Pandemic Puppy Love and the Gift of Calm
Kira at Corona Heights Dog Park. painting (detail): Dr. Ken Gorczyca
Valentine’s Day celebrates love between people, of course. But we dog guardians know this day is also for our four-legged friends, especially our beloved pups.
The COVID pandemic has created an unprecedented puppy and dog adoption boom. And it’s no surprise that this mass societal sheltering has resulted in many falling-in-love stories. With all these newbie canine guardians and others of us working from home, our dog companions have never been happier. Nevertheless, not all is satisfactory in nirvana.
When I take my own pandemic pup, Kira, to the local dog park, I’ve noticed behaviors that concern me. I see pet parents running and yelling after their canines who are barking at other dogs or humans and causing havoc. I’ve also seen unleashed dogs going after leashed dogs on the trails. Both dogs and their human guardians seem more unruly these days and much more reactive. So, what is happening?
The pandemic has allowed us much more quality time with our canines, but it’s also led to behavioral issues. Between dog park closures, puppy training classes cancellations, and veterinary appointments being harder to book, we’ve had fewer occasions to socialize our animals. Dogs haven’t learned to be alone at home and dog owners haven’t had as many opportunities to learn from other dog people at the parks. Overall, our dogs have spent less time with other dogs and other humans. All of this has contributed to separation anxiety and other behavioral issues.
Kira! painting: Dr. Ken Gorczyca
My own Kira is having difficulty being left alone at home. She starts to shake, sometimes has accidents on the couch, and howls like a coyote in her loneliness when I am gone. She barks at me when I put on my shoes to leave her at home. It breaks my heart. The human-animal bond is stronger than ever, but this pandemic puppy love has led to many struggles and worries. As society reopens and we head back to the office to work, separation anxiety looms for many dog guardians - newbies and oldies alike.
We all knew that this puppy love phase couldn’t last forever, but it’s not too late to help guide our canines into the new paradigm. Puppy and dog classes have now reopened. It is essential - now more than ever - to take your dog to class, to learn to socialize with other dogs, and to develop better manners. It still may be difficult to visit the veterinary clinic, but dog behaviorists are available for one-on-one sessions. Veterinarians can also offer advice and medications to alleviate some anxieties. But please be aware that drugs are not a solution by themselves; you must commit to positive reinforcement training.
Sometimes bringing your dog regularly to the local dog park will allow for the socialization essential for a better-behaved animal companion. Offering a treat-filled KONG before you leave them home alone may provide distraction. But if they’re shaking, barking, or howling when you put on your shoes to leave the house, you may need guidance from a trainer skilled in dealing with separation anxiety. Some recommend using crate-training to teach the dog that they have a safe space. Homeopathic calming treatments are also available, and ThunderShirts can bring some comfort by wrapping dogs up and applying gentle, constant pressure.
Personally, I find the best holistic approach for a house-bound canine is tiring your dog out on long walks – in the park, along city blocks, or on the beach. Outdoor exercise brings health to both you and your dog. Allowing your dog to explore the open-air smells, observe the antics of other dogs, and enjoy nature is by far the best medicine for our pandemic puppies. I take Kira, who is 90% rat terrier and 10% whippet, to the beach several times a week for long walks and exhaustive ball playing, and she always comes home less anxious.
So, this Valentine’s Day, you might sing a song to your pup, dance together holding their paws, or just snuggle on the couch watching Netflix and sharing favorite treats (no chocolate, please). But teaching your dog to be calm around other dogs and humans and that it’s okay to be alone? That’s the best valentine you can give.
In fact, positive reinforcement training is a priceless gift for both of you. So talk to your veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and consider joining a training class. With love and patience for each other, we can all pull through to the end of the pandemic together. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Resources
Here are some local resources to get you started. If you’re not in the Bay Area, just use your favorite search engine to find positive reinforcement dog training in your area.
The San Francisco SPCA and Fear Free LLC will offer a Fear Free Pet Behavior Symposium designed to prevent fear, stress, and anxiety in pets by educating and inspiring those who care for them. Scheduled for February 12-13, it offers separate tracks for pet guardians, shelter personnel, and veterinary professionals. Learn more at sfspca.org/fearfree.
Or check out these options:
Dunbar Academy Free Course Collection