Long Island’s Return-to-Office Mandate Chaos: How Board and Train Programs Are Solving Separation Anxiety for Dogs Who’ve Been Home Since 2020

The post-pandemic return to office has created an unexpected crisis across Long Island: thousands of dogs experiencing severe separation anxiety after years of constant companionship with their work-from-home owners. Pet owners have to weigh up forking out for a dog sitter, finding a more flexible role or ultimately, giving up their pet, in light of RTO mandates. Poll after poll has shown that they’re worried about how returning to the office will impact their furry companions, particularly after the COVID-19 crisis created a surge in pet adoptions and situations in which many people rarely left their pets’ side.

As companies across Nassau and Suffolk Counties enforce stricter return-to-office policies, veterinary behaviorists have already noticed an uptick in separation anxiety cases since people have begun returning to work. Dogs adopted from shelters who have had no experience in the home beyond what they experienced during the pandemic may need additional support. The symptoms are unmistakable: destructive behavior (like chewing, digging or scratching), attempting to escape from an enclosure or room, going to the bathroom inside even if house-trained, and excessive barking, howling or whining that occurs when they’re left alone. More subtle signs include pacing, panting, standing by doors or windows and not eating while you’re gone.

The Pandemic Pet Problem

Dog adoptions and sales soared during the pandemic, when many people were spending most, if not all, of their time at home. Animals who were used to being home alone during the day pre-COVID-19 may adapt more easily to this transition than those who were born or adopted in the last year or so. For many Long Island families, their four-legged companions have never experienced extended alone time, creating a perfect storm of anxiety when owners suddenly disappear for 8-10 hours daily.

Dogs who’ve gotten used to your company all day long will have to get used to spending several hours solo. With everyone departing, there will be a very different feel in the house, which can create a lot of anxiety for the unprepared dog. The result? They may start trying to alleviate that stress by digging, barking, howling, chewing, or being generally destructive. Noises from outside that were previously drowned out will be more pronounced and may result in your dog nuisance barking in your absence, which could cause issues with your neighbours.

Why Traditional Training Falls Short

Many Long Island pet owners initially turn to basic obedience classes or quick-fix solutions, but separation anxiety requires a more comprehensive approach. Many pet owners believe that separation anxiety in dogs is the same as a canine being disobedient or not following commands; they believe that a doggie boot camp program can help to solve this type of dog training challenge. If your main focus is your dog’s separation anxiety, we would not recommend this training venue to dogs with separation anxiety.

In summary, canine separation anxiety is when your dog is addicted to YOU. Most dogs, with separation anxiety are fearful, non-confident and overly dependent on you. And a doggie boot camp program will not change how the dog owner responds to their dog or how they manage their dog – we need to teach you how to properly manage & respond to your canine.

The Board and Train Solution

Enter specialized board and train programs designed specifically for separation anxiety – a game-changer for overwhelmed Long Island families. Board and Train programs are perfect for dogs that need more attention and training in a controlled environment! Fewer distractions mean better results from obedience training that lasts.

Companies like K9 Mania Dog Training have emerged as leaders in this space, offering comprehensive solutions that go beyond basic obedience. K9 Mania Dog Training is one of the top dog training companies in New York. We’re dedicated to transforming the overall quality of life of dogs and their owners. Whether it’s to enjoy a calm, peaceful life with your dog or to help them reach their full potential, we believe in setting you up for success. We do this by providing excellent training services for dogs based on positive and holistic dog training methods.

What sets effective Board and Train Long Island programs apart is their holistic approach to separation anxiety. Our board and train program in Long Island addresses all forms of unwanted and unsafe problem behavior, including, but not limited to: Leash Pulling · Excessive Barking · Jumping · Digging · Reactivity · Aggression · Anxiety · Obedience Training · Puppy Training, with particular expertise in separation anxiety cases.

How Board and Train Programs Work

Unlike traditional day training, board and train programs immerse dogs in a structured environment where they learn independence gradually. Instead of a sterile kennel situation with many dogs vying for attention, this training option has your dog living with one of our trainers 24/7 to get continuous, hands-on help for early learning, reinforcing positive behaviors, and helping overcome negative ones. When they come back home again, they will have better self-control and socialization that eliminates problem behaviors and makes them a better part of your family.

The programs typically run 2-4 weeks and focus on building confidence and independence. Our comprehensive training programs incorporate techniques to handle this stress-related behavior. We work on building independence in your pet and reducing their fear of being alone. Yes, we prioritize the safety and comfort of the dogs in our care by ensuring continuous, round-the-clock supervision. Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art security and monitoring systems that operate 24/7.

Real Results for Long Island Families

The success stories speak volumes. Snickers is calmer, even his separation anxiety has gotten better. He now thinks before he acts and listens to us when we give him a command. Another client shared: We did the board and train and it is an absolutely amazing program. We were at a dead end with Blue because he had horrible fear based dog reactivity. But we are so glad and so proud to say that our Blue has his confidence back and we are super impressed with all information and tools provided to us. We feel well educated and confident to continue Blue’s training.

The transformation extends beyond the dogs themselves. We cannot thank K9 Dog Mania and our trainer Natalie enough for the transformation they made in our dog, Goose! She went from anxious and unpredictable to confident, well-behaved, and so much happier. Natalie was incredible—always responsive and supportive, even after Goose came home, and she’s continued to be there whenever we have questions about her training.

The Investment Worth Making

For Long Island families facing the impossible choice between their careers and their beloved pets, board and train programs offer hope. Professional dog training services are not just a luxury. They’re a NECESSITY. We, at K9 Mania Dog Training, understand this. With locations serving New York, Nassau County, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx, ensuring every owner can enjoy a peaceful life with their canine companion. We have talented dog trainers based in New York, Nassau County, Brooklyn, Manhattan , and Bronx that work with you to understand the root of your dog’s behavior.

As Long Island continues to navigate the post-pandemic work landscape, board and train programs represent more than just dog training – they’re family preservation services. Discover the expertise of our professional and skilled dog trainers, trusted by over 4,000 satisfied dog owners across Long Island! At K9 Mania Dog Training, we prioritize your dog’s needs above all else. Driven by our deep passion for dogs, we are committed to delivering the highest-quality care and service. From personalized training sessions to ongoing support, we go above and beyond to ensure your dog receives the attention and guidance they deserve.

The return-to-office mandate doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your pandemic companion. With the right training approach, Long Island families can have both – successful careers and happy, well-adjusted dogs ready to handle their new normal.