As a specialized human, I understand the importance of adopting and caring for a pet. Choosing to adopt a furry companion takes patience, dedication, and a lot of hard work. However, the rewards of a happy and healthy pet are priceless. Such is the story of my 2-year-old corgi that I adopted two weeks ago. She has been a wonderful addition to my home and has easily adjusted to her new surroundings, especially when it came to sleeping in her crate. But today, a sudden change took place that left me wondering about her behavior.
My corgi, whom I named Chloe, was always an obedient and well-behaved dog. She is smart, loyal, and has an independent streak, which is typical of corgis. Part of her obedience training was to sleep in her crate, which I made sure was comfortable with her favorite toys and a warm blanket. However, today my friend came over, and as soon as we left her alone, Chloe started barking. It was unusual behavior, considering that she had never done that before.
As a concerned pet parent, I tried to understand her behavior by looking at all possible factors that may have triggered her response. After some research and consultation with a veterinarian, I learned that my corgi could be experiencing anxiety or separation anxiety.
Anxiety in dogs is not uncommon, and it manifests in various ways, including barking, whining, drooling, and chewing on furniture or shoes. Separation anxiety, on the other hand, is a condition where dogs feel anxious or panicky when their owners leave them alone. It is often caused by a change in routine, moving to a new home, or being left alone for long periods.
To help Chloe cope with her new condition, I decided to take preventive measures. Firstly, I started by taking her on walks, letting her meet new people and dogs, and engaging her in enriching activities like puzzle games and training sessions. This helped her get accustomed to different surroundings and the presence of other people and dogs, reducing any feelings of anxiety she may have had.
The second thing I did was to gradually extend her time alone, starting with small increments and gradually increasing it as she became more comfortable in her crate. I also made sure to give her familiar toys and comforting scents such as my own clothes to help her feel more secure.
Furthermore, I found that playing soft music or leaving the television on can also be of great help to make her feel like she has company.
In conclusion, adopting a pet requires patience, care and responsibility. But the rewards of a happy and healthy pet are truly priceless. Seeing my corgi, Chloe, grow and adjust to her new home has been a true joy thus far. Although the sudden onset of barking may have been unexpected, it is a reminder that our furry friends often need our support during times of change. As a dedicated pet parent, I am committed to helping Chloe overcome any anxiety she may have and providing her with a safe and loving home.