Aa
A little bit of seperation anxiety?
Hello!
This isn't really a problem, but I'm just curious as to the reason why and if I can do anything to change it.
Perhaps I should explain the situation first!
Our family dog is truly, my mother's dog. She is his "person" in that sense. My mother just recently went back to work and my dog is not used to this (she has been home for all of his life). He just seems to be more sleepy and more sad when she's at work during the day. He stays upstairs and lounges the day away. Then when my mother comes home, he becomes involved in the family again.
Is there anything I can do to get him used to this new change? He is never home alone for a long length of time. Someone is usually home, but my mother works around 7 hour shifts.
I have tried leaving a "kong" out filled with peanut butter and treats for him to amuse himself with during the day. But he actually forgot about it! and went back to his "lounging".
What can I do to encourage my dog to be more cheerful and active when my mother isn't home?
This isn't really a problem, but I'm just curious as to the reason why and if I can do anything to change it.
Perhaps I should explain the situation first!
Our family dog is truly, my mother's dog. She is his "person" in that sense. My mother just recently went back to work and my dog is not used to this (she has been home for all of his life). He just seems to be more sleepy and more sad when she's at work during the day. He stays upstairs and lounges the day away. Then when my mother comes home, he becomes involved in the family again.
Is there anything I can do to get him used to this new change? He is never home alone for a long length of time. Someone is usually home, but my mother works around 7 hour shifts.
I have tried leaving a "kong" out filled with peanut butter and treats for him to amuse himself with during the day. But he actually forgot about it! and went back to his "lounging".
What can I do to encourage my dog to be more cheerful and active when my mother isn't home?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There are a number of reasons why your dog is less active when your mom is at work. First, there are dogs that express their distress at being apart from people they are attached to by becoming less active - some won't eat or drink in the owner's absence (as evidenced by your dog's lack of interest in his KONG). But we never hear too much about these dogs because the ones that do what your dog is doing don't present problems - it's the ones that are vocalizing, house soiling and being destructive that warrant the calls for help. So there could be some separation distress.
It may also be that your mom just paid more attention to your dog when she was home than the rest of the family has time to do. Sounds like you are trying to draw him out more - taking him for walks, etc. Over time he should learn to rely on other family members for "good things" in life - such as walks, play time, etc. So spreading around where what he wants comes from - in addition to your mom is a good thing.
He's lucky to have so many people interested in his welfare!
It may also be that your mom just paid more attention to your dog when she was home than the rest of the family has time to do. Sounds like you are trying to draw him out more - taking him for walks, etc. Over time he should learn to rely on other family members for "good things" in life - such as walks, play time, etc. So spreading around where what he wants comes from - in addition to your mom is a good thing.
He's lucky to have so many people interested in his welfare!
Thanks so much for your input Linda!
It reassures me that he has adjusted very well. And what you mentioned about the activities is actually what we've been doing! See, we live next to this big park so we try our best to walk him everyday. It's usually about 25 minutes. He gets to sniff around, roll in some grass and even meet other dogs there! And fetch is always his favourite game around dinner time when we're trying to eat!
Your advice is well appreciated :)
Thanks again,
Olivia
It reassures me that he has adjusted very well. And what you mentioned about the activities is actually what we've been doing! See, we live next to this big park so we try our best to walk him everyday. It's usually about 25 minutes. He gets to sniff around, roll in some grass and even meet other dogs there! And fetch is always his favourite game around dinner time when we're trying to eat!
Your advice is well appreciated :)
Thanks again,
Olivia
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi Olivia,
First, it is great to read that you are so atuned to your little guy's needs and that you worry about his feelings as he adapts to this new schedule. He is lucky to have you as his person!
Regarding his sleepiness and reduced activity when he is alone. Actually, when dogs experience separation stress, the typical reaction is an increase (not a decrease) in activity level. They are quite anxious and distressed and the way that dogs usually express anxiety is by becoming active (barking, chewing, digging, etc.). The fact that your dog is 10 years old and that he is behaving normally when you are at home (cheerful and active) suggests that he has adapted to his new schedule quite nicely and is using his time alone to relax and sleep. As long as his activity level has not suddenly decreased (which could be a sign of illness and would warrant a trip to your veterinarian), this is probably not something to worry about too much.
However, since you are concerned, I would suggest that you concentrate on providing him with some enjoyable activities when you and your mom are at home, so that he has fun activities to enjoy with you both and can continue to nap when you are not home. Some suggestions include daily walks (change where you go periodically so that he can experience new smells and sights), games such as fetch or hide and seek, training (teaching tricks or simple exercises), brushing, and of course, nothing beats good ol' sitting with him for petting and snuggling.
Best wishes,
Linda Case
First, it is great to read that you are so atuned to your little guy's needs and that you worry about his feelings as he adapts to this new schedule. He is lucky to have you as his person!
Regarding his sleepiness and reduced activity when he is alone. Actually, when dogs experience separation stress, the typical reaction is an increase (not a decrease) in activity level. They are quite anxious and distressed and the way that dogs usually express anxiety is by becoming active (barking, chewing, digging, etc.). The fact that your dog is 10 years old and that he is behaving normally when you are at home (cheerful and active) suggests that he has adapted to his new schedule quite nicely and is using his time alone to relax and sleep. As long as his activity level has not suddenly decreased (which could be a sign of illness and would warrant a trip to your veterinarian), this is probably not something to worry about too much.
However, since you are concerned, I would suggest that you concentrate on providing him with some enjoyable activities when you and your mom are at home, so that he has fun activities to enjoy with you both and can continue to nap when you are not home. Some suggestions include daily walks (change where you go periodically so that he can experience new smells and sights), games such as fetch or hide and seek, training (teaching tricks or simple exercises), brushing, and of course, nothing beats good ol' sitting with him for petting and snuggling.
Best wishes,
Linda Case
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