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
elite cleaning services Des Plaines ..It is Winter time again, a time of the year... Read More
You've probably had a day or two when you felt... Read More
While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More
Obesity in dogs is a growing problem, which can cause... Read More
Show an uninformed dog lover a photo of a Westie,... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Goldfish HealthcareYou would think that it's unfair that such a... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More
Pet's, any kind of pet can be a welcome addition... Read More
Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More
A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching... Read More
Pets are people, too. At least, that's the way they... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
==========The Scoop on Premium Dog Food========If you're interested in premium... Read More
A dog crate is a necessity for your dog, through... Read More
Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
eco-friendly cleaning service Buffalo Grove ..In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More
Boxer Dogs Information - What Are Boxer Dogs? Boxer dogs... Read More
Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More
Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is a huge... Read More
Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More
Hopefully no one is pulling the leash. The ideal situation... Read More
There are thousands of local and online Pet Stores but... Read More
Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More
Piranhas are unique creatures that have gained popularity not just... Read More
Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics, because the disease... Read More
When selecting the best dry food for your dog, why... Read More
Puppies and dogs, as mentioned, are social creatures. When they... Read More
Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More
How can my child benefit from having a pet?1.Social skills... Read More
Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More
Every year, many cat owners decide to get their cat... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
Dogs, especially young dogs are very playful by nature.Play provides... Read More
Training your dog can be time consuming and frustrating at... Read More
June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More
A German Shepherd puppy can become a very welcome member... Read More
You've seen them in movies and on TV shows, and... Read More
Pet |