Dog Separation Anxiety

Training Your Dog To Cope

  Dog Separation anxiety or owner absent misbehavior is one of the most often encountered problems in the world of dog training. Well meaning owners often unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by rushing home to reassure the dog, but it is essential for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learns to deal with extended periods of separation.

Separation anxiety can become apparent itself in lots of different ways, including chewing, destroying the owners property, extreme barking, self destructive behavior and out of place urination and defecation.

Dogs with dog anxiety disorder such as separation anxiety often whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time their family members are not there.

How the owner leaves the house can often add to dog separation anxiety issues. A long and drawn out period of farewell can make matters worse by making the dog feel even more isolated when the owner finally leaves. These long types of farewells can get the dog excited, and then leave him with lots 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.

Dog Anxiety Treatment.
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.

Dog Anxiety Medicine : what is the cure?
For dogs that are already experiencing dog separation anxiety and associated misbehaviors, it is important to get him adapted to your leaving gradually. Be sure to practice leaving and returning at irregular intervals, several times during the day. Doing so will get your dog accustomed to your departures and help him realize that you are not leaving him forever. Dogs that have been previously lost, or those that have been surrendered to shelters and readopted, often have the worst problems with separation anxiety. The "dog anxiety medication" is instructing the dog that your leaving is not permanent.