Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Dogs are like children in so many ways. They crave attention and sometimes separation anxiety in dogs can become a serious issue. Unlike cats, which are self-sufficient who though enjoy occasional attention and are generally highly independent creatures, dogs, on the other hand, are very social animals that love being around people and often demand attention.

Signs of anxiety in dogs:

Separation anxiety in dogs becomes an issue when you notice that your pet is displaying destructive behavior whenever he is left alone, for any length of time. The telltale signs are:

  • Either your dog chews up your personal articles – shoes, socks, trousers etc, (anything that smells of you) or he scratches madly at doors and windows.
  • Left out in a yard, some dogs dig one deep hole after another. Anxiety in dogs is also expressed by continuous whining and barking when they are left alone.
  • The anxious dog will make it a point to pee and poop in the house, knowing very well that he should not. The lack of guilt when this is discovered is a sure pointer that he is suffering
  • The cases of separation anxiety in dogs is that they display destructive behavior almost immediately on being left alone.

Is there any way of dealing with this problem of separation anxiety in dogs?
Here are a few suggestions….

1.    Do not make a big deal of leaving home and saying goodbye to your pet. Slip in and out without a fuss and make leaving and coming home as casual as going in and out of the bathroom.

2.    If picking up car keys and handbags have become cues that your dog responds to with anxiety, then pick these items up many times a day, without leaving home, so that he begins to lose these negative associations.

3.    One way to prevent any anxiety in dogs is by giving them a lot of exercise. Dogs that are tired are happy and relaxed – not enough energy left to be neurotic! My daughter has a favorite saying about her four dogs “A tired dog is a good dog!”

4.    When you are home, do not always be ready to play when your pet wants to. Teach him to keep himself busy with a chew bone or a toy. You set the rules, play with him, and pet him when you want to. This goes a long way to averting separation anxiety in dogs, it teaches them to occupy themselves independently, even when you are around.

5.    And last, but not least – what about getting another pet? Having a companion is almost guaranteed to prevent separation anxiety in dogs….if you can handle it!

Pam has been writing articles for blogs and article directories for several years now and specializes in diet, health and fitness, home decorating, frugal living, cooking and pet care. Visit her latest site Ideas For A Baby Shower, with tips and frugal ideas about Creative Baby Shower Gifts

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

Filed under: Separation Anxiety

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