Adjusting Your New Puppy to a Post-Covid Life
Many families are exiting isolation with a new puppy in tow; in fact, pet adoptions skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic. Of course, this is wonderful: empty animal shelters are always a welcome sight. But life restarting complicates things – going back to work means going for hours without seeing your furry friend.
This might be hard on you – most of us probably prefer a cuddle session with our dogs to a day at the office. But it’s harder on your animal. They don’t understand why you need to leave to bring home the bacon (even though they’d be thrilled if you returned with actual bacon). Your disappearance only lands as confusing.
Fortunately, there are ways to make the switch easier on them and you. Start by:
Having a plan
Don’t leave Monday morning without a plan in place. The making it up as you go along the route might translate into making a mess on the family room floor. Cover all your bases, like who will let the dog out during lunch.
Getting help
If you can’t run home to walk your dog mid-day (or let them use the bathroom), get help. Solicit the services of a professional dog walker or a neighbor who owes you a favor. With summer and school out, you might even consider hiring a teenager who lives nearby. Rely on word of mouth or the internet to find the perfect fit.
Acclimating your pooch
Suddenly going from “home all the time” to “gone forty hours a week” isn’t fair to your animal. Remember, they have no idea why things changed. Prepare them for their new reality by leaving the home in short – then longer – bursts. It’s important that your dog sees you leave so they can see that you do indeed come back.
Changing things up
If your dog is having a hard time adjusting to your leaving, try something new. Buying a larger crate or setting one of your shirts (clothing with your scent) on the living room sofa may act as solutions. Change things up as often as needed until you find the trick
that works.
Being patient
If your dog is new, then having mommy and daddy at home is all they know.
Remind yourself of this. Take a deep breath and stay patient… even if they’ve just ripped up your favorite throw pillow. You can always buy a new one.
Working from home
Naturally, the perfect solution to leaving home is not having to leave in
the first place. While many businesses don’t implement a telecommuting policy, Covid-19 has opened the door to more flexibility. Some companies are recognizing that working from home works and some have gone as far as to implement it permanently. If you’re employed at a business this progressive, take advantage. Having Fido as your coworker is awesome.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
