What to do with your dog if you split up with your partner
The end of a relationship brings various life adjustments, many couples have more than just themselves to think about including family, friends, children and pets.
Pet owners love their animals and want them to be happy but there’s not much advice on how to care for them through a break-up. So, here are my tips to keep your pup happy as you transition into a new chapter of your life.
amicable also offers a 'Separating with Pets Advice Consultation' to help you with your 'co-petting' arrangements after separation.
Think what is best for the dog not for you
What you think is best for you isn’t always what is best for your dog. It’s important to get it right for their sake. Who gets the dog should depend on lifestyle and work schedules. If you can't give the dog what they need then it is better to accept that now, then have to re-home later. Dog sitters and walkers can be expensive and split custody isn’t always the best option either as a weekly upheaval can be too upsetting for your dog.
Keep the routine
Dogs thrive on a routine, they enjoy the predictability of a daily routine. As best as you can, keep their day as normal as possible, this will help your dog adjust to all the changes that are happening around them.
Don’t fight in front of the dog
Treat your dog as you would your child during any messy stages of a breakup. Try not to argue in front of your dog, they are sensitive and will easily pick up on the bad feeling. Anxiety can affect your dog’s mood, behaviour and appetite.
Keep up training and provide enrichment
Many behaviour problems can arise from the stress of a couple separating and stress affects each dog differently. For example, you may notice that your dog begins to chew furniture, bark more or dig up the garden. All of these can be a sign that your dog is not coping. Giving them attention and love will help. Providing delicious stuffed kongs and food puzzles can also help to take their mind off the adjustment period.
Enjoy the stress relief that your canine companion offers
It’s well-documented that animals can decrease stress and anxiety. Therefore, getting out into the fresh air for a walk or playing with your pet can help you with what can be a stressful time.
For more support with your pooch, contact me via Milne and Mutt.
Resources:
Exploring what happens to pets in a divorce with Dr Rory Cowlam
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In the UK, almost half of all households have pets, with the pet population at around 54 million.* That’s a lot of furry friends. And with so many of us owning animals, around 50% of separating couples are faced with the difficult question: who gets to keep the pet?
The consultation will help you to manage your 'co-petting' arrangements if you're separating and are sharing a pet.
Kate is joined by Rory the Vet and Oli Juste, dog behaviourist, to discuss all things pet and separation. Kate and her guests explore all topics related to pets, divorce and separation – from pet anxiety when their owners split to whether ‘petnups’ might be the way forward.
Support for co-habiting couples
Speak to an experienced Separation Specialist to understand your options. We help couples with all the legal, financial and family aspects of separation.
Book a free 15-minute consultation
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