Along with the numerous little things we have to worry about our new day-to-day lives in 2020, for most, it's now leaving our pets behind to go back to the workplace.

Let's be real here, waking up to be immediately at work and having your cozy companion by your side has been a great experience. Maybe it was a little stressful for those new dog owners, but for the most part having your pup by your side was probably more of a stress reliever, and your dog has definitely had a blast too.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end. If you're returning to your workplace and are worried about your dog getting use to the new routine, here are some things you can do to help make the process a lot easier!

Separation. Put your dog in a room (or a crate in a room) at least twice a day for an hour. “They’ll protest, they’ll scream, and you just have to let them cry it out,” says animal expert William Berloni. When you come back, just make sure to act like you’re having a normal, boring interaction again.
Separate a little more. Once your doggo has gotten use to the separation time, extend the alone time from one hour to three to four. You can also try to different types of separation, like putting your dog in a new room. The more you get your dog comfortable and flexible, the less anxious it'll get when you're not at home.
Spoil your dog a bit and buy new toys. Look for toy's that will keep your dog busy when you're not home! Did you know that you can put your dog’s meals in toys that dispense food when pushed around? Try out these popular items here: Comfort Bone, theBusy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat, theWest Paw Zogoflex Toppl Tough Treat dispenser, thePetstages Carrot Stuffer Dog Toy.

The amount of time it'll take for your dog to get totally comfortable again varies greatly on many different factors, but taking the time to practice these tips will help your dog gain plenty of confidence while it's alone. Good luck!

Dovy