First Coast Pet

Posts Tagged ‘separation anxiety in dogs’

I highly recommend that all dog owners crate their dogs.Some folks believe that crating your dog is mean.    This couldn’t be farther from the truth.   Dogs have a den instinct and a crate is a great way to give them a den where they can go to sleep and feel safe.A dog in it’s den is naturally relaxed and settled.I strongly advise you to crate your dog.  It will help with dog separation anxiety

There are a couple of added benefits to crating your dog separation anxiety.  The first thing that crating your dog gives you is peace of mind while you are gone.In order to make sure your dog is comforable in their crate, make sure they can stand and lay down sideways.   Take your dogs collar off before you crate them.  Collars can get stuck in both wire and Vari-Kennel crates., dog have been killed from this.

If your pet has chewed furniture or caused household damage, this is the fastest and easiest way to ensure that this no longer happens is to crate you dog when you are gone.Bitter Apple from the pet store can be used to coat the spots in the crate your dog chews.    If you have a dog that can break out of their crate, you simply need a stronger crate.   Some people need to buy aluminum crates to hold their dogs.

Another benefit of crating your dog is that they are less likely to have accidents in the house. A dog will do its best not to soil its den.If your dog has accidents in the house and has severe separation anxiety, keeping your dog in their crate can reduce accidents and minimize the damage to your home.

Most dogs learn to love thier crate! I recommend providing a crate for your dog for it’s lifetime. You can always remove the door once your puppy has grown up and can be trusted. Of course, if your dog has separation anxiety, you’ll want to keep that door on!

Dog separation anxiety can be become a major, expensive problem when left untreated.  Be sure to spend the time to get the issues solved now!

If separation anxiety in dogs is a problem for your pet, there are many things you can do to help.  There are also many things you can do to make the problem worse.  Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts for dealing with dogs with separation anxiety.  We’ll look at the “don’ts” first, and then finish up with the “do’s.”

Here Are Things You Shouldn’t Do When Dealing With Dogs With Separation Anxiety

The most important thing you need to know is that you should never punish your dog when he’s acting out because he’s scared.  This will only make him even more anxious.  Plus, unless you catch him in the act of destructive dog behavior, he won’t know what he’s being punished for.

You need to rethink how you interact with your dog. Dogs with separation anxiety often have dominance issues.  A dog who thinks he’s the pack leader will be anxious when his followers leave.  This is because in the wild, although the leader can leave the pack for a while, the other members of the pack can’t leave the leader.

To assert your position as pack leader, try these suggestions.  Instead of giving your dog attention every time he asks for it, you should be the one initiating contact with him.  Feed him after you eat, because pack members eat only after the alpha dog has eaten.When you go for a walk with him, he should be either walking next to you or behind you.  Don’t allow him to pull on his leash ahead of you, because the pack leader always goes first.

Discourage your dog from becoming too attached to you.Enforce a distance of three feet away from you when he sits or lies down.To keep him from getting too close, you may need to rearrange the furniture or put something on the floor.

Don’t let your dog sleep on your bed.  Ideally, he shouldn’t even be in the same room.  Start out by making him sleep at the foot of the bed, and then get him a dog bed to sleep in.  Eventually move his bed out of your bedroom.

If there are other people in the household, take turns feeding the dog and taking him for walks.  This way your dog won’t become too dependent on one person.

Here Are Things You Should Be Doing To Help A Dog With Canine Separation Anxiety

You may be surprised to find out that your dog knows you’re leaving a lot sooner than you think he does.  You may go take a shower, comb your hair, put on your work clothes.Your canine buddy pays attention to these things, and he associates your doing them with your leaving.

Your goal here is to desensitize your dog to these cues that you’re leaving.  Do these same things, but then stay home.  Get your car keys, and put on your coat.  Then sit back down.  This is a slow process, and you’ll have to do it many times over several weeks, but eventually your dog won’t get upset when you do them.

Do make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.He needs a couple of long vigorous walks every day, both in the morning before you leave, and again in the evening.  This will use up excess energy, and help him to remain calmer in your absence.

Keep your exits and entrances low-key.  Ignore your dog for twenty minutes before you leave, and again for twenty minutes when you come home.If he gets worked up when you return, don’t encourage him by giving him your attention.  You want him to learn to accept your comings and goings in a matter-of-fact manner.    

Does your pet have a problem with canine separation anxiety? Just click on any link in this article to learn more about a dog training course that will help to solve your buddy’s problem.

If separation anxiety in dogs is a problem for your canine friend, there are several dog behavior modification techniques you can use to change his behavior.

How To Handle Mild Cases Of Dogs With Separation Anxiety

The most important thing to do is to keep your comings and goings low-key.It’s not healthy behavior if your dog jumps around in joy at your homecomng for more than a minute.

Too many dog owners mistakenly encourage their dogs to get too excited when they get home.You may not see anything wrong with it, but you’re really teaching him that your coming home is the highest point of the day.  The problem is that when you need to leave again, it makes it even harder for him to see you go.

Try leaving your dog with a piece of clothing that has your scent on it.  Dogs with separation anxiety often find it reassuring to sleep on an old sweatshirt or t-shirt that you’ve worn recently.

You may not know it, but you’ve already established “safety cues” for your dog.  A safety cue is an action you take upon leaving that tells your dog you’ll be back soon.  For example, when your dog sees you going out with the trash, he knows you’ll be right back, and he doesn’t get upset.

A good technique is to use safety cues with your dog.  If you know you’re going to be gone for a short time, you can leave the radio or tv on, or give him a certain toy to play with.  Use these safety cues when you’re practicing with your dog so he gets to know what they are.

Be careful though.If you try using a safety cue for several hours, it will lose its effectiveness as a calming device.  These cues are useful for shorter absences.

Canine Behavior Modification For More Severe Cases

If your buddy has a severe case of separation anxiety in dogs, you may want to try these dog behavior modification techniques.  Keep these sessions short, but do them several times a day.

Fake your dog out by pretending to leave; put on your coat and get your car keys, but instead, go sit down again.Repeat this lesson until it doesn’t bother your dog anymore.  Next, you’ll do these things and go to the door and open it, and then sit back down.  Again, keep doing it until your dog shows no interest.

Next, go out through the door, leaving it open, and then come back in.  The next step is to go though the door, and close it behind you.  Immediately come back in.  Progress to staying outside for a few minutes and coming back.

Remember to keep your exits and returns very low-key.  You don’t want your dog to get excited that you’re back.  His attitude should be, “ho-hum, it’s you again.”  If your dog gets upset at any point, you’re going too fast.  Go back to any earlier step, and start again.

You can see how you’re desensitizing your dog by teaching him that you can go away for longer and longer periods of time and still return safely.

Avoid Teaching Your Dog The Wrong Lessons

You can see how easy it is to unknowingly train your dog to do what you don’t want him to do.  If you’re facing the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, just click on any link in this article to find help.  You’ll be amazed at how quickly and easily you can solve this problem once you understand how your canine friend thinks.

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.

Is separation anxiety in dogs destroying your hopes of having a happy, well-behaved dog?  Are you tired of having your pet go into a frenzy of destructive dog behavior whenever you leave him alone?  

If so, you’re not alone.  This dog behavior problem is the second most common reason that pet owners have for giving up a dog, or even having him to put sleep.  But it doesn’t have to be this way.  

What Is Canine Separation Anxiety?

Basically, your dog has a panic attack when you leave him alone, usually within a half hour of your leaving.  Your canine may show the following dog behavior problems:

• High-pitched yipping and whining, in hopes of getting you to come home
• Digging at doors and windows in an effort to escape
• Inappropriate urination or defecation, even if he’s housebroken
• Destroying furniture, clothing, or whatever else he can get into

Your dog isn’t doing these things to get back at you for leaving him alone.  He’s doing it because he’s scared.

Why Does My Dog Have This Problem?

Nobody knows for sure why some dogs with separation anxiety develop this condition, and others don’t.  Some breeds, including Weimaraners, Springer Spaniels, German Shepherds, and Airedales, are more likely to develop canine separation anxiety.  

When the owner is absent from home a lot, it often contributes to the problem.  Dogs are social animals who need lots of interaction with their owners to be happy.  You may want to have somebody come in to walk your dog during the day, or take him to a doggy day care, if you know your dog will be alone most of the time.  

Avoid Making A Big Fuss When You Get Home

Does your dog greet you when you get home by jumping around and barking, almost to the point of being out of control?  Do you encourage this behavior by petting him, and lavishing attention on him when he’s acting crazy?  

If you do, you’re making a big mistake.  It’s flattering to have your dog so happy to see you, but giving him attention when he acts like this only reinforces the idea that your daily homecoming is the highest point of his day.  He’s nearly manic when you get home, but the depression sets in once more the next day when you have to leave for work again.

Keep your comings and goings low-key.  Yes, he should be happy to see you, but not excessively so.

Are You The Alpha Male Or Is Your Dog?

Many dog owners make the mistake of trying to treat their dog as an equal.  You need to realize that dogs are pack animals, and there’s always a pack leader.  If you aren’t the alpha dog, there’s a leadership vacuum that your dog will step up to fill.  

If your canine thinks he’s the pack leader, he may suffer separation anxiety in dogs if you leave.  This is because in the wild, the pack leader can leave the pack and come back.  However, the other dogs (the followers) don’t have this option of leaving their pack leader.  

Your dog sees you leaving, and this upsets him because he believes he’s responsible for you as his pack member.  This is another reason you need to be the pack leader, not your dog.

The Right Training Is Key

Dogs don’t think the way we do.  They run on instinct much of the time.  Learning how your canine thinks is very important to avoid dog behavior problems.

A good dog training course that teaches you how your dog thinks is worth its weight in gold.  Instead of inadvertently rewarding your dog when he does the wrong things, you’ll be able to quickly and easily train him, once he understands what you want him to do.  

Click on any link in this article to learn how you can solve the problem of separation anxiety in dogs.

Don’t you just hate it when your dog barks non-stop while you’re gone?Separation anxiety in dogs is a common reason why dogs chew up furniture and clothing, and even claw doors and windows when they’re alone.   By using dog separation anxiety training, you can often solve this problem. 

You have two goals with this training.  The first is to make your dog less dependent on you, and the second is to teach him that being by himself isn’t a bad thing.

Basics Of Dog Separation Anxiety Training

It’s important that your dog know his place in the family pecking order.  The dog should be at the bottom of the family heap, not the top.  Even if your dog sees you as the pack leader, it’s important that he doesn’t rank himself socially above the other members of the family.  Everyone in your home should be involved in dog training so that your dog understands that he needs to obey everyone in the house, not just you.

Your dog shouldn’t get too attached to you.  We’ve all seen the 90-pound dogs who always want to curl up in someone’s lap.  It’s funny at first, but it gets old fast.  It’s best to train your dog to sit or stay about three feet from you.  He needs to learn that he doesn’t have to be in constant contact with you to be happy.

Don’t let your dog sleep in the bed with you.  If he’s already doing this, first train him to sleep at the foot of your bed.  Then encourage him to sleep in his own doggie bed, with the eventual goal of moving his bed out of your bedroom.Your want him to become a happier, more independent dog.

Make sure your dog gets lots of exercise to burn up the extra energy he has.  A long walk in the morning and again in the evening goes a long way toward keeping your dog on an even keel emotionally.

This sounds harsh, but don’t make a big scene when you come home.  Encouraging your dog to jump around, barking in excitement when you return, is only reinforcing the idea that he can’t be happy unless you’re there.Don’t give your dog any attention for twenty minutes or so before you leave, or after you return.

Teaching Dogs With Separation Anxiety To Be Happy When They’re Alone

Work on teaching your dog the basic “sit,”, “relax,” and “stay” commands.  He needs to know these basic commands so you can work on these steps.

Find a reason to leave the room if you’re watching tv.  Use the “sit-stay” command, and then leave.  At first come right back, and reward your dog with a tasty treat if he stayed and didn’t follow you.Gradually increase the amount of time that you’re gone.  Do this many times a day, so that your dog learns that when you leave, you do come back.  He also learns that if he sits and waits patiently for you, he gets rewarded. 

You’ll also want to find a room in your house where your dog can’t destroy anything.  Put your dog in there with a few favorite toys that he only gets when he’s by himself.  Stay with him a little while, and then leave without any fuss, and close the door behind you.  Come back before he gets upset, and reward him with a food treat.  Repeat this as often during the day as you can, gradually increasing the amount of time you’re gone. It’s important to put these toys away when you’re done.

What your dog is learning now is that he gets fun toys when you’re gone, and a treat when you return.  This is teaching him that being away from you isn’t so bad after all.

Your next step? To take what you’ve just learned and apply it.  You’ll want to look for a good dog training course, so you can avoid making mistakes as you use dog separation anxiety training to solve your dog behavior problems.

Learn more about dog separation anxiety training, by visiting No More Bad Dogs to find an effective dog training course that uses these principles.

Is separation anxiety in dogs a problem for you and your canine friend?  Is it bad enough that you’re thinking of giving up your dog, or even having him put to sleep?  Don’t despair.  Dog separation anxiety training can help solve this problem.

Dogs And Separation Anxiety

The fundamental point of any dog training program is to establish that you’re the pack leader.  Doing this will nip a lot of dog behavior problems in the bud.  This is important because many dogs with separation anxiety think that they’re the pack leader, or alpha male.  In the wild, the pack leader may leave the pack for a while, but his followers never leave him.

If your dog thinks he’s the alpha male, he’ll get upset when you leave.  He feels responsible for you, and thinks something may happen to you while you’re gone. 

Another issue to avoid is allowing your dog to get too attached to you.When interacting with a dog struggling with separation anxiety, remember that you need to be the pack leader.The one initiating contact should be you, not him. 

You want to encourage your dog to be more independent.You can prevent your dog from getting too dependent on you by having other people in your household feed and walk him, too.  Don’t let your dog sit or sleep within three feet of you.  This means no sleeping on your bed.  If he is already, train him to sleep at the foot of the bed, and then in his own bed.  Eventually move his bed out of your bedroom completely.

Don’t make a fuss when leaving or coming home.  It’s very tempting to encourage your dog to jump around and get excited when you return home, but it’s a bad idea because it reinforces your dog’s notion that your return is the high point of his day.

Dog Separation Anxiety Training

You’ll want to use positive reinforcement techniques to teach your dog that being alone isn’t a bad thing.  Do this by rewarding his good behavior and ignoring bad dog behavior.

An example of this is using the “sit-stay” command.You’ll want to repeat this action many times during the course of the day.Your plan is to walk away from your dog and out of his sight while he’s in the “stay” position.Reward him with a favorite treat when you return to the room, if he’s still in the “sit” position.  This teaches him that he can be in one place and be happy while you go someplace else. 

You can start this training very easily when you’re watching tv.  You get up for a snack, and tell your dog to “sit-stay.”  When you come back, reward him.Do this as often as you’re able throughout the day.  Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog, and the length of time he waits for you to return. 

Always reward him with a tasty treat for waiting quietly for your return.  This is the positive reinforcement he receives for waiting quietly for your return. 

If your dog follows you, return him to the “sit-stay” position and work on him staying as you walk away.  Never punish your dog during these sessions, as it will only make him more anxious. 

A Good Dog Training Course Is Essential

It’s very easy to give your dog the wrong idea during dog separation anxiety training.  Be sure to find a course that will teach you how your dog thinks to avoid inadvertently teaching him the wrong things.

Now’s the time to start putting these ideas into action.

Learn more about dog separation anxiety training by visiting No More Bad Dogs, and find a dog training course that will help to solve your dog behavior problems.

Have you ever wondered why separation anxiety in dogs is a problem for some canines, but not for others?  If you’re dealing with destructive dog behavior, you may be wondering if it’s because your dog is bored, or if it’s because you have one of the four to eight percent of dogs with separation anxiety.

Although a bored dog and a dog with canine separation anxiety may both engage in destructive dog behavior, the difference lies in when the behavior begins.Dogs with separation anxiety will have a panic attack when their owners leave them alone.The problem dog behavior starts within a half-hour (or less) of your departure.  A bored dog, on the other hand, will be happy for a couple of hours, but then start destroying things to amuse himself.

Are Some Dogs More At Risk For Canine Separation Anxiety Than Others?

Separation anxiety is when a pet panics when he’s left by himself.  All puppies show some signs of separation anxiety.  But most of them outgrow it as they mature.  

Long-nosed breeds of dogs, like herding and guarding dogs, seem more prone to this condition.  It’s also seen more often in spaniels and setters.One vet observed that dogs with this problem usually are thin and are prone to digestive upsets.  

Separation anxiety in dogs happens in both males and females.  It doesn’t seem to matter whether they’ve been spayed or neutered or not.  It usually starts when the dog is between five months and two years of age, although older dogs can be affected as well, usually suddenly.  Sometimes a dog owner thinks their older dog is becoming senile, but the problem is really separation anxiety instead.

Other Risk Factors For Separation Anxiety In Dogs

Sometimes puppies that were rejected by their mothers, or who were taken away from their mothers too soon, will develop separation anxiety.  Although dogs that have been bounced from one home to another may develop it, a history of abuse doesn’t seem to make a dog prone to it.  

Sometimes dogs in close-knit families who suddenly lose a family member to illness, death, or divorce develop this problem.  If a favorite person leaves to go to college, or a new baby suddenly takes up a lots of the favorite person’s time, it can have an impact on a dog.  

The problem of separation anxiety often runs in the family in humans, and this is true of dogs, too.If your dog has a litter mate or a parent who has separation anxiety, he’ll have a higher risk of developing it than a dog that doesn’t.  

Sometimes the problem lies with the dog owner.  It can be flattering to have a dog that follows you around, not letting you out of his sight for a second.  It’s tempting to give your dog lots of attention when you get home and he’s so happy to see you that he bounces around, barking and giddy with joy, for several minutes.  

However, while your dog should be happy to see you when you come home, his happy dance really shouldn’t last for more than 30 seconds to a minute.  Anything longer indicates that your dog has a problem, and it’s not good to encourage it.

How Can Dogs With Separation Anxiety Be Helped?

Your vet does have drug treatments available for dogs with severe cases of canine separation anxiety, but it’s best to try dog behavior modification techniques first.

You can take steps to desensitize your dog to your leaving.Even though this is a long process that can’t be rushed, you can be very successful with it.  A good dog training course can be extremely helpful, especially one that teaches you how your dog thinks.

Go ahead and invest in a dog training course that teaches you how your dog’s mind works.  This is the best way to avoid inadvertently training him to do exactly what you don’t want him to do.

If you’re dealing with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, visit No More Bad Dogs to learn more about a dog training course that will help to solve your problem.

If separation anxiety in dogs is a problem for your pet, there are many things you can do to help.  There are also many things you can do to make the problem worse.  Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts for dealing with dogs with separation anxiety.  We’ll look at the “don’ts” first, and then finish up with the “do’s.”

Things You Shouldn’t Do When Dealing With Dogs With Separation Anxiety

The most important thing you need to know is that you should never punish your dog when he’s acting out because he’s scared.  This will only make him even more anxious.  Plus, unless you catch him in the act of destructive dog behavior, he won’t know what he’s being punished for.

You need to rethink how you interact with your dog. The problem of separation anxiety in dogs is often related to dominance issues.  A dog who thinks he’s the pack leader will be anxious when his followers leave.  This is because in the wild, although the leader can leave the pack for a while, the other members of the pack can’t leave the leader.

To assert your position as pack leader, try these suggestions.  Instead of giving your dog attention every time he asks for it, you should be the one initiating contact with him.  Feed him after you eat, because pack members eat only after the alpha dog has eaten.He should be either walking next to you or behind you when you go for a walk with him.  Don’t allow him to pull on his leash ahead of you, because the pack leader always goes first. 

Discourage your dog from becoming too attached to you.Don’t let him lie down or sit down within three feet of you.  You may need to rearrange furniture or put something on the floor so he can’t get too close. 

Don’t let your dog sleep on your bed.  Ideally, he shouldn’t even be in the same room.  Start out by making him sleep at the foot of the bed, and then get him a dog bed to sleep in.  Eventually move his bed out of your bedroom.

If there are other people in the household, take turns feeding the dog and taking him for walks.  This way your dog won’t become too dependent on one person.

Here Are Things You Should Be Doing To Help A Dog With Canine Separation Anxiety

You may be surprised to find out that your dog knows you’re leaving a lot sooner than you think he does.  You may go take a shower, comb your hair, put on your work clothes.Your canine buddy pays attention to these things, and he associates your doing them with your leaving. 

Your goal here is to desensitize your dog to these cues that you’re leaving.  Do these same things, but then stay home.  Get your car keys, and put on your coat.  Then sit back down.  This is a slow process, and you’ll have to do it many times over several weeks, but eventually your dog won’t get upset when you do them.

Do make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise.  You should take him for a long, vigorous walk, both in the morning before you leave, and again in the evening.  This will use up excess energy, and help him to remain calmer in your absence.

Keep your exits and entrances low-key.  Ignore your dog for twenty minutes before you leave, and again for twenty minutes when you come home.Avoid encouraging him with your attention when he gets worked up on your return.  You want him to learn to accept your comings and goings in a matter-of-fact manner. 

Do invest in a good dog training course.  You’ll want to choose one that focuses on teaching you how a dog’s mind works.  If you don’t understand  how your dog thinks, it’s very easy to give him the wrong idea when trying to train him.

Don’t waste your precious time by accidentally teaching your dog the wrong things.   A good dog training course is the easiest way to solve the problem of separation anxiety in dogs.

If you’re dealing with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, visit No More Bad Dogs to learn more about a dog training course that will help to solve your problem.

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.Sadly, this behavior is the second most common reason why people give up their dogs or have them put to sleep.  

It’s possible to avoid these bad outcomes by identifying this condition, and learning what to do about 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:

• Destructive dog behavior occurs only when you leave him alone.If he’s demolishing your house just for fun, he’ll do it anytime, not just when he’s alone.
• Your dog is “hyperattached” to you.He keeps a close eye on you, following you around the house, when he’s not in your lap.  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.

Your dog may not do all of these things, but if your dog is showing some of these behaviors, this shows his problem is not boredom.

How To Help 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.His job is to watch over his pack members, so if you leave, he thinks something might happen to you.  Many times, once you establish yourself as the pack leader, the separation anxiety goes away.

Your dog needs lots of exercise to use up all that energy he has.  You should take your dog for a brisk walk twice a day.  You need to understand that your dog instinctively knows that the pack leader goes first.  He should be walking next to you or behind you, so that he’s following you, the pack leader.  Allowing him to pull ahead of you on his leash is telling him that he’s the alpha male, not you.  

So there you have it; now you can see how easy it is to inadvertently train your dog to do exactly what you don’t want him to do.  You can avoid this by finding a dog training course that focuses on teaching you how dogs think.  Once you understand how your dog’s mind works, separation anxiety in dogs is much easier to deal with.

If you’re dealing with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, visit No More Bad Dogs to learn more about a dog training resource that will help to solve your problem.