Animal Talk

(avery) #1
lifestyle

PETTA LK

Taking care of your dog when you’re away most of the day

Solutions
for working

pet parents


Text: Katherine Brown | Photography: 8thcreator, Scorpp, Alexei_tm, Oxford Square,
Elbud, Marek Walica, Ratikova, George Rudy, Halfpoint, Kaspars Grinvalds

Many modern dogs face a massive obstacle, which pressures their
physical and emotional well-being, often resulting in unwanted
behaviours that are blamed on the dogs. Destruction, digging,
barking and howling, over-excitement, anxiety and depression –
all of these can lead to a dog being labelled as ‘naughty’, ‘spiteful’
or ‘just a bad dog’. In reality these dogs are isolated, lonely and
frustrated because their needs are not being met. The culprit is the
long working day. For many people, the day starts early and ends
late, leaving little time, energy or patience for a long walk with the
dog or an intense training session.
The modern dog is at great risk of benign neglect – the best
food, the best veterinary care, the most expensive beds and
toys. But not enough human interaction. And this is all
dogs really want. A recent study showed that the part
of the brain associated with positive expectation and
reward is activated to a greater extent when dogs
smell their owners as compared to smelling other
people or dogs (even familiar dogs)^1.
Fortunately, there are simple ways of fulfilling your
dog’s needs without quitting your job, and ensuring
that they’re safe and coping well in your absence.
There are people who can take care of your
pets while you are at work, such as your
domestic helper, the gardener or a
pet sitter or walker. See the May
edition of Animaltalk to read
more about people
who can assist while
you are working.
Free download pdf