What is Separation Anxiety?
When you leave the house, it is nice to know that your dog goes to his favorite spot and sleeps peacefully until you return. However dogs suffering from separation anxiety are not so lucky. Separation anxiety can appear in dogs that have not been properly socialized, dogs that have been moved from one home to another and dogs that are naturally nervous.
Your dog is a social, pack animal who relies on the others (you) for individual protection and security. Dogs that lack confidence, due to socialization issues, understanding of expected behavior, or possible maltreatment in the past (adopted dogs), are more likely to exhibit behaviors related to separation anxiety
Essentially, when you leave to go to work, or even just to the corner store for five minutes, you dog becomes upset, stressed and confused. Dogs with separation anxiety can do everything from whining and barking, to ripping apart your couch and eating your duck feathered pillow.
How do I know if my dog has Separation Anxiety?
There is much debate over the cause of separation anxiety. some believe it is a lack of confidence that causes the dog to rely to much on their humans. In this case, you have to teach your dog to accept the fact that you are leaving, and it's going to be ok.
If you have a dog with separation anxiety, you will know. Dogs will usually exhibit a combination of the following:
- The behavior often occurs when the dog is left alone.
- The dog makes a Abig deal@ when his owner leaves, or comes home.
- Well left alone the dog will exhibit behavior which is not common to his normal behavior.
- The dog may not eat if the owner is not in the room
- The dog will follow his owner around constantly
What ever the cause is, here are some techniques for solving the problem.
What can be done?
Make your Departure and Arrival Routine
Make your dog realize that your departures and arrivals are nothing to get excited over. Usually the dog feels the greatest amount of anxiety shortly after you leave. Therefore you need to practice with your dog the "routine" of coming and going.
Lots of Exercise!
Exercise is believed to relieve stress in both humans and dogs alike. A long walk, run, or play session prior to leaving can go a long way in helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of your dog.
Give Your Dog Something to Do While You Are gone.
If your dog has something entertaining to do while you are away, he will be less likely to become stressed and anxious. A stuffed Kong filled with a tasty treat is an excellent example.
Confine Your Dog While You Are Away
Some dogs are more comfortable being confined to their own Aden.@ A crate is an ideal space for your dog. A dog who is properly crate trained is less susceptible to get in to trouble while you are gone. If a crate is not an option, confine him to one room or limit access to the whole house.
Introduce Another Dog
If your dog has another companion to keep him company while you=re gone, it may help alleviate the boredom and tension caused while you are away. Of course this is only "one" option. There are many other factors to take into consideration before adding another dog to your home.
Set Aside Time For Four Dog
Make time during your day to give undivided attention to your dog. This time can be spent playing, teaching, or even just taking a nap together. If possible, try to make this one-on-one time prior to departures.
Leave the Radio or TV On
Leave a radio on in a separate room. The dog will hear the voice and will feel less alone. Some people even leave voice recordings of themselves in hopes to calm the dog.
Depending on the severity of anxiety, you may need to contact a behavior specialist through your vet.
Ths website only provides BASIC information about Seperation Anxiety. your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Seperation Anxiety and its prevention.
If you have a dog with separation anxiety, you will know. Dogs will usually exhibit a combination of the following:
- The behavior often occurs when the dog is left alone.
- The dog makes a Abig deal@ when his owner leaves, or comes home.
- Well left alone the dog will exhibit behavior which is not common to his normal behavior.
- The dog may not eat if the owner is not in the room
- The dog will follow it=s owner around constantly
What ever the cause is, here are some techniques for solving the problem.
What can be done?
Make your Departure and Arrival Routine
Make your dog realize that your departures and arrivals are nothing to get excited over. Usually the dog feels the greatest amount of anxiety shortly after you leave. Therefore you need to practice with your dog the "routine" of coming and going.
Lots of Exercise!
Exercise is believed to relieve stress in both humans and dogs alike. A long walk, run, or play session prior to leaving can go a long way in helping to reduce the stress and anxiety of your dog.
Give Your Dog Something to Do While You Are gone.
If your dog has something entertaining to do while you are away, he will be less likely to become stressed and anxious. A stuffed Kong filled with a tasty treat is an excellent example.
Confine Your Dog While You Are Away
Some dogs are more comfortable being confined to their own Aden.@ A crate is an ideal space for your dog. A dog who is properly crate trained is less susceptible to get in to trouble while you are gone. If a crate is not an option, confine him to one room or limit access to the whole house.
Introduce Another Dog
If your dog has another companion to keep him company while you=re gone, it may help alleviate the boredom and tension caused while you are away. Of course this is only "one" option. There are many other factors to take into consideration before adding another dog to your home.
Set Aside Time For Four Dog
Make time during your day to give undivided attention to your dog. This time can be spent playing, teaching, or even just taking a nap together. If possible, try to make this one-on-one time prior to departures.
Leave the Radio or TV On
Leave a radio on in a separate room. The dog will hear the voice and will feel less alone. Some people even leave voice recordings of themselves in hopes to calm the dog.
Depending on the severity of anxiety, you may need to contact a behavior specialist through your vet.
Ths website only provides BASIC information about Seperation Anxiety. your veterinarian is always your best source of health information. Consult your veterinarian for more information about Seperation Anxiety and its prevention.
For more great articles and tons of other great info visit our dog forum, visit Ron's blog or visit our dog forum
limo prices to midway Crystal Lake west of Randal .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWhen pondering whether my neurosis is learned or genetic, I... Read More
Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so... Read More
I'd like to talk to you about pet vaccinations. I... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More
One of the best parts of the day for any... Read More
Are you ready for a Boxer?The answer is "no" if... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More
How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
Just how old is your dog really? More than likely... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
All puppies are small dogs ? some, however, won't be... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you.... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
The greatest benefits of ownership is knowing that your property... Read More
Among the most well known cat lover gifts are photo... Read More
Kittens communicate in a very distinct way. Did you know... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More
I have had Goldens and Black Labs for many years,... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
Pug puppies make wonderful pets. Pugs are very affectionate and... Read More
It's been weeks since you went riding. Now you have... Read More
Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More
Your local grocery store is chock full of food and... Read More
He will be there by your side, as your loving... Read More
"Hamsters?!" I hear you say. "Who cares about some fury... Read More
Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More
There are many of us who consider our pets as... Read More
Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
Animal lovers come in all shapes and sizes. Undoubtedly if... Read More
Cats are living longer lives thanks to dedicated care from... Read More
Eclampsia, or milk fever, is an acute, life-threatening condition which... Read More
A few years ago, before I decided to stay home... Read More
As a parent, you want to be able to give... Read More
Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More
Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More
I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
Puppies have a natural instinct inside that causes them to... Read More
Here are 5 things to do to put the odds... Read More
Pet |