Leaving your dog alone
Why is my dog struggling now that I am back at work?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A dog that struggles after a return to office days is usually reacting to a genuine, significant change in routine rather than being difficult, since months of constant company shifts a dog's baseline expectations. This is common and generally resolves with a deliberate, gradual retraining process rather than being a sign of a permanent problem.
Why this reaction makes sense
From the dog's perspective, a routine that felt stable and predictable for months has suddenly and abruptly changed, which is enough to unsettle even a normally confident dog, let alone one that was already somewhat prone to worry.
What the struggle usually looks like
Common signs include increased vocalizing at the door, destructive behavior that was not present before, accidents despite being fully house trained, or an unusually intense greeting when you return, all of which reflect genuine adjustment difficulty rather than misbehavior.
The path back to comfort
Scaling back to shorter absences and rebuilding gradually, alongside consistent pre departure exercise and enrichment, typically resolves the struggle within a few weeks. Persistent, severe distress beyond a month of consistent effort is worth discussing with a qualified behaviorist.
Managing your own expectations during this period
Owners often feel a mix of guilt and frustration watching a dog struggle with something it used to handle easily, but this reaction is common and does not reflect a failure on your part, since the household routine genuinely did change in a significant way. Focusing energy on the practical rebuild, rather than dwelling on the disruption itself, tends to produce both a calmer household and faster progress for the dog. Sharing the load with another household member, even for a portion of the practice sessions, also helps prevent the process from feeling overwhelming for any one person. Recognizing that this struggle is temporary and genuinely resolvable, rather than a lasting change in the dog's basic temperament, helps keep the whole household's outlook realistic and encouraging.
Key takeaways
- Struggling after a return to office reflects a genuine routine change, not the dog being difficult on purpose.
- Increased vocalizing, new accidents, or an intense greeting are common signs of this adjustment difficulty.
- Scaling back and rebuilding gradually typically resolves it within a few weeks for most dogs.