How Can You Help Prevent Dog Separation Anxiety
Separation Anxiety is fairly common for dogs. A dog often feels anxious when his owner has been gone for a period of time. These feelings of intense panic will often escalate rapidly. Understanding your dog and his needs will help to prevent this problem.
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. Your dog requires plenty of attention and social interaction to be happy and contented.
Your dog is bound to feel anxious if left alone for a period of time. There are some other factors that can contribute to separation anxiety.
For a comprehensive guide that will help with dog separation anxiety, as well as other dog behavior problems, check out Secrets to Dog Training by Daniel Stevens.
Separation anxiety appears to be more of a problem with certain breeds of dogs. German Shepherds, Airedales, Weimaraners and Springer Spaniels seem to be more disposed to anxiety. When a dog has been separated from his mother too early he is more likely to suffer from separation anxiety. A dog who is taken to an animal shelter, after becoming attached to a family or individual, will often develop this phobia. Neglect is the number one reason why dogs develop anxiety separation.
If your dog becomes anxious when he hears the jingle of keys or sees you getting ready to leave he is suffering from separation anxiety. Your dog may become aggressive in an attempt to keep you home or he may begin to cry.
Your dog may be so desperate to follow you that he will scratch at doors and windows in an effort to get out. Your dog may bark or whine throughout the day and he may also chew on anything he can find. Some dogs will even urinate or defecate in your home. It is not uncommon for a dog who is feeling anxious to lick a paw until it becomes raw and bleeding.
There are some steps you can take to help alleviate your dog’s feelings of anxiety:
First, you must help your dog become accustomed to having you leave the house. Pretend you are leaving. Put on your coat, take out your keys and jingle them. 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 does not react as if he is afraid you are leaving. When your dog does not react in fear to the idea of your leaving give him a treat and lots of praise. Now it is time for you to actually leave but you must return immediately. Continue this step until there is no reaction. Take your time and work up to this slowly.
Check out Dog Separation Anxiety for a complete guide on how to prevent this common behavior problem.
You cannot underestimate the value of giving your dog enough exercise. Daily 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.
Provide toys for your dog to chew on. It is also a good idea ot give your dog a bone to chew on when you are leaving. This may distract him.
Playing classical music, at a low volume, is also beneficial. In this way your dog may not feel totally alone and the music can have a calming effect.
If possible your dog should have a place where he can watch what is happening outside. Your dog may not get as anxious if he can watch what is going on outside.
You should make plans to have someone walk your dog half-way through the day if your are going to be gone for eight to ten hours. This will help your dog get the exercise and attention he requires.
Upon returning home greet your dog calmly and do not act as if you are worried about how he has been. In this way you do not justify his feelings of panic. This is not being cruel. When you are too sympathetic you are letting your dog know that his anxious feelings are justified.
Since spending adequate time with your dog is important you should consider your family’s life style before getting a dog. Are you gone for long periods of time? Are you able to give a dog the time and attention he will need? Your dog requires a great deal of social interaction to be healthy and happy. The needs of a dog cannot be met by every family.
I hope this article has been helpful. For additional help with dog training go to Dog Secrets Discovered.
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Tags: dog separation anxiety, separation anxiety, separation anxiety in dogs