Dog Anxiety

Helpful Solutions To Calm Your Dog

Dogs with separation anxiety, additionally identified within the dog training world as owner absent misbehavior, is among the most frequently encountered challenges in the world associated with dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, which includes chewing, destroying the dog owners property, excessive barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation.

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety frequently whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door whole time their family members are absent. Well meaning owners often unknowingly encourage this misbehavior by hurrying home to reassure the dog, but it is important for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn to cope with extended periods of separation.

How the pet owner leaves the house can often contribute to separation anxiety issues. An extended and drawn out period of goodbye can complicate matters by making your dog feel even more isolated once the master finally leaves. These lengthy types of farewells can get your dog excited, after which leave your pet with a lot of excess energy and no way to work it off. These excited, isolated dogs often work off their excess energy in the most destructive of ways, such as chewing up a favorite rug or piece of furniture.

Excess energy is often mistaken for separation anxiety, since results are often the same. If you think that excess amounts of energy may be the problem, try giving your dog more exercise to see if that eliminates the problem.

If separation anxiety is truly the problem, it is important to address the root causes of that anxiety. In order to prevent separation anxiety from occurring, it is important for the dog to feel happy, safe, secure and comfortable while the owner is away for the day. It is important, for instance, to give the dog plenty of things to keep it busy while you are away. This means providing it with lots of toys, such as balls or chew toys. A pet companion is often effective at relieving separation anxiety as well. Giving the dog a playmate, such as another dog or a cat, is a great way for busy pet parents and pets alike to cope with the stress of being left alone.

Setting aside scheduled play times, during which the pet is given your undivided attention, is another great way to alleviate boredom and separation anxiety. Playing with the dog, and providing it with sufficient attention and exercise, is a proven way to avoid a stressed and anxious dog. A happy dog that has been well exercised and well conditioned will generally sleep the day away happily and patiently wait for the return of its owner.

It is important to schedule one of these daily play sessions before you leave the house each day. It is important to give the dog a few minutes to settle down after playtime before you leave.

For canines that are already experiencing separation anxiety and associated misbehaviors, it is important to get him accustomed to your leaving gradually. Make sure you practice leaving and returning at irregular intervals, several times throughout the day. Doing this will get your pet familiar with your deparartures and help him understand that you are not leaving him permanently. Dogs which have been previously lost, or those that have been surrendered to shelters and readopted, usually have the toughest issues with separation anxiety. Part of dealing with this problem is teaching your dog that your leaving is not long lasting.