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Preventing Dog Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety is a common problem with dogs. A dog may suffer feelings of acute panic when he is separated from his owner for an extended period of time. These anxious feelings can intensify quickly. An understanding of your dog’s needs will help to minimize this problem.

Dogs are social animals who need companionship. The need for companionship and social interaction is as important as food, water, and shelter. Your dog requires a lot of time and attention if he is to feel happy and contented.

Most dogs will experience anxiety if left alone for long periods 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.

Certain dog breeds show a predisposition towards separation anxiety. Springer Spaniels, Weimaraners, Airedales and German Shepherds are some breeds that have a tendancy to suffer from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety can rear its ugly head if a puppy has been taken from his mother too early. A dog who is taken to an animal shelter, after becoming attached to a family or individual, will often develop this phobia. The main reason dogs develop separation anxiety is neglect.

A dog who suffers from separation anxiety will become anxious if he hears the sound of your keys or sees you getting ready to leave. When your dog thinks you are going to leave he may tremble and cry. Some dogs may become aggressive in an effort to try and keep you home.

After you leave your dog, trying to go after you, may scratch at doors and windows. 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. Your dog may also lick a paw over and over again until it is raw and bleeding.

If your dog is suffering from separation anxiety there are some things you can do:

You must help your dog learn that it is okay for you to leave and that you will be back. Pretend you are leaving by putting on your coat or taking out your keys and jingling them. You could then walk to the door and open it. Then sit down and don’t go anywhere. Continue this step until your dog is not afraid you are leaving. Be sure to praise your dog and give him a treat when he does not react. Your dog is now ready for the next step.  You should leave and then return immediately. Continue with this step of the process until your dog does not react negatively. Remember that this takes time and must be done slowly.

Check out Dog Separation Anxiety for a complete guide on how to prevent this common behavior problem.

Another thing that will help is exercise. Your dog needs plenty of exercise. Your dog should have a long, fast walk before you leave for the day. You should walk your dog for 15-20 minutes.

It is also helpful to provide dog toys for your dog to chew on. When you leave you can also give your dog a bone to chew on. In this way your dog will be preoccupied with something else instead of focusing on the fact that you are leaving.

Leave a radio playing at a low volume. Soothing classical music is the best. This will help to calm your dog and give him a sense of not being alone.

Your dog also needs a place he can see outside. Your dog may not get as anxious if he can watch what is going on outside.

If you plan to be gone for eight to ten hours arrange to have someone come and take your dog out for a walk half-way through the day. This will meet your dogs needs for attention and exercise.

Upon returning home greet your dog calmly and do not act as if you are worried about how he has been. You will only validate his anxiety by being overly sympathetic. If you are too sympathetic your dog’s anxiety will increase because you are affirming his feelings of panic.

Is your family’s life style the best situation for a dog?  Consider that carefully before getting a dog. Are you away from your home for long periods of time? Do you have the desire and the time to give a dog adequate attention? If you want your dog to be happy and healthy he must have adequate exercise and social activity. 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.