How to Deal with Separation Anxiety in Your Dog
Most pet owners at some stage need to leave home (for example to go to work). In this situation, its not uncommon for dogs to believe that their owners are gone for good, this fear comes from a condition known as Separation Anxiety. Separation anxiety is very common among animals, and in particular among dogs.
Dogs are usually a part of a pack; they are used to being in a group of others by nature. When you bring them home they tend to make you and your family a part of their pack. However, the behavior can be one of a positive nature, when they are sure you are the leader of the pack, and one of a negative nature when they are trying to assert themselves as the leader.
Dog’s like to know they have the love and affection of people around them. When left at home alone, dogs often begin to consider that you may never come back. This type of thinking leads to dogs getting frantic, at times destructive, and at times loud.
Separation anxiety can come about for a number of different reasons. Perhaps you have recently changed your schedule, or a family member has passed away. It can also happen when you shift houses. Dogs that have at some stage lived in shelters or on the streets are most likely to suffer from separation anxiety. These types of dogs have lived tough which has made them quite highly strung, and at times this can make them unpredictable and even dangerous.
A dog that suffers from separation anxiety may at times become very destructive, angry and even aggressive. Dog owners can sometimes return home to find here furniture and possession have been ripped to shreds. It’s also very common for dogs to use the entire house as a bathroom. These behaviors usually only get worse if nothing is done to fix the problem.
One of the most important things you can do for you dog when it is suffering from separation anxiety is to be patient and understanding of the condition. Never punish a dog if it has destroyed your belongings as this will only make the situation worse. Your dog will start to believe even more deeply that you don’t love him and that next time you leave you’ll be gone for good.
Patience is very important to the training of your dog when he is experiencing separation anxiety, you must learn commands that you can use to calm him, you must also change your routine so that he learns that the activities you normally do does not mean you are actually leaving for good. Such as when you jingle your keys, go out the door and then five minutes later come back.
Through practicing the techniques mentioned above, you will slowly be able to teach your dog that when you leave, it doesn’t mean that you’re leaving for good. Using a crate as a place of comfort and protection may also help your dog to feel safe. Lastly, its always a good idea to praise your dog and reward it for good behavior.
