How to Reunite With a Pet After Traveling

Anyone who has a good relationship with a pet knows that most pets are extremely loyal creatures. Anyone who has traveled for a lengthy amount of time and has returned to a pet understands that most pets don’t have the best memory. If you are separated from your pet for a long time, she may take some time to warm up to you again when you are reunited. This slow coming of affection may be your pet’s way of learning to trust you again or it may be her way of remembering exactly who you are and what part you play in her life. Reuniting with a pet after traveling can actually be quite enjoyable for all parties involved if it is expected and understood.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Approach your pet with slow affection immediately upon returning home. Let her see you and get used to your presence during the first few moments of your interaction.

2. Lather your pet with affection after re-establishing your presence with him. Even if he does not return the strong affection right away, it will give him the sense that you love him. Continue to pay strong attention to him for the first week that you are with him.

3. Begin commanding your pet as you typically would before you left. Use the same commands and the same tone of voice. Even if you feel like being soft because you haven’t seen her in a long time, it is important that you reinstate your place as soon as you arrive home. She should respond typically, although it may take her a few days to respond as quickly as usual.

4. Fall into the same routine that you had before you left. Feed your pet at the same time; walk him at the same time; give him treats for the same tricks. If you slept with him before, sleep with him again. If you crated him before, crate him again. Returning to his old routine will help him learn to trust you.