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
after renovation cleaning Glenview ..Keeping a fish tank is a wonderful and relaxing hobby,... Read More
This is general information on Discus, a member of the... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
Sadly, there are several household items which we tend to... Read More
All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More
Dog flea control and management requires an integrated approach. For... Read More
You want your dog to swim?We're going to try to... Read More
It was the Saturday morning of August 20, 2004 and... Read More
Buying dog doors onlineIf you need to buy a dog... Read More
An essential to your dog's health is his/her regular annual... Read More
Dogs are believed to be descendants of wild wolves. They... Read More
For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More
There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More
There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More
Having a cat allergy came as something of a surprise... Read More
IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
So you want to keep discus fish or are already... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More
For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More
According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More
no-contract cleaning service Lincolnshire ..Internet Fraud, Classifieds Scams, Abuse and Suspicious Replies are world... Read More
We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More
My love of horses began at the age of 11... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
Pets can enjoy the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy as much... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
In part one we talked about forming good behavior traits... Read More
The 10 Greatest Puppy Training Tips of All Time According... Read More
By Jeffrey Rolocopyright 2004 AlphaHorseIn the dating world many men... Read More
How many times have I hear fellow dog owners say,... Read More
Having a boxer dog as a pet, although low-maintenance, require... Read More
A former coworker has a dog that had begun itching... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More
Even with the best care, cats can become ill. Sometimes... Read More
Of the thirty-three terrier breeds (most of which were first... Read More
If you have a passion to learn all you can... Read More
Of all the aggressive behavior in dogs dog bites is... Read More
Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Does that sound familiar? Hopefully... Read More
To the uninitiated horse owner, there are timely facts about... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
German Shepherds were among the first dogs trained for police... Read More
Should you seriously consider buying a dog health insurance policy?... Read More
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
Pet |