I tried to research this but couldn’t find much information. I have a one year old Bichon Frise who is extremely attached to me and my family, and she has pretty bad separation anxiety (technically a pandemic puppy). Usually, at least one of us is home 24/7 thanks to remote work so that’s what she’s used to.
However, if we have to go away for multiple days, I suspect she won’t like that. We usually drop her off at our relative’s house who can dogsit, since they have elderly grandparents who are happy to also stay home with the dog at all times. The longest we’ve dropped her off for so far is overnight, about 24 hours, but we need to go away for over a week soon.
I’m wondering, would video chatting with her help with separation anxiety? I’m thinking we can arrange to put on a video call with us every evening, just so she can see us and hear us for a bit. Has anyone tried this? Do you think it helped your dog? Anyone know any reputable sources talking about this?
You have to first prerecord a video of you talking to your dog, then do the blanket trick where you stand in a doorway and lift a blanket blocking line of sight betweennyoy and the dog. Play the video you made earlier and put it by your feet, then stand outside of the door frame, drop the blanket, and run outside/jump out a window.
The dog will think you’re either really good or totally shite at magic(depending on their opinion of you) and that you trapped yourself in a phone. Now when you call them they will think its the real you.
When you get back do the trick in reverse!
Lol. Jump out a window.
We must defenestrate to convince pupper.
Have you tried doing a video call with the dog to see how she reacts?
My husband had to be away from home for a month a couple years ago, and our dogs (and I!!) missed him terribly. When we would video chat, one of the dogs loved it, he recognized my husband on the screen and was so happy to hear and see him! The other dog did not understand what was happening and was kinda bummed to hear him but not see or smell him.
If your dog watches TV and does other things to indicate she sees what’s on the screen, knows it’s not in the room, and isn’t bothered by that, I think it’s worth a try!
I should try that definitely. Thanks!
I can imagine it confusing your dog more. Why can I hear and see the human but not smell or touch them???
Meh, dogs are different.
Mine loves phone calls because it’s usually a voice he recognizes on the other end. He wants to climb on me and get right next to the phone so he hears.
But a Teams call for work he doesn’t give a shit about because he doesn’t recognize the voice on the other end.
OP should just try it and see how it goes.
To take care of the scent aspect, you should always leave several used and unwashed laundry items around the place, anything that has made direct contact with your skin for hours.
Bedsheets sounds like a good idea, too; sleep in them for a few days and then leave them where your dog (or cat) spends most time.
Here’s an idea for added concentration: mash both concepts together, put some used t-shirts under the bedsheets for a few days and nights, sleep with them under the covers, before placing them lying around the place.
That’s a good point. Didn’t think of that, thanks!
I will say it depends though. My dog is cool when my cousins video call over - he pays attention and looks at the screen. Or if I’m overseas but coaling home. But he has never had separation anxiety.
I believe one of the tried and true methods is to give your dog a piece of your worn clothing to cuddle with. Or crate train.
Probably depends on your dog.
My dog is just confused by screens, but my girlfriend’s dog seems to kind of “get it” when it comes to screens.
We tried that with our dog once and it very seriously stressed him out. Try it before you don’t while too far away!
Make sure you send her to her dog sitters with items that smell like you. T shirts are good. Also, her own bed from home if she has one.
We’re definitely doing that! We’re also dropping off some of our clothes, her bed, toys, as well as her favourite rug.
She will be fine then. Dogs adjust quickly.
