Separation
anxiety can be defined as an increased fearfulness of your dog after
the departure of the owner. When the pet owner leaves for work for
example, anxious dogs might bark or howl, have bowel or bladder
accidents, they may begin to destroy things. For dogs that form an
intense attachment to their owners (such as labradors), are more likely
candidates for separation anxiety.
You can start preventing separation anxiety even before you get your
puppy. First of all, do not take the puppy away from its mother until
it is 8 weeks old. There seem to be a greater likelihood that your dog
will develop separation anxiety if it is taken any earlier.
Anti separation anxiety training can begin when you first bring your
puppy home. When you leave your pet, don't make a big deal about
leaving. Don't prolong your departure by talking to them a lot and
arousing their anxiety. Leave them for short periods initially. When
you come back, again, don't make it a big deal, just go on with your
usual routine.
If your dog already has unwanted separation behavior, training may be
more difficult but is definitely worth your effort. A high percentage
of older dogs with separation anxiety tend to have been shelter dogs or
strays at some point in their life. Up to half of these dogs will
improve with training, but you may need to modify your routine to
desensitize them to your leaving. Dogs quickly learn your routine. You
dog will be able to figure out your routine in a very short time.
Dogs who show signs of separation anxiety need your effort in assessing
their situation and eliminate cues. As with puppy training, don't make
a big deal out of leaving. Desensitize the dogs by leaving for a short
time and gradually work up to longer periods.
Another approach is to leave something to distract your pet. Video
studies have shown that separation anxiety behavior usually occurs
within 10 to 30 minutes of your departure; after that, dogs calm down.
Kong toys make good distractions. Kongs are hollow rubber cone shaped
toys. You can fill the center with kibble or cheese. It takes the dog
awhile to get to the treat, and meanwhile they are distracted from
their separation and therefore their anxiety.
Crate training is another good option. If your dog is showing
destructive behavior have a crate for them, so they know that this is
their home when you are not around. Feed them in their crate, but never
punish them by putting them into their crate if they are bad. This will
help you dog to associate their crate with positive things, like food
and sleep. When you feel comfortable that your dog will not abe
destructive in your absence, try leaving them for a short while in the
house alone, but have the crate door open so they can go inside and
feel "safe" if they need to.
Dogs tend to be den animals, and the crate is a place they can call
their own. If you crate from an early age, you always use the crate as
a positive experience, and you have a crate large enough for the dog to
comfortably stand, turn around, and lie down, then crates can be a
great training tool. Crates can also give you peace of mind that your
dog isn't able to destroy something or potentially injure themself
while you're gone.
Seek out a veterinarian or professional trainer for other training
ideas, but remember that because of the circumstances when separation
anxiety arises, most of the training will require changes in your own
behavior. It's not something a trainer can do for you. Veterinary
prescribed drugs are an option as well, but try training first.
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