dog-anxiety

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dog Separation Anxiety

Dog Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety in dogs is a very real problem and one of the most common causes of canine behavioral issues. Dogs are very social animals so it’s quite normal that they form strong attachments to first their mother and siblings, and when separated from them a new attachment forms to their owner or owners. This attachment is part of forming a healthy bond between owner and pet. However, owners often complain of their dogs misbehaving and tearing things up when they leave them alone for any length of time. It’s not really known why some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and others don’t. The destructive behavior exhibited is typically not a way of punishing the owner for leaving them, but more of a fear of isolation that culminates in unacceptable behavior.

There is a difference between a dog who is being mischievous and one who suffers from anxiety. How you figure out if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety? Separation anxiety in dogs is very real and one of the best signals is if your dog mainly exhibits behavior issues when he is left alone and it starts right after you leave. There are also some early signs and symptomatic behaviors that may point towards this separation anxiety in dogs. Does your dog follow you from room to room the entire time you are home? Does he insist on being always at your side and in the same room? Does your dog demonstrate frantic greetings when he sees you? Does the bad behavior occur anytime you leave him whether it’s for a short time or a very long period of time? Does your dog react with depression or anxiety when he sees you preparing to leave the house? Any of these behaviors can be an early sign that your pet is suffering from separation anxiety.

While it isn’t yet completely understood why some dogs suffer from this issue, there are some common scenarios that can be seen as triggers which might contribute to separation anxiety in dogs. Some dogs suffer traumatic events early in life whether it is removal from its mother too early, mistreatment, or perhaps time in a shelter or kennel. Any of these can trigger this separation anxiety. Dogs that become accustomed to constant human companionship and are left alone for the very first time, often exhibit unacceptable behaviors caused by separation anxiety. Studies have also shown that major changes in the family routine or structure (loss of a member or other pet) can cause a form of separation anxiety in dogs also.

There are ways to deal with and treat separation anxiety in dogs. Punishment is not considered an acceptable or productive manner of dealing with this anxiety. Punishment, crate training or obedience training while often used to combat problem behaviors, only serve to address the behavior and not the underlying cause. In many cases of separation anxiety in dogs, the above means of dealing with the problem end up being more counterproductive than anything else. The suggested ways to deal with this anxiety your dog is having is to try to ease the fear that you will not return. Start by not making an overly big deal out of your arrivals and departures. Sometimes it’s suggested that you wait awhile before greeting your pet. You can also leave your pet with an article of your clothing so they can take comfort from the item that smells like you. Some owners simply administer tranquilizers to their pet to prevent the bad behavior but this again is not dealing with the issue, it simply covers it up. The most recommended way of treating separation anxiety in dog is a carefully planned out plan to slowly accustom your pet to being left alone. Help your dog adjust to your departures by starting slow with short separations and increasing the time gradually until you reach an hour and a half successfully. Separation anxiety in dogs is a very real issue and as frustrating to the dog as it is to the owner. Using some of the above techniques might save the relationship along with some furniture and walls! If you want to check out a more complete program I recommend this web site: Curing Dog Anxiety