Humans at home: probably delighted dogs
For several weeks now, France has been confined and most dogs - telework requires - are with "their humans" all day! Yes, these dogs who are often alone at home all day while the children are at school and the parents at work also see their daily life turned upside down.
But, unlike us, it's a safe bet that our four-legged friends are happy with this situation even though the walks are much rarer and shorter.Indeed, the dog is a social animal who likes to spend time with his family, his social group and the current situation certainly fills him with joy.
And, if it is important to offer activities to occupy your dog at home (search games at home, chewing activity, learning new tricks) to replace the "too few" walks and to stimulate him mentally, it is also important to allow time for rest and “relative” solitude for your companion.
The risk of creating separation anxiety
The fact of being continuously with your dog, and all the more so if you over-stimulate him, risks making the bed of hyper-attachment and separation anxiety when leaving confinement. If necessary, the return of a daily life where the animal will find itself completely alone and idle for long hours may therefore be very complicated to manage emotionally for your animal.
Indeed, separation anxiety is the cause of great emotional distress and significant psychological suffering in dogs. This distress can then result in the appearance of very embarrassing behaviors in your animal such as howls, dirtiness, destruction or even self-mutilation.
The same phenomenon can also occur after a long sick leave of the master or mistress, a long period of leave with the dog and in all situations where the dog suddenly finds himself alone after that he had company for several weeks.
Dogs who already have an anxious ground and those who already have trouble coping with loneliness in normal times are however more likely to develop this type of disorder. The risk for well-balanced dogs, although present, is less.
What to do?
From now on, you can already prepare "post-lockdown" , making sure not to overload your dog's daily life with too many daily activities.Yes to activities to compensate for walks that are too short, but don't overdo it by upsetting your usual rhythm! Do not impose on your dog your need for activity and do not subject him to your idleness.
Try to offer him his main activities at the same time as before confinement. For example, if you used to take him for a walk at 7 a.m., offer him his short hygienic walk followed by a stimulating activity at the same time. Then, if he usually sleeps all morning while you're at work, let him sleep until the time you usually get home.
Against the risk of developing hyper-attachment, also remember to preserve your dog's independence as much as possible. If your home is made up of several rooms, don't let it follow you everywhere, even if it means closing the doors behind you.
Similarly, do not continually respond to his requests for games or hugs and always be on the initiative of contacts. Also, don't hesitate to ask your dog to join his basket when he gets a little too clingy or pushy.
Finally, also ask your children not to constantly solicit your dog and to leave him alone when he is in his rest area.
Keep the good habits
As soon as the time of confinement has been an opportunity for you to introduce your dog to new activities (without exaggeration, you will have understood it), keep the good habits when the confinement is lifted. Always offer these activities to your dog on weekends or when he is alone at home!