Separation anxiety after COVID... Should you be worried?

The most common question I now get sounds something like this: "I've been working from home and my dog is in heaven. Should I be worried about him having separation anxiety when I go back to the office?"

While every dog is different, there is certainly a chance your dog will be stressed out if you go back to long absences cold-turkey. And if your dog already has the tendency to cry when you leave, shadow you around the house, or be sensitive to changes in routine, the likelihood is even higher. Now is the time to prepare your dog for the inevitable shift in schedule, even if your only absences include getting the mail or taking out the garbage.

Watch my recent appearance on AKC TV's Ask the Expert, full of tips for how to ease your dog back into a solitary lifestyle. If your dog struggles to be alone, consider an in-person or online lesson to start easing his stress.