Hemel Hempstead dog walker offers separation anxiety advice to dog owners

Amy Dobson-Smith, founder of Spot On Dog Walks and Adventures, decided to share some advice after receiving questions and concerns from people who were struggling not only with their new puppies, but their adult dogs who had become extremely attached to their owners since the first lockdown.

Amy started Spot On Dog Walks and Adventures because she wanted to provide a service that she would whole heartedly use, feel comfortable with and fully trust, for her own dog, Pie.

She said: "Dog owners need to start leaving their dogs alone for a periods of time throughout the day whilst being at home all day. Dogs are getting very used to owners being at home all day and a lot of them will not like it when they are left alone.

"Dog owners could therefore potentially be causing separation anxiety issues, which will then be extremely difficult to deal with once things going back to "normal".

"My top tips to people who have recently introduced a puppy to their families and to dog owners who are noticing needy behavior since lockdown:

- Firstly, ensure your puppy/dog has been out for a walk – It's no use putting your dog away for a peaceful rest if they haven’t had the opportunity to release some energy.

- Toilet – Make sure that your dog has been to the toilet before being left.

- Leave them with their own space to rest – I always recommend a crate. It’s secure, comfortable, a safe place for the dog and allows them their own dedicated space to rest. You'll find dogs will settle down a lot more quickly if they don’t have the option to wander around or get up to no good. Your crate needs to be big enough for them to easily stand up right and turn around.

- Do not make a fuss when you are leaving: simply put your dog where he/she needs to be and leave.

- Leave an enrichment toy: This is just an option and certainly not essential, however leaving a couple of treats, toy or Kong/treat enrichment toy may help distract your dog whilst you leave.

- If you aren’t using a crate make sure they’re is nothing around for them to chew/damage – If you leave things around, you are giving your dog the option to potentially destroy it.

"Remember, if your dog has been for a walk, been to the toilet, has a comfortable bed to sleep in, has toys or a treat, there is absolutely no reason for you to feel guilty or bad about leaving them alone for a short periods of time during the day."

For more information click here visit Amy's website - www.spotondogwalksandadventures.co.uk.