SOUTH BEND — As more people are getting vaccinated, companies are starting to welcome their employees back to the office. But that means your pets may start to feel a little anxious spending more time alone at home.

This alone time can cause separation anxiety. It’s something dog trainers are seeing a lot of right now, especially in dogs who were adopted during the shutdown and haven’t been away from their owners for long periods of time.

John Faigh is the owner of Wind Song Dog Training in Elkhart and has been training dogs for more than 30 years. He says separation anxiety is brought on by the owner.

It can start when you make a fuss when leaving your pets or when you return home.

Signs of separation anxiety include constantly coming up and nudging you, nipping at you or barking and jumping up at you for attention.

If you notice your pet getting anxious, John Faigh has some tips.

First – if they’re crate-trained, teach them their crate is a safe haven.

Second – make sure your dog has a toy or something to occupy them while you’re gone.

And third – act normal when leaving and returning home.

“It is owner-induced unfortunately, most people don’t realize that because they’re unknowingly rewarding the dog when it’s having anxiety and if you don’t know how to read when a dog is having anxiety, you are going to unknowingly reward that behavior, that’s why it gets worse,” said Faigh.

It may take time, but he says soon you’ll find a routine that works for you and your pet.

Severe cases of separation anxiety may require professional help or even medication. You should talk to your vet if you don’t see improvement.

Source: WSBT