How To Handle Dog Separation Anxiety
As you leave the house does your beloved puppy plunge into a state of intense panic or anxiety
? If so, here are some techniques that show you how to handle dog separation anxiety and help your dog become a balanced and well behaved puppy.
Separation anxiety is an anxiety disorder that is brought about by the dog's separation from the owner. Being that dogs are extremely social creatures that thrive in the midst of constant attention and social interaction, the removal of this interaction is a source of stress. This interaction keeps them content and happy.
Dogs do not appreciate being left alone and for certain breeds this anxiety is heightened which is something that you should consider when you decide on a breed to have as your pet. Some of the breeds that have a tougher time with the separation from owners include but are not limited to German Shepherds, Weimaraners and Springer Spaniels.
Shelter animals, most of which were abandoned by their owners, also develop this anxiety. In addition, animals that were separated too early from the mother (usually before 8 weeks) are also predisposed to having this separation anxiety. Pet store dogs are commonly affected by this.
Probably the most significant cause of separation anxiety is a neglectful owner. If the owner barely spends any time with the pet, the anxiety is most likely to develop with the dog.
Behaviors exhibited by an anxious dog;
The dog can usually tell that you are about to leave because she hears jingling keys, sees the owner packing and so forth. She will then become anxious and start to;
1. Tremble
2. Whine
3. Refuse to leave your side
4. Become aggressive in a bid to stop you from leaving, etc.
Once you leave, the anxiety only becomes worse and they will bark and whine nonstop, scratch on windows and doors, chew on furniture and other property, or urinate and defecate in the home. In the worst case scenarios, the dog may lick or chew its skin to self mutilate, pull out its fur or display obsessive compulsive behavior such as tail chasing.
Once you return, the dog will be over excited and jump on and around you for more that 30 seconds which is the usual duration for a well balanced and adjusted dog. Unfortunately, many owners fail to realize that this is a disorder that needs correcting and simply encourage the dog.
By encouraging the dog to be excited for prolonged periods of time, you are reinforcing the belief in the dog that you are the highlight of the entire day only for the dog to be left in a state of depression and anxiety when you leave again. You need to realize that this behavior is very damaging to the dog and that these extreme highs and lows are not conducive for a healthy and happy dog.
Dog Training Techniques;
This is a short list of things to do to minimize and eliminate your dog's anxiety;
1. Wear her out with exercise before you leave. Exercise her more than you normally do and she will be too tired to be anxious when you leave.
2. Distract her from her boredom and feelings of loneliness though several activities such as having her start chewing on a marrow bone purchased from the butcher that you baked until it was hard and crunchy. Give this to her about fifteen minutes before you leave and she will be too busy to get agitated when you leave.
3. Leave the radio or TV on. A station playing classical music would be great and talk shows should also be able to work which will make her feel like she has company even if it is not you the apple of her eye.
4. Get her used to you leaving by jiggling your keys or putting on your coat and opening the door. Then proceed to sit back down. Continue doing this until she stops reacting. Once she stops reacting, positively reinforce the behavior by giving her a treat or praise. Then practice heading out of the door and returning until she stops being anxious.
What not to do;
1. Act overly sympathetic when she starts to whine and cry.
2. Make sure that she does not perceive that you feel sorry for her otherwise she will start to manipulate you with her anxiety.
by: James Forte
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