Many dogs today can exhibit some degree of dog separation anxiety.  Most of us have to work or leave the house for other reasons.  We may be gone for several hours during the day.

Dogs who have a hard time adjusting to dog separation anxiety may whine and bark while we’re gone.  They may chew on furniture or other objects. 

They can selectively tear up things that belong to you.  They can become so anxious that they forget housetraining and have accidents in the house. 

They worry themselves into a panic about you and your absence.

What Is Dog Separation Anxiety?

Dog separation anxiety, in its most severe form, is an anxiety problem in dogs similar to anxiety problems in humans.  Your dog is so attached to you and dependent on you that when you leave the house he is most often described as either worrying about what will happen to you, or worrying about being alone.  Either way, the separation makes him anxious.

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When your dog experiences the feelings that go along with separation anxiety he tries to relieve them in ways natural for a dog -- whining, barking, chewing and other nervous behavior.

What Causes Dog Separation Anxiety?

Dog seperation anxiety is most often caused by a lack of socialization when your dog is young or if you have got your new pet through dog adoption and the previous owners have not socialized the dog.  Socialization is one of the most important experiences for a young puppy.  This is the time that a puppy spends getting to know the world and learning that it is not a frightening place. 

Socialization usually begins at a breeder’s home where the breeder can show the puppy that things like vacuums, TVs, radios, kitchen appliances and other noisy things won’t harm him.  After the puppy has his first vaccinations the breeder and then the owner are responsible for getting the puppy out in the world to meet other puppies, friendly dogs and, especially people. 

Meeting other dogs and people teaches the puppy that he doesn’t have to be afraid and helps to build his confidence.

When a puppy develops this kind of confidence in himself and learns about different objects and places he becomes well-socialized.  All of these experiences contribute to a puppy and adult dog that will not develop separation anxiety when he’s left alone for a few hours at home.

Dogs can also develop separation anxiety if they have been rescued from abusive situations.  If you have a rescue dog who has separation anxiety you should expect it to take a little longer for your dog to overcome the problem, but your dog can get better.

How Do You Prevent Dog Seperation Anxiety?

The best way to prevent dog separation anxiety is to work on socializing your puppy or dog from the time you get him.  This is usually easy to do if you have a puppy.  You won’t have to undo any fearfulness. 

Even if your puppy is not very outgoing a few trips to a pet superstore where friendly strangers give him treats and pet him should help your puppy become more confident and friendly.  Visit dog parks and let your puppy play with appropriate playmates.  Go to puppy preschool and puppy kindergarten classes.  He can learn a few basic manners and meet lots of other puppies for playtime.

If you have a young adult dog who shows signs of developing dog separation anxiety you can use these same suggestions.  Take your dog places with you.  Have friendly strangers pet your dog -- give them treats so they can offer them to your dog. 

Enroll your dog in a training class. All of these things give your dog a chance to get out with you and meet people which builds his confidence.  That way he won’t feel so lost and abandoned when you have to leave him at home.

Dog Separation Anxiety Training Techniques:

If you have a dog who is already experiencing dog separation anxiety there are some things you can do to help him.  First of all, lower the emotion and lose the drama.  If you are feeling guilty every time you have to leave your dog at home then your dog is probably picking up on your feelings.  Try to stay calm and quiet when you leave the house. 

No tearful goodbyes.  You’re making your dog feel like something terrible is going to happen when you leave the house.  Likewise, keep things low-key when you return home.  Coming and going at your house should be a simple routine matter.

You can practice leaving the house and returning so your dog can get used to it.  Let him see you pick up your purse or briefcase.  Jangle your keys.  Go out the door.  Start the car.  Do everything you normally do.  Stay outside for five minutes and come back in.  Practice coming and going until your dog pays no attention to you going out the door.

Make sure your dog has plenty of interesting, safe toys in the house when you leave him.  The more things he has of his own to chew on, the less likely he is to chew on your expensive sofa. Put away any very valuable things that you absolutely don’t want him to chew or break.

Most cases of dog separation anxiety can be solved by these techniques.  If your dog is anxious to the point that he follows you from room to room when you’re home and chews on your clothing if you leave the room, then you have a serious case of separation anxiety. 

You may wish to talk to your vet about possible prescription medication for your dog.  Medication is used for short term treatment so your dog can focus on training.

Dog separation anxiety is an entirely treatable condition.  Although many dogs are sad and unhappy when their owners leave them at home most dogs can learn to overcome these feelings and either sleep or entertain themselves in their owner’s absence.  If you have any more questions about dog separation anxiety with your own dog’s condition you should talk to your vet.

Click Here To Put An End To The Stress And Annoyance Of Your Dog's Separation Anxiety Problems! - Download

Dog Separation Anxiety

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