08/27/2020
During this COVID-19 pandemic, many have adopted dogs. It is a great time to spend quality time with your new family member.
Too much togetherness though can lead to a maladjusted dog.
Things to think about for the well being of your dog and you.
* One day, you might go back to work in an office.
* One day, you might go to dinner and the movies/theater.
* One day, you might go the beach, an amusement park or take a day trip to Newport.
One constant in the scenarios above, your dog is home alone.
Now is the time your dog needs to learn to be alone. Please do both your dog and you a favor now, plan trips to the ice cream store, go for bike rides, walks around the block, without your dog. This way your dog learns that it is okay to be at home with no one home.
The earlier your dog learns to be alone at home, the better. It is painful for a dog to have separation anxiety. But the anxiety doesn't stop there, you the owner can have it as well knowing your dog is not happy at home.
Owner anxiety over their dog being home alone can lead to its own issues. Suddenly you find yourself making excuses not to go to the movies or out to dinner. Taking that long awaited day trip is no longer an option.
Dogs are to enhance your life, not become a ball and chain. Yes, they are a huge responsibility and we need to care for them but you should be able to socialize and experience life, outside of where dogs are allowed without worrying.
Once this pandemic is over, social isolation will be over. Prepare your dog now so that both of your enjoy your time apart.
