First Coast Pet

Is your canine friend showing signs of separation anxiety in dogs?  This type of destructive dog behavior can make life an absolute nightmare for a dog owner.It’s a sad fact this is behavior is the second most common reason for people to give up their dogs or even have them put to sleep. 

You can improve your dog’s life by identifying the signs of the condition, and learning how to deal with it.

Signs Of Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Levels of bad behavior can vary in dogs with separation anxiety.  A dog with a mild case may pace around, pant, and over-groom himself. 

A dog with a more severe case may bark frantically for hours, driving the neighbors crazy.  He may display destructive dog behavior, tearing up whatever he can get a hold of.  Your dog may urinate or defecate inappropriately in the house.  He may go so far as to mutilate himself by chewing on his own tail, yanking out fur, and licking himself until he bleeds.

If you dread coming home because you don’t know what kind of mess is awaiting you, it’s time to take action to solve this problem.

Is Separation Anxiety Really The Problem, Or Is It Simply A Bored Dog?

Is your dog is bored, or does he really have a separation anxiety problem?  Here’s how you can tell:

• The destructive dog behavior occurs only when you leave him alone.If his destructive behavior is because he’s a bored dog, he’ll do it anytime, not just when he’s alone.
• Your dog is “hyperattached” to you.Not only does he follow you all over the house, but he wants you to hold him all the time.  This is flattering for the owner, but it’s not healthy for your dog to be this attached to you.
• He’s learned what you do when you leave, and he starts getting distressed before you go.
• He begins destructive behavior within 30 minutes of your leaving home.
• He tries to destroy barriers, like a door.  A dog may go after the door he last saw you go out of.
• Your dog barks in repeated, high-pitched yips.  This is reminiscent of a puppy’s distress call when he or she is separated from mom.

If your pet does some, or all, of these things, his dog behavior problem is because of separation anxiety, not boredom.

Tips For Helping Dogs With Separation Anxiety

You may be surprised to learn that separation anxiety in canines is related to dominance issues.  In a wild dog pack, the leader can leave.  The others, however, never go away from the leader on their own. 

If your dog thinks he’s the alpha dog, or pack leader, he’ll get very upset if you leave him, since you’re not supposed to do that.  He thinks he’s responsible for you, and if you go away, something might happen to you.  Many times, once you establish yourself as the pack leader, the separation anxiety goes away.

If you’re dealing with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, click on any link in this article to learn more about a dog training resource that will help to solve your problem.

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