Preventing Dog Separation Anxiety
It is not unusual for dogs to suffer from separation anxiety. It usually occurs when a dog has been separated from his owner for a lengthy time period. These anxious feelings can intensify quickly. By understanding your dog and his needs you can help minimize this issue.
Since dogs are social animals they need our time and attention. Companionship and social interaction is essential to a dog’s well being. Food, shelter and water is not all they require. If you want your dog to be contented and happy you must give him much of your time and attention.
The main cause for anxiety, in your dog, is being left alone for long periods of time. Some dogs seem to be more prone to anxiety because of genetics or life experiences.
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Separation anxiety appears to be more of a problem with certain breeds of dogs. Airedales, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds and Weimaraners are among these breeds. Removing a puppy from his mother too early can result in problems with separation anxiety This fear can develop when a dog has grown attached to a family and is then taken to a dog pound. The main reason dogs develop separation anxiety is neglect.
If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety he will follow you around the house becoming anxious when you put on your coat or if he hears the jingling of keys. Your dog may start to tremble and cry or become aggressive. He will try to do whatever he can to keep you home.
Your dog may scratch at windows and doors as he endeavors to get out and follow you. Your dog may chew on anything he can find to distract himself or bark constantly. He may even urinate or defecate. It is not uncommon for a dog who is feeling anxious to lick a paw until it becomes raw and bleeding.
There are some things you can do to help your dog deal with his anxiety:
First, you must help your dog become accustomed to having you leave the house. You can put on a coat or take out your keys and jingle them while you pretend to leave. After doing this you can open the door. At this point you don’t leave the house but sit down and do something else. Continue to do this until your dog is comfortable with your getting ready to leave. Be sure to praise your dog and give him a treat when he does not react. You can now leave and then return immediately. Continue doing this until your dog does not react. This requires time. You must be patient.
Check out Dog Separation Anxiety for a complete guide on how to prevent this common behavior problem.
Giving your dog enough exercise is also important. Exercise is very important for your dog. Before leaving your home, for a long period of time, be sure your dog has a long, fast walk. You should walk your dog for a minimum of 15-20 minutes.
Be sure and provide toys for your dog to chew on. When you leave you can also give your dog a bone to chew on. In this way your dog will be preoccupied with something else instead of focusing on the fact that you are leaving.
Leave a radio playing at a low volume. Soothing classical music is the best. This will help to calm your dog and give him a sense of not being alone.
You should also try to provide a place for your dog to see what is going on outside. Maybe he can’t be outside but he should be able to see what is going on.
If you plan to be gone for eight to ten hours arrange to have someone come and take your dog out for a walk half-way through the day. This will meet your dogs needs for attention and exercise.
Do not act overly worried about your dog when you return home. Simply greet him calmly and act as if everything is okay. Do not be overly sympathetic when you return home This will only validate his feelings of panic. You are not being cruel when you do this. You are simply helping your dog understand that there is nothing to be concerned about.
Your need to spend adequate time with your dog. That is why you should consider your family’s situation before getting a dog. How long are you away from home? Do you understand the time a dog requires? Are you willing to give a dog the time and attention he needs? Your dog requires a great deal of social interaction to be healthy and happy. Not every family’s situation is best for a dog.
I hope this article has been helpful. For additional help with dog training go to Dog Secrets Discovered.
