The Figo Guide to Separation Anxiety Training for Pets

Pets have been our most consistant coworkers and work therapists, partiularly throughout the past few years. They kept us sane while we worked from the couch and adjusted to that 24/7 homebody lifestyle with ease.

Now, many pet parents are returning to the office and leaving their dogs and cats behind. These big changes happening in the human world can leave our soulful sidekicks feeling a little displaced. As more and more businesses are mandating in-person workdays, how do we ensure our copilots aren’t given the cold shoulder?

I'm Wen Tze Ng, Figo's resident dog trainer and the owner of Back to Basics Training. In the article below, I'll provide guidance that can help you reduce unwanted behaviors related to separation anxiety to help you and your pet feel happy and confident when you're apart.

Note: Figo provides this information solely for educational and informational purposes. No advice, treatment suggestions, or results received in connection with this article can be guaranteed, and nothing contained herein shall constitute veterinary or other professional medical advice. If you suspect your pet has a medical issue, or you have questions about your pet’s behavior, please contact your veterinarian.

Build small habits

In any training scenario, it's best to start small and work your way up. We need to meet our pets where they're at, and often times they're having big feelings and simply can't express them to us. At the same time, we can't clarify why we're suddenly leaving them home all day or when we'll be back.

One of the most helpful first steps is to reduce attention-seeking behaviors at home and help your pet get used to you leaving the room. It can be as simple as ignoring attention-seeking behavior if your pet regularly protests with a whine, bark, or scratch. Training during mealtime by heading into another room for 10 – 15 minutes while they eat is a great way to create distance during a normal part of their routine.

Routines matter

Speaking of routine, consider it your new best friend—well, second to your pet, of course. Pets thrive on predictability. Establishing a consistent daily schedule for meals, walks, and cuddle sessions can work wonders. It's like setting an internal clock in your pet's mind, which can significantly reduce anxiety. Think of it as their knowing when they can expect to eat, play, and see you again, providing them with a comforting sense of normalcy.

When we talk about returning to the office, that's going to be a major disruptor to what they've previously known. Feed them at the same time each morning, whether or not you're going into the office, and add some playtime or cuddle time in before you'd have to head off to work. It's your way of giving them some 1:1 attention, and setting parameters around what they can expect before you leave.

If you're able, have someone drop in on them mid-day for a walk or playtime, particularly if they're a high energy pet or are still in the puppy stages. Same thing for seniors - if they can't hold it while you're gone, you're going to need to find someone to let them out so they don't dread when you leave.

Keep them busy

Let's talk about the magic of interactive toys. Not only do these toys keep their minds engaged and bodies active, but they also create a positive association with your leaving.

For cats, consider window perches or cat trees near windows to engage their bird-watching instincts, or automated laser toys that can keep them entertained. For dogs, puzzle feeders or treat-dispensing toys can offer similar benefits. It's like giving them a fun homework assignment that they're actually excited about!

You can even use these tools to practice creating distance between you and your pet while you're home. Grab a nylabone, rawhide, kong, bully stick, or puzzle toy and set one out while you busy yourself with a task in another room. This helps to reward them and reinforce independent behavior while you’re out of sight.

It also never hurts to practice your sit and stay commands periodically throughout the day. Build up the distance and duration a little each day.

Create a little distance

The goal is to get our pets comfy with being away from us for a few hours without leaving them completely alone. Daycare is an excellent way to help your dog get used to being left for a few hours, and the fun should keep them pacified and distracted. If possible, enroll and drop your pup off at doggy daycare 1-2 times a week if they are dog friendly. In fact, if you’re a current Figo member, you can use your Pet Cloud app to find a doggy daycare near you!

If daycare isn’t in the cards for you, try taking them to a friend’s house instead. Just a few hours at a time, while you buy groceries or run errands, can make all the difference. If you can do this once or twice a week for a few weeks, this can help pups get very comfortable being away from you for a few hours. Ask your friends or family to keep them occupied with games, play dates with their own dogs, cuddle time, etc.

Let's get physical

Exercise is another golden ticket to combating separation anxiety. Often a tired pet is a happy pet. For dogs, a long walk or a vigorous play session before you leave can help expend that pent-up energy, making them more likely to relax in your absence.

Cats also benefit from pre-departure playtime—think feather wands or ball chasers—to tire them out. This way, they're more inclined to spend the day napping rather than pining for your return.

Work your way up

Ok, I know I said routine is your new best friend above. The one exception is that you can practice leaving at different times of the day and at different increments so your pet learns to be more adaptable and flexible, and not anticipate your departure too much. If you keep the rest of their schedule in line (feeding, walking, etc) they will eventually catch on that you'll be coming and going, sure, but you'll always return for the important things.

Start small. It’s important to practice gradual desensitization and set them up for success. Don’t leave your pet riding solo for hours at a time if it is their first time being left alone. Start with 15 - 30-minute increments and keep building from there.

It may also help to set up a camera so you can watch and hear what they’re doing after you leave. Track how long they whine or cry before settling down.

Say "bye" the right way

Lastly, consider the ambiance of your departure. Long, drawn-out farewells can actually heighten anxiety. Instead, make your exits and returns low-key to downplay the significance of your coming and going.

I get it - you're probably as bummed as they are when you walk out that door and head to the office. But resist the tempation of grand gestures and instead give your pup or kitty a kiss and cuddle, hand them their favorite toy, then calmly leave.

Saying “goodbye,” “I’ll see you soon,” or “be a good boy,” as you depart will only get them excited and then confused when you close the door behind you because instead of slipping out while their focus in on a puzzle toy, their attention is on you leaving.

As always, don’t forget to pet-proof your home if you’re giving them free roam of the house. You don’t want them getting into anything dangerous while you’re gone. Even adult dogs and cats can sniff out garbage bags or food on the counter and can potentially consume something that results in an emergency vet visit. Talk about distrupting your work day!

Increase their comfort

Turn on a little music or TV before you depart. A little background noise is ideal, so it is not completely quiet at home when you leave. Classical music can be really calming for dogs, and some love watching Animal Planet on TV!

Adaptil diffusers are also a great tool to soothe your pet while you’re gone – they mimic the pheromone produced by a mother dog to help calm puppies. Other pet parents report success with CBD supplements and treats, so you can give that a try and see if it works for you.

You can also leave a piece of clothing that smells like you with your pet, offering them a comforting sense of your presence.

When to call in the reinforcements

If you've tried all these tips and your pet is still going wild when you leave, it's probably time to call in the experts. Working with your vet and an experienced trainer can ensure that you have a plan for your pet's specific issues and needs.

Vet-prescribed medications can make a big difference when it comes to taking the edge off of your dog or cat's anxiety, and a professional trainer will be able to take stock of what you've already done and can help focus your efforts in a way that will suit your pet best.

Remember, easing separation anxiety is a journey, not a sprint. With these strategies in your toolbox, you're well on your way to creating a more peaceful and happy environment for your pets. After all, their mental wellbeing matters just as much as ours does. Plus, it's easier to focus on a day of meetings when you're not worried that your pet is freaking out at home. Here's to less stress, more tail wags, and more purrs in your future!

Wen Tze is the owner of Back to Basics Training and Figo's Resident Dog Trainer.