Dog Separation Anxiety
Dog separation anxiety can be very difficult to treat. It is also one of the most common problems that many dogs develop. It’s a type of anxiety disorder, and can be defined as a state of intense panic brought on whenever the dog is separated from its owner for any length of time - it can be from just a few minutes or more, though this length of time may vary from dog to dog. Dogs are social animals and no dog likes to be left alone for long stretches of time, but some dogs do a lot worse than others and these are the dogs that are most prone to separation anxiety. An example of this might be whenever you leave for work in the morning. After you leave your dog is thrown into a state of nervous anxiety which intensifies extremely quickly.
What causes dog separation anxiety?- Did you know that neglect is the number one cause of separation anxiety for dogs? It's true. If you’re absent much more than you’re present in your dog’s life, separation anxiety is pretty much inevitable. Your dog needs your company, affection, and attention in order to be happy and content.
When it’s time for you to leave later, her now-exaggerated happiness at your return is under threat and your dog will get even more unhappy when you walk out that door again - escalating the process over and over if you don't learn to control it right away. Here are a few do's and dont's.
Do's for dog separation anxiety:• My first, and favorite, suggestion would be for you to exercise the heck out of your dog before you leave. The longer you expect to be away, the more exercise you should give your dog before you leave. Really tire it out and and you'll have less separation anxiety issues.
• Really important tip: practice getting ready to go and leaving. First, jingle your keys about, put on your coat, get your bags and open the door. Then, without leaving, sit back down and don't go anywhere. Try this for a few times until your dog is not reacting any more to this exercise. Afterward, give her a treat and lavish praise for being so brave. Next, practice the same procedure as above actually walking out the door, and returning immediately. Do this until there’s no reaction also. Gradually, and this is the important issue here, work up to the point until you’re able to leave the house with no signs of stress from her. • Give your dog a couple of marrow bones from the butcher to keep her happy and occupied, and which will also act as a distraction for your departure.
Don'ts for dog separation anxiety:• Do not act overtly sympathetic whenever your dog cries as you're leaving.
Believe it or not, trying to soothe or comfort your dog by petting her as you're leaving is actually one of the worst things you can do! This type of action actually validates your dogs actions that it is okay when she’s upset and for your dog to act up when you leave! Definitely not the signal you want to send to your dog. I hope that this information about dog separation anxiety is helpful to you if you have an anxious dog of your own. If you’re interested in getting a more detailed look at how to deal with dog separation anxiety, or any other dog training issue you might like to check out
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