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    Dogs In Isolation

    01 September 2020

    Has your dog been acting up or misbehaving because they are staying home for longer periods of time than they are used to? Or perhaps they have become more restless and clingy now that you’re probably home more often too!

    As weird as this pandemic has been for us, it’s just as weird for our pets. They’re seeing us more frequently, wondering what has happened to their usual routine and why we are always home. Many pet parents know through experience that dogs thrive on routine!

    Some of your furry pals may be used to going to dog parks and seeing other friends or even going to dog training schools for the day while you go to work. The idea of staying home and getting to spend quality time with your dog is amazing, but just like your favorite dessert, when does quality time become too much?

    Canine relationships are potentially one of the best relationships to ever exist. It’s an honest and vulnerable friendship. Have you ever watched your dog and wondered, ‘why are they doing that?’ Over the weeks of having to stay home and avoiding contact with others, you may find your fur baby following you around more and clinging on to you more often since they’re getting used to you being around 24/7. It is important that although you are home for longer periods of time, you must keep in mind that dogs tend to rely on certain routines and understand schedules. This means that you should try to incorporate activities that don’t involve you and Fuzzy together, and try to separate yourselves from time to time so they don’t cling to you. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, as they say.

    When it’s time for things to go back to the way they used to be, your pups will be exposed to a new set of routines, without you around, which can ultimately lead to separation anxiety as this will be a great shock. There are small things you can do to ensure that your dog will be fine when we resume some sort of new normal.

    A few things you can do to potentially avoid a velcro pup:

    – As mean as it sounds, don’t reward clingy behavior. If they follow you around, ignore them every so often, encourage independence, and reward them for when they lie down quietly.

    – You’re home all day and your dog is bored with nothing to do.

    Bored dogs become clingy and demand attention by misbehaving. This is also a sign of stress or built up energy with nowhere to go. Take them out for a walk, play fetch in the yard, or combine the two at the local park and get some exercise and sunshine yourself. The fresh air and exercise do wonders for mental health for the both of you.

    – When a dog is bored or stressed, chewing helps. Bored or stressed dogs chew on anything they can find to expend their energy and keep themselves occupied, much like a stress ball or making up their own games.

    Try a lip-lickingly delish, long lasting Blackdog chew treat instead. All natural wholesome goodness, great for dental hygiene while relieving stress and boredom, and a huge variety to choose from….. After all, it is much better than coming home to ruined slippers and a floor full of feathers from torn cushions!

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