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
kitchen deep cleaning Glenview ...Nutrition and Your Dog's Behavior Proper nutrition is the fundamental... Read More
For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More
Do you want to save money, anxiety for your kitty,... Read More
They say the eyes are are the gateway to the... Read More
Every month I am approached by dog owners of my... Read More
Once other animals such as cattle, sheep and goats became... Read More
Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More
The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More
Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More
Many cat owners believe that their good little kitty would... Read More
Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More
Potty Training Your Puppy:Make sure you feed your dog at... Read More
When we talk about hypoallergenic dogs, we mean that they... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
Losing your cat is a worrying experience, use these 'How... Read More
When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More
Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More
Would you put together a model plane without looking at... Read More
Dog food is very important for the health of dogs.... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
While a bird is an easy pet to care for,... Read More
The 4th Of 6 Keys To Building A Life Long... Read More
Just as humans allergies can show up as a sneeze... Read More
elite cleaning services Northbrook ...Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
What makes something news? The fact that you take good... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More
Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More
Dog careAccepting responsibility of your new pet friend is truly... Read More
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More
Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany ... Read More
Dog obedience training begins with the owner. There are several... Read More
Puppies are a bundle of newfound joy. You've prepared the... Read More
Do you make a lot of trips to the vet's... Read More
Hamsters are soft, furry and small. They make wonderful pets... Read More
"Where's the harm? My cat seems to enjoy chocolate and... Read More
There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
When I had a Toy Poodle, I used a small... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More
An easier and more pleasant journey with your chosen Boxer... Read More
Let me begin by saying that I am not an... Read More
Ozzie, my four-month old Rottweiler peered up at me with... Read More
Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More
Westie Grooming ? When your west highland white terrier becomes... Read More
What Is ParvoParvo is a serious viral disease that can... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Pet |