Does your dog go into a state of panic every time you leave the house? When you return, is your house a mess from your dog tearing things apart or chewing excessively? The problem is likely that your dog suffers from separation anxiety, and it is a serious problem for both you and for your dog. But there are some simple things you can do to easy your dog’s anxiety and improve his quality of life, which will of course directly impact your life together with your dog.

What Causes Dogs To Have Separation Anxiety?

Dogs don’t like to be left alone; they are pack animals and enjoy having other animals or people to interact with. Not all dogs will develop separation anxiety, but some breeds have a genetic predisposition to fear and insecurity. Researching a breed’s temperament beforehand will ensure that you know what you may have to deal with.

Some dogs may develop separation anxiety if they are taken from their mothers at too early an age. It’s best if puppies remain with their mothers at least 8 or 9 weeks. Dogs that have been abandoned and end up at animal shelters also might display anxiety symptoms. These dogs might find it difficult to trust that you aren’t going to permanently leave them as their previous owners did.

Another cause might be the fault of the owner. If you are constantly away from your dog for long periods of time, and your dog is left all by himself, he is likely to develop separation issues. Dogs thrive on affection and attention from their human companions. Leaving them alone for excessively long periods of time will lead to their being unhappy.

Symptoms Of Anxiety

Dogs are keen observers of human behavior, and they know when their owners are about to leave. We might think they’re psychic, but instead they have learned to read our patterns and actions. Don’t be surprised if your dog starts to panic every time you reach for a jacket or you jingle your keys in your pocket. Dogs who are feeling separation anxiety might follow their owners from room to room, whimpering and trembling.

Your dog’s fear will likely be worse once you have left the house. Before you blame the dog, think how you would feel if you were locked in one space for hours on end with nothing to do. You would be bored and so is your dog. Some dogs scratch at doors and windows in an attempt to get out and follow you. Other dogs might lick at themselves obsessively until they develop hot spots. When you do come back, your dog will be extremely excited to see you and might jump on you for an extended length of time, more than the usual brief period of excitement you would find in a dog without separation anxiety.

How To Lessen Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Dogs need plenty of exercise. Taking your dog for a really long walk before you leave can help tire him out. To help counteract boredom, leave some toys for him to chew. Some toys allow you to put several treats in them that the dog has to work to get out. This can provide mental stimulation for your pooch. Some dogs might be helped by having the radio on; classical music is soothing for dogs as well as humans. You don’t have to leave the volume turned up real loud, but having it on can comfort your dog by making him feel he isn’t all alone.

Over time, you can help your dog to adjust to your leaving. Pretend you are leaving by getting your coat and picking up your keys, but then don’t leave. Just sit back down. Keep doing this until your dog no longer responds. Then reward him with a treat or lots of praise. Next try going outside but coming back in right away. Continue doing this until your dog no longer reacts. Don’t expect this to happen all at once. You will need to do it over time to help your dog become desensitized to your leaving. Eventually you may be able to leave the house without your dog going into a full blown panic.

The worst thing you can do when your dog is experiencing separation anxiety is to start babying your dog. This might seem hard, but if you try to soothe your dog with baby talk or by petting him, you are actually encouraging your dog to continue in this behavior. The dog wants your attention, and you are rewarding him by doing what he wants.

Implementing these techniques over time will result in your dog living a more comfortable and happy life. This will in turn make your life more enjoyable.

To discover more techniques to help your dog overcome common behavioral problems, visit the link below to sign up for a free “Secrets to Dog Training 6 Day Course.”

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Furrow

Edited by Dog Training Tips <http://www.dogtrainingtips.com>

Filed under: Separation Anxiety

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