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Separation Anxiety:

As much as it makes you feel loved and appreciated as your pup or dog shows its love for you, separation anxiety is no simple manner . When your dog is left alone some canines may suffer from separation anxiety.  Basically, separation anxiety in dogs means they can’t be alone and express their anxiety by barking, whining, chewing, and possibly attempting to escape. 

Separation anxiety isn’t uncommon; after all, dogs prefer to be with others.  It could be triggered by a disruption to a dog’s lifestyle. For instance, an adjustment in the family make-up, a move to a new home, or even being boarded for a specific amount of time. 

In order to ease separation anxiety in your dog, the dog needs to get used to being alone for short periods of time.  It’s important to pair this experience with some of Fido’s favorite treats such as hollow toys to stuff tasty treats into! 

In addition, if you know you’ll be away for an extended period of time, try to have someone stay with your dog whether it’s taking the dog to doggy daycare, hiring a sitter to stay with your dog, or perhaps take your dog with you if you can.

If your dog expresses no interest in food toys, as much as this may be difficult you’ll need to ignore your dog, retrieve the toys, wait about fifteen minutes and try again. You’ll want your dog to eat the toys when he’s alone.  However if you know for sure that your dog is hungry and is not eating the chew toys then your dog’s separation anxiety is a bigger issue than you may have first thought.

To diminish separation anxiety in your dog, make your routine less predictable and definitely less obvious.  It’s not like you need to “sneak” out of the house, but mix it up a bit.  Keep your departures and arrivals low-key and keep absences brief if you can.   If your dog demonstrates separation anxiety, it’s important to not get angry. This is a serious problem and your dog needs help. You won’t want to confine your dog to a crate or room – he or she may injure himself while trying to escape!  Don’t constantly ignore him either – your canine needs social contact and while you’re conducing this behavior training you don’t want to completely shut out your precious pooch.  If separation anxiety continues, you’ll want to speak further to your veterinarian about behavioral cues.

At The Dog Bowl, nothing is more important than your pets’ health and well being.  For more information about separation anxiety and to shop for anxiety aids click here.