subject: Separation Anxiety in Your Dog [print this page] Separation Anxiety in Your Dog Separation Anxiety in Your Dog
Separation Anxiety In Your Dog.
If you dog gets anxious by being alone it may have what's called separation anxiety. Often the dog seems anxious, wanders around, howls or chews on things or even bites itself!
Separation anxiety in your dog may come from previously unpleasant experiences which have occurred when the dog has been by itself. It may also appear when the dog is ill and needs to feel the security with having you as the flock leader around. Another reason for separation anxiety in your dog may be lack of home-alone-training or that the dog was left alone too early or for too long when it was a puppy.
Home-alone-training.
If you want to give your dog a good start in life you need to give it a proper home-alone-training. Leave the dog alone for short periods if time several times during the day. Always say "good bye" before you leave and always try to get back home before the dog starts wining. Increase the time you're away gradually, but not too quickly. When you get back home you must not commend your dog too intensively. Just greet the dog but without exaggeration. Put the dogs crate or basket where the dog can see the door and shut the doors to all the other rooms. That way, you'll prevent it from running around and getting too excited.
Chewing is Calming.
It is calming to eat or chew on something. Give the dog something to chew on when you leave the house, but give it something which it will not choke on when you are away! Marrow bones are great!
Only give the marrow bone to the dog when its home alone. When you come back home get the bone and put it away, even if the dog hasn't chewed on it. Your dog will eventually feel calm enough to start chewing on it.
Proper walking and exercise.
You will find that it is easier to do home-alone-training if the dog is tired in body and mind so it's a good idea to bring the dog for a walk and do some exercises during the walk. Have it search for treats or do some other activities. After the walk it's important that the dog calms down and feels calm before being left alone. Let it chew on its marrow bone before you leave.
Don't leave a dog with separation anxiety alone before it feels calm enough to be left alone. Rather get a pet sitter or bring the dog along until you've trained it so it feels calm and safe being home alone!
With the right knowledge you can help your dog and make its separation anxiety go away. It can be a tedious job and if you need further guidance I would strongly recommend " Curing Dog Separation Anxiety ".
