For the past few weeks, life has been a dream for your dog. The house has been full of noise and laughter, the garden has been a constant playground, and you – their favourite human – have been available for scratches and snacks 24/7. December in South Africa is synonymous with family time, and our dogs thrive on that constant companionship.
But as the calendar flips to January, the “Back to School” banners go up, and the reality of “Janu-worry” sets in, our daily routines shift drastically. We swap board shorts for office wear and lazy mornings for the early commute. For us, it’s a return to reality. For our dogs, it can feel like abandonment. This sudden shift from all-day attention to 8-hour silences can trigger separation anxiety.
Recognizing the Signs
Separation anxiety isn’t just your dog “missing you.” It is a genuine panic response. You might come home to find pillows destroyed, the door frame chewed, or puddles on the floor despite your dog being house-trained. Other signs include excessive barking or howling (often reported by irate neighbours) or desperate attempts to escape the property.
It’s crucial to understand that your dog isn’t being “naughty” or spiteful. They are terrified. They don’t understand where the “pack” has gone or if you are coming back.
Easing the Transition
The best way to handle this transition is to prepare them before the first full day back, but even if you’ve already started work, these steps can help:
1. Practice the “Fake Departure”:
Dogs are masters of reading cues. They know that picking up keys + putting on shoes = you leaving. Desensitize them to these triggers. Pick up your keys, then sit down and watch TV. Put on your work shoes, then go make a cup of coffee. Break the association between these actions and your disappearance.
2. The Slow Fade:
If you have a few days left of leave, start leaving the house for short periods. Go to the shops for 20 minutes. Then 40. Then an hour. Show them that you always return.
3. Burn the Energy:
A tired dog is a calm dog. If your dog is going to be alone for 8 hours, they need to be physically and mentally drained beforehand. Wake up 30 minutes earlier to take them for a brisk walk or play a high-intensity game of fetch. If they are exhausted, they are more likely to sleep through the morning than pace and worry.
4. Ditch the Food Bowl:
Don’t just dump their breakfast in a bowl and leave. Make them work for it. Use a slow-feeder, a snuffle mat, or stuff their kibble inside a treat-dispensing toy (like a Kong) sealed with a little peanut butter. This engages their brain (mental stimulation is tiring!) and creates a positive association with you leaving: “Human goes away = I get a tasty project.”
5. Keep Departures Low Key:
This is the hardest part for us. When you leave, do not make a fuss. No sad voices, no “Mommy loves you,” no hugs. Just walk out. The same applies when you return. Ignore your dog for the first few minutes until they are calm. This teaches them that your coming and going is a non-event, not a dramatic emotional rollercoaster.
The transition back to “real life” is hard on everyone, but with a little patience and a lot of consistency, you can help your best friend adjust to the new normal, ensuring their days home alone are spent napping, not worrying.
