Older advice not to pet dogs before going out is not supported by a new study. The pilot study results suggest that petting a dog before a brief separation from the owner may have a positive effect, making the dog calmer during the separation itself. Further studies are needed to analyze more about petting’s effectiveness, especially in dogs affected by separation anxiety.
Source: Psychology Today, September 2018. Link.
Also see: How to prepare your dog emotionally before traveling without them, from Rover.com. Link. Project calm confidence, plan ahead, and you’ll both feel more ready for your temporary separation, says Angela L. Drake, canine behaviorist.