Sitting in for Jennifer Zamparelli on RTÉ 2FM, Lottie Ryan spoke with Kate Fitzsimons, a Senior Dog Trainer with the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA), to find out how owners can take care of their dogs now that they're back to work.
The DSPCA has been inundated with calls over the last few weeks, with many owners worried about how their dogs will cope with being left home alone now that COVID restrictions are easing.
According to Kate, it's all about putting a plan in place so that the transition is as smooth as possible.
"Dogs are all about routine; they love consistency, they love knowing what to expect. When that changes, that can cause a little but of upset, a little bit of stress, and that's when we can see that destructive or whining or crying behaviour."
While Lottie suggested a gradual transition whereby owners leave their dogs alone a little more each day, Kate recommended finding a daycare or a dog walker so pups can run around outside for the hours that owners are in the office.
The important thing to remember, says Kate, is that it's never too late to start changing behaviours. Even making the smallest changes such as keeping the dogs in a different room while you eat or not allowing them to follow you into every room of the house will get them used to the separation.
Another important thing to note is that your pet will need something to keep them busy during their time away from you. If they're suddenly left with nothing to occupy them, they are likely to act out due to boredom or anxiety, so don't be surprised if your couch cushions and table legs are chewed up by the time you come home.
"Give them something to do that's going to take them a while, that's going to use their brain, that's going to help tire them out as well."
Rather than giving them their breakfast in a bowl, feed them through a feeding toy whereby they have to figure out how to reach the treats. This, says Kate, can be good as giving them a bout of exercise.
"Doing something like that for about 15 minutes is the same as a 45 minute walk. Dogs are bred to work, they're bred for a job - they also tire out very quickly when they're using their brain."
For more tips on caring for your pup, listen back to The Jennifer Zamparelli Show on RTÉ 2FM.
