Has Your Dog’s Behaviour Changed Since COVID-19?
April 17, 2020
With so many people now working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, your dog may have noticed a difference in their routine and it could be causing behavioural problems like aggression or stress.
As pet owners, we know only too well how much your dogs love routine and how sensitive they are to the simplest of changes. So you may have noticed some strange behaviours from your dogs over the past month or so since we’ve all gone into lockdown and self-isolation.
Aggresive behaviour during self-isolation
If you have multiple pets or more than one dog, this could be a real problem. Some people have reported that their dogs are becoming more aggressive with each other, fighting for prime position under the desk of their owner’s home office. Some other dog owners have witnessed fights breaking out between their dogs and jealousy becoming a real problem as these canines compete for your affection.
Attention-seeking behaviour
Some dogs are more likely to become possessive of their owners now that they have them at home all day, wanting constant attention and to play all day. This can interrupt your normal workday, make working at home difficult and interfere with your concentration, not to mention your conference calls. Your dog may respond by whining, scratching, barking at nothing, or pawing at you just to get your attention.
Social distancing for your dog
On the other hand, your dogs might not understand why you’re home all day and may be pining for some quiet time. Being used to having the house all to themselves during the day might not be to every pets’ liking, especially cats. So don’t be surprised if you find your pets acting a little aloof or choosing to sleep downstairs instead of in or beside your bed. Don’t take it personally. It’s not you, it’s the change in their routine that they’re reacting to.
So why is this happening and what can you do about it?
Stick to your regular routine
While most people have suspended their dog-walking services, it’s important to stick to the usual routine. You might not have the luxury of taking your dog out for their regular hourly walk at noon, but going outside at the usual time, taking a drive to a park, or walking for half an hour should keep them happy...at least for a while.
Get lots of exercise
Now that all the off-leash dog parks are closed, this presents another problem. Inevitably, your dog is going to miss socializing with their doggie friends and getting to run free, off the leash like they’ve always done. Keep them happy by maintaining their exercise regimen, even though it’s on-leash and maybe shorter than normal. Exercise is paramount, for you and your dog.
Don't spoil your dogs (too much)
It’s important to set a precedent and not to spoil your dog by giving them too much attention during self-isolation. Start as you mean to go on and set aside time every day, even if it’s after work, to engage and play with them. Try some interactive games, or some training exercises. Just 10 minutes at a time is enough to keep them stimulated and ease their stress.
Consult a professional
If things get out of control and your dogs are fighting to the point of causing harm to each other, it might be a good idea to call your vet or consult with a dog trainer. Separating your dogs by crating them or keeping them in different rooms during the work day might help. In some cases, your vet might prescribe medication to help them relieve anxiety and stress. It all depends on your situation.
Give them a quiet space
If you have kids at home, then the extra noise and action in the house might disturb your pets to the point of causing stress. Again, try giving them some space by designating a quiet room where they can relax and lounge by themselves.
Tire them out
Planning a long walk early in the morning before your workday begins is a good way to tire out your dogs so that they will sleep most of the day and not disturb your working schedule. However, they will probably need a quiet place of their own to be alone and away from the human animals that are now home all day invading their space.
Changes in routine can be very upsetting for your pets, especially as we’re all experiencing stress during these uncertain times. Your dog will pick up on your nervous energy and this could contribute to shifts in their behaviour. So be mindful of how your behaviour has changed and try to keep things as routine and normal as possible.