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?
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.