Our dogs are becoming `overly bonded`. Time to start separating

It's been months since many of us started working at home, which means it's been months of our dogs living in their own personal heaven. Company at all hours, unlimited pets, maybe even increased walks around the neighborhood. My dog has been in paradise.

"Dogs are becoming 'overly bonded,' which means they’re intensely reliant on our presence to stay calm," Arianne Cohen writes for Bloomberg. "Dogs signal this when they can no longer self-soothe and panic after an owner leaves a room or, God forbid, the house. It has to be addressed now — long before your dog is left home, solo, for long stretches when you return to the office — to avoid doggie meltdowns."

We might not all be heading back to the office anytime soon, but it's a good idea to start getting your dog used to some alone time again.

Take a walk by yourself. Sit outside alone for a bit. Put the dog in the other room and try to ignore any whining that might occur (this part is tough).

When I leave the house for my allotted trip to the grocery store, I like to leave my dog, Haddie, with a Kong with peanut butter inside to keep her entertained, ice in her water bowl and something on the radio or TV. Usually I put on "Gilmore Girls," since I figure it reminds her of me being home.

Then I remember the time I left on vacation for five days last year and nearly cried when I dropped her off at a friend's and wonder who is going to have it harder when I eventually stop working from home. Haddie might be counting down the days until an uninterrupted nap.