Dogs With Separation Anxiety
By Catherine FormanDogs are social animals, and some dogs experience separation anxiety when their people aren't around. In some dogs, the feelings they experience are mild; other dogs become so upset that they may injure themselves in their panic.
Attention and companionship is number one on your dog's list of wants. If the whole human family is gone, your dog may be bored. A bored dog can become a destructive dog, chewing whatever is available to chew -- furniture, shoes, clothes, or just about anything. Destructive behavior is not revenge. Your dog is behaving this way because he is upset and frightened!
So how do you deal with separation anxiety? Teach your dog that being alone is not a negative experience. Before you go out, give your dog a special treat -- maybe a Kong filled with tasty snacks, a new rawhide, or a squeaky toy. You want your dog to learn that being left home is a positive experience.
You can also help your dog overcome separation anxiety by being unpredictable. Put your coat on, get your keys, and do everything you do before you leave the house -- but don't leave. Your dog won't get upset when you get your keys out if he doesn't know for sure that you're leaving! Another way to help ease separation anxiety is to go out for just a few minutes, then come back.
One of my family's dogs used to chew her tail when she was left home alone. The vet told us that she might be nervous when she was by herself. Leaving a radio or television on while you're not home can be a kind of company and help mask some of the strange and scary noises outside.
Feedback About This Post:
RE: Dogs With Separation Anxiety
I have a little dog that gets upset when he sees me leave the house with a suit case. He doesn't want me to leave him. Sometimes when I go somewhere, he jumps in the car without permission. When you try to get him out you have to play hid and seek. When you find him, he runs to another part of the car. Onetime we gave up. We took him into an attorneys office in a green nylon overnight bag. The attorney laughed when they caught us with the dog in the bag. We left a small opening so he could breath. The dog kept tryin stick his head out the opening. The attorney let us let the dog out of the bag on the leash. The attorney played with the dog also. We were in a 50 story building. First time the dog rode in an elevator. We just couldnt leave the dog outside in the hot car.
Post by Treads04
RE: Dogs With Separation Anxiety
Thank you for this great info. This is my next big step with my little girl.
I have left her alone with Gramma and I have left her alone without anyone in the house for a total of maybe 4 hours on two occasions (two hour each time).
I am looking forward to working this out.
In fact today is when we are starting.
I agree with the original post and everything said in it. I was told to leave my dog in her crate with lots of toys and treats but I wont be using the crate. She is fine in the house.
I will leave a radio on too. Talk shows are better than music.
I was told that when I return after leaving, to not make a big deal out of it as the dog maybe very very glad to see you, naturally but simply just say hi. Don't get into a major excitement mode and make it a big deal to see the dog upon the return.
Just be very casual like it was never a big deal that you left in the first place.
My dog goes totally wiggly when I get home, rubbing up against me and taking one of her toys in her mouth, tail curled and head held high, circling me forever more, following my every step. As cute as it is, I try not to make a big deal about it.
After I have been back for a few minutes (maybe 5) I crouch down to her level and say hello with a pat and maybe a tug if she has her toy still. I may pick her up and cuddle her for a few seconds before putting her down to play a bit.
If you have been gone for awhile, it is very important to take your dog outside right away so it may relieve itself.
Post by RoxysMom
RE: Dogs With Separation Anxiety
Please be patient with her. She is only a baby. Also, be very consistant with her training to go outside to do her business. I wouldn't take her out of her yard until she is housebroken, if she is afraid of walks. She sounds like she is not sure about all of you. Be loving and kind and don't raise your voice or your hand to her. When she does her business outside, give her a treat. Please, don't give her away, unless you are losing patients with her and mistreat her. She needs a loving and steady home and love ones.
Post By Malinda/Pa (Guest Post)
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