drinking out of the toilet instead of their water bowl.
Maybe you keep coming home to your puppy breaking free from their gate, but you just can’t figure out how they do it. Maybe you want to make sure that your dog sitter actually plays with your puppy and gets them outside for their thirty-minute walk. SafeTouch home security cameras can stream video straight to your smartphone using indoor HD cameras. These cameras capture crystal clear video using the highest-resolution technology and cover areas that are large, small, and everything in between.
Do your neighbors tell you that your dog is barking a lot? With a camera to monitor your pet, you can figure out why your dog is barking and find ways to change its behavior. Maybe you just need to close a blind, so that they don’t see every time someone walks past your window. Maybe you need to leave them with a few more toys to keep them occupied or find a different spot for them in your home.
If you are heading back into the office more often, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to your pet and care for all of their needs. With a SafeTouch home security system, you can stay connected at any time of the day to make sure your pet feels safe and secure.