The rise of remote working, a trend that has become increasingly prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly impacted our lives and our pets’. While there are many positives to spending more time at home with our dogs, recent reports from dog training experts suggest that this new lifestyle may be contributing to a spike in behavioural issues among our canine companions.
According to a recent article in Dogs Today Magazine, dog behaviour experts have observed that the constant presence of their owners at home is causing behavioural issues in many dogs. The sudden shift from pre-pandemic routines to a life where owners are nearly always present is believed to be confusing and even stressful for dogs. In some cases, dogs have become overly reliant on their owners’ constant company, leading to issues such as separation anxiety, excessive barking, and destructive behaviour when left alone.
While working from home allows for more interaction and bonding time with our pets, it also disrupts the structured routines that dogs naturally thrive on. Dogs, like humans, find comfort in predictable schedules, and when those routines change frequently—whether it’s because of our irregular working hours, sudden meetings, or varied lunch breaks—it can result in anxiety and stress in dogs.
Dogs are creatures of habit and respond best to a regular daily structure. Before remote working became the norm, many dogs were accustomed to spending parts of their day alone, allowing them to develop independence and self-soothing behaviours. With owners now at home most of the day, many dogs have grown to expect constant interaction. This constant access to their owners can lead to behavioural problems, as they might struggle to cope when their owners are unavailable or need to focus on work.
The issue is compounded when remote workers unintentionally reinforce certain behaviours. For example, responding to a dog’s barking or whining with attention can teach the dog that these behaviours will get them what they want. Over time, this can create a cycle where dogs become more demanding, leading to further problems when owners attempt to establish boundaries.
To mitigate these behavioural issues, experts recommend introducing structure and setting boundaries. Here are some strategies that can help:
While the rise of remote working has certainly brought challenges, it also presents an opportunity for pet owners to learn more about their dogs’ needs and address behavioural issues more effectively. It’s understandable that dogs may struggle with the constant presence and varying schedules of their owners. However, the solution isn’t to revert to pre-pandemic routines but to find a balance that works for both dogs and owners in this new reality.
Setting clear boundaries and establishing a structured routine can make a world of difference. It’s crucial for dog owners to understand that promoting a dog’s independence is not neglect but rather a way to ensure their well-being. Incorporating periods of alone time, positive reinforcement, and mental enrichment into the daily schedule can help dogs adjust to this new lifestyle while preserving their emotional health.
The behavioural issues stemming from remote working are not insurmountable, but they do require effort and patience. Dog owners should see this as an opportunity to deepen their understanding of their pets and provide them with the guidance they need to adapt. By taking proactive steps, we can ensure that our dogs remain happy, balanced, and well-adjusted, no matter where we work.
For more insights on this topic, you can read the full article on Dogs Today Magazine‘s website.
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