FAMILY
Developing a Happy and Well-Mannered Companion By Joyce Robertson Photos Sara Bakker
W ould it surprise you to find out that your dog is feeling just like us during this time of COVID-19? Your dog is showing signs of stress and feeling a bit overwhelmed. You might question - why is this the case? While the whole province was shutting down in March 2020 and Islanders were being advised to remain at home as much as possible and to work reduced schedules at their workplaces, I wasn’t too upset by this direction as I got to spend more time home with my dog Jackson. I quickly got my home office organized. Life with a dog is great until it is not. In times like this, it is normal to feel a mix of emotions like fear, anxiety, uncertainty, sadness and disappointment. People feel frustrated that their daily schedules have shifted and their routine has changed. Animal behaviorists recognize that dogs react to our emotions. They pick up on our stress and concerns and react in a similar manner. This is known as “emotional contagion." People are acting differently from how they normally do and dogs are trying to understand and adapt to us. Sudden disruptions to their home schedule and routines, lack of personal space and quiet time can trigger anxieties in your dog.
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