My dog's first time alone after moving: How to prevent anxiety?

Question

I'm moving out of my current living situation. I'm taking my sheltie mix with. We have had a 1 for 1 dog:human ratio. My dog spends quite a bit of time with everyone right but when we move it's going to be just him and me. So he's going to be left alone for several hours a day while I'm at work. He hasn't had to be alone for that long in over 6 yrs. I'm not sure how to help him so he doesn't develop anxiety or depression over it. He's never been good with change and this will be a big one. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 9 years and 2 months old | 30 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

I recommend crating Ace when you are gone. The crate will provide him a small space where he can feel safe in it when you are gone. You will have to slowly train him to get used to a crate. Start putting him in it when you are home and sitting nearby so he doesn't think you are abandoning him, and slowly increase the time he is in it. He can have toys in the crate, and puzzle toys with treats in it that he has to figure out how to get the treats out. You can put a tablespoon of peanut butter in a Kong toy and freeze it in the freezer overnight, then give it to him in the crate. That will keep him occupied for a while. Finally, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety and pair that with a DAP pheromone collar that releases pheromones when in contact with his skin. I hope this helps!

My dog's first time alone after moving: How to prevent anxiety?

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