Separation anxiety is a real barrier to helping a dog warm up in a new environment with a new person. Mild separation anxiety can be very normal for most dogs and can fade after several hours. But there’s an increasing number of anxious dogs that are falling into the severe category. I noticed an influx since Covid, when many puppies born during that time weren’t able to get enough socialization. Lots of pet owners were able to leave the office life and work from home, giving them an extra 8-10 hours with their pets.
If you fall into this category where your dog hasn’t had much socialization, they could be struggling with confidence in themselves when you aren’t there.
Creative Canine Sitters want to encourage a connection with our furry clients, and there are ways that pet parents can help with that.
Understand who a pet sitter is. Your pet sitter is a person who has an interest in getting to know your pet and caring for them and are giving up time to help you in exchange for wages. Don’t think of them as disposable or just a service provider, they are doing this job because they love animals. This is a relationship that is worth investing in for the sake of your pet and your own peace of mind. As with every industry, some are only in it for the money. However, a good majority of pet sitters have their hearts in this work and will miss your pet after they go home. I don’t know about you, but I pay bills and service providers who don’t have to care about me every single month. I would gladly pay my pet sitter who actually does care about me and my pets. Your dog will be able to feel your own anxiety, so calming your nerves about using a sitter can help them relax as well.
Start with a meet-and-greet so that your pet gets to know their new sitter and you get a feel for their personality. Get to know who they are outside of pet sitting. Our sitters range from veterans, music producers, teachers, and health and wellness professionals. Share who you are as well, you are more than just an anxious pet parent prepping for a vacation😊 Disclose any known ways your pet displays their anxiety and how you manage it, that way they are prepared in advance with a plan.
Schedule them for a dog walk with their sitter so that they learn that this person can lead them on adventures, helping them to see that their time spent with this new pal is a positive thing. You still want to help maintain the relationship between your dog and their sitter even if you don’t plan to travel soon.
Doggy daycare before any upcoming trips can also get your pet used to their sitter’s home if you are choosing to utilize boarding services. Some of my clients who began anxious will now walk in like they own the place 😊 They see myself and my family as like a second Pack that they are part of.
Cuddle Time can be added to your booking, this bonding time with their sitter will help your dog to relax even more and know that they are accepted into their new Pack led by their sitter.
Don’t linger when dropping off your pet. Say your goodbye and get your snuggles in the car ahead of time. Upon arrival at your pet sitter’s home, bring their stuff to your sitter and do a quick handoff – walking away confidently. This will help your pet to think it is normal and okay to be left with their sitter. Snuggling and prolonging the goodbye in front of your sitter can actually increase your dog’s anxiety.
For special circumstances where your dog falls into the severe anxiety category (causing harm to themselves), I highly recommend choosing house-sitting or drop-in visit services. It will be stressful enough that you are away from home, so the comfort of their own surroundings can help soothe them.
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