The four week lock down for COVID-19 means most families are going to be home a lot more than normal.

For most dogs, all their Christmas’s will have come at once, with more company and walks that they could have ever wished for! However, we need to be mindful of setting ourselves up for success when the lock down finished and routines return to normal.

This means making sure your dog still spends some “alone time” outside - even if they’d rather be with you. This way, when you do go back to work, it won’t come a massive shock to your dog, which could potentially lead to issues with separation anxiety, especially if your dog is already prone to this! If normal routines (walk time, feed time etc) have gone out the window, make sure you phase them back in to normal towards the end of the lock down, so you’re not suddenly turning the “new normal” on its head when you go back to work, and potentially seriously stressing out your dog.

If you have kids, your dog is probably also going to love the extra playtime and excitement that comes with them being home all day. Like anyone though, it’s also important that dogs have access to some “alone time” to decompress and relax. Make sure there is a place where your dog can go to relax (like their bed or crate), where the kids know they are not allowed to touch them. The last thing you want is your dog getting so overwhelmed that they feel like they have to growl or snap to get the kids to leave them alone, as this can be a slippery slope!

Lastly, make the most of the extra time by using it to train them - teach your dog some new tricks, or work on their obedience training. Of course, if your dog’s lack of manners and training means they’re driving you a little nuts during the lock down, it’s also a perfect time to get in touch with us about how we can get you sorted once the lock down’s over!