Three Tips To Curb Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the most frequently encountered problems in the world of dog training. Separation anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways, including chewing, destroying the owner’s property, frenzied barking, self destructive behavior and inappropriate urination and defecation.
Dogs suffering from separation anxiety might whine, bark, cry, howl, dig, chew and scratch at the door the entire time their family members are away. Well meaning owners often unwittingly encourage this misbehavior by never leaving their dog alone, but it is important for the well being of both dog and owner that the dog learn to deal with both short and extended periods of separation.
How you leave the house can often contribute to separation anxiety issues. A long and drawn out period of farewell can make matters worse by getting the dog excited, and leaving 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 can sometimes be 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 before leaving him alone, and when you do leave, make sure your pup has some safe chew toys (like an extra large stuffed frozen KONG) to keep him busy. 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 to change your dog’s emotional state around your departure and around him being left alone. For your dog to feel happy, safe, secure and comfortable while you are away for the day, it is important to give your pup plenty of things to keep him busy while you are away. This means providing her with lots of toys, such as balls or chew toys. A pet companion often helps relieve separation anxiety as well, although I wouldn’t recommend getting another pet for that purpose.
Setting aside scheduled play times, during which your pet is given your undivided attention, is another great way to alleviate boredom, release pent-up energy and reduce the liklihood of your pup destroying your home while you are gone. Playing with your dog, and providing sufficient 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 and to give the dog a few minutes to settle down after playtime before you leave.
For dogs that are already experiencing separation anxiety and associated misbehaviors, it is important to get them accustomed to your leaving gradually. Be sure to practice leaving and returning at irregular intervals, several times during the day. Start with very short intervals of absence, even as short as 30 seconds or less if your pup gets worked up quickly. You want to return before your pup starts to panic. Make sure to pair this exercise with lots of treats. Try occupying your dog with a favorite chew and see if you can leave and return without him even noticing. When you come back inside, if your pup is not frantic or misbehaving, praise and reward him. Then begin to gradually increase the intervals that you are absent. 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. Part of treating this problem is teaching the dog that your absence is not permanent.
