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
shuttle from O'Hare Brocton .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare"You've created your own monster, you know", my mother said... Read More
I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
With all the companionship and love that our dogs give... Read More
Dog obedience training starts even before you get your puppy... Read More
Small dog breeds are great pets, but since their personalities... Read More
I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More
Pet ContainmentIf you just recently became a pet owner or... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More
Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More
If your life is so busy you literally only have... Read More
Pet DoorsAre you considering installing a pet door for your... Read More
A major part of a horse's diet is hay or... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Adding a new member to your feline family is usually... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
Whoever coined the phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar... Read More
Trying to decide if you should get insurance on your... Read More
Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More
More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More
Chicago charter limousine service Hickory Hills ..Fleas belong to the insect order Siphonaptera. They are common... Read More
While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Do you have a home robotic vacuum cleaner? They are... Read More
How to Deal With Anxiety in Your DogAnxiety in dogs... Read More
My dog has fleas. That one statement is enough to... Read More
Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
Most pet owners have become very educated about their pet... Read More
"On Trust" & "Paid For" for are one of the... Read More
Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More
Annual Vaccinations for Your Dog?Are they really necessary? - In... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More
You've made up your mind, it's the American Pit Bull... Read More
If you thought dog noses were just a source of... Read More
She is the protector of cats, women and children. The... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
Beautiful as they are, Boston Terriers have some genetic traits... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More
One of the biggest question asked of the discus breeder... Read More
Attention breeders, livestock owners and pet lovers! *Pets looking for... Read More
Allergies to dogs can strike anyone at any age, yet... Read More
Pet |