As I hear of more and more companies mandating a return to the office, my first thought is the lifestyle changes for pet owners. Whether you’ve got a pandemic puppy, or have had your dog longer, we all got used to spending A LOT of time together. Many people might find themselves in need of some enrichment or dog walking services, so I reached out to Courtney of DaleyPawz to offer some guidance.

BTW: Did you know that we offer DaleyPawz customers a discount on a pet session fee? Book A Consult to learn more!

Now that more people are going back to the office, what tips can you offer to help dogs (and their people!) cope with separation anxiety?

Try not to make a big deal of coming and going. Remember to give your dog alone time even when you’re home. I know it’s silly but I always recommend leaving a little Animal Planet or radio on. (Remember not to only do this when you’re leaving because then it will become a trigger that you’re leaving)

How often should dogs be walked on a daily basis?

I would say 3 to 4 times a day. Don’t forget to change the walking loop for some fun new smells!

What are some of your favorite dog enrichment activities?

Incorporating enrichment activities and nose work is such an important part of your dog’s day. This should be fun for them and for you. I have three rescue dogs, and I love working with them individually by playing Find It with their breakfast or dinner. They love their Snuffle Mats and Wobbly Kong! Don’t forget that it’s super important to cheer them on the whole time that they’re using their nose and playing!! Pretend to be your dog’s cheerleader!

What questions should someone ask before hiring a dog walker?

I think it’s extremely important to make sure you set up a meet and greet with the company to make sure it’s a good fit for your needs. Also important to make sure that they're insured and using safety precautions. At Daleypawz we are a team of women who treat every animal like they’re our own. We also do not use any adverse methods so we do not use any prongs or choke chains. We treat every animal with love and kindness. I think it’s very important to make sure that your walker’s beliefs lineup with yours.

How can someone prepare their shy dog for a dog walker?

I think it’s important to do multiple meet and greets while you’re home. Make sure your notes and information are provided for your walker - we are a rotating team but we do have some dogs that only see one of us - we do try to get the dogs comfy with multiple walkers but sometimes that’s not an option. It’s important to have patience in these situations - we will never force a dog to come on a walk with us so sometimes we literally hang around on the floor and let them sniff us. I definitely suggest setting up meet and greets before you need a last minute dog walker or sitter - we never want to rush this process. Our team has seen huge success with some very nervous pups.

Tips for a successful meet and greet with a new dog walker?

Let us know as much information as possible before we arrive! Also we always come with a Fanny pack full of treats so if your pup has any dietary restrictions let us know or make sure to have some of their fav treats!!

More about DaleyPawz!

Daleypawz is a locally owned and operated a Pet Care company serving West Hartford and surrounding areas. We offer dog walking, hikes, off-leash adventures, cat care, plant care, house care, hamster care, any type of care… we do it! We’re open everyday 8 am to 10 pm Monday- Sunday. We’re are a team of local women that love the outdoors and animals more then anything- make sure to follow us @daleypawz on Instagram and check our our website www.daleypawz.com We’re currently accepting new clients and can’t wait to meet some new furry friends!!!

6 Tips to Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety from Courtney at DaleyPawz

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