Leaving dogs home alone is never easy, but many of us are doing these 3 things that are only likely to make separation anxiety in dogs worse.
We all have the best intentions for our dogs and yet somehow, all the care and concern we put into leaving our dogs at home so they don't miss us too much seems to make their anxiety worse. So lets look at the 3 mistakes you could be making and find out how you could do the things that reduce your dog's anxiety instead.
Giving Your Dog Lots of Attention Before You Leave
Does your guilt at leaving your dog mean you make a big fuss of your dog just before you go out? Do you lavish them with attention, stroking and petting them and reassuring them that it won't be long before you're back?
That's mistake No1 because all of the fuss just adds to their anxiety because they sense that something is up. Its a bit like your 5 year old child giving you a big hug, telling you they love you and that you're not to worry about them while they're gone, and then disappearing. It's guaranteed to send your anxiety soaring.
Do the Same Things Before You Leave Them Home Alone
You know the kind of thing. We take them for a long walk (because we've been told if they're tired they'll worry less), we get out their favourite toys (because we hope they will distract them) and then give them lots of attention before we leave.
That's your second mistake, as your dog will soon associate these rituals with you leaving and their anxiety will start to rise before you've even set a foot outside the door. For many dogs suffering with separation anxiety their owner only needs to put on a pair of shoes, or get their coat from the cupboard to set the dog off whining or pacing the floor.
Get Stressed About Leaving Your Dog Before You Go
We know they hate it when we're gone, we know they're going to be pining, we're feeling guilty, we're not sure what kind of destruction we'll come back to this time... and the more we think about it the more our own anxiety levels rise.
That's your third mistake. Dogs will instantly pick up on your rising anxiety because they are so sensitive to changes around them and they'll start getting anxious too. Did you know that dogs have been trained to notice the signs of epileptic fits in humans and can do it up to 40 minutes before it happens - so do you think they might be able to pick up on your anxiety too?
How to Reduce Separation Anxiety in Dogs
So when faced with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, the biggest key is to remember that less is best! Treat going out in a very matter of fact way, like its not a big deal and the same when you return home. The less fuss you make, the more your dog will calm down.
If you're worried that this treatment is not kind to your dog, don't! Your dog understands this behaviour because it is how their pack leader would behaved naturally. Paying your dog less attention when you leave them home alone is actually kinder.
We all have the best intentions for our dogs and yet somehow, all the care and concern we put into leaving our dogs at home so they don't miss us too much seems to make their anxiety worse. So lets look at the 3 mistakes you could be making and find out how you could do the things that reduce your dog's anxiety instead.
Giving Your Dog Lots of Attention Before You Leave
Does your guilt at leaving your dog mean you make a big fuss of your dog just before you go out? Do you lavish them with attention, stroking and petting them and reassuring them that it won't be long before you're back?
That's mistake No1 because all of the fuss just adds to their anxiety because they sense that something is up. Its a bit like your 5 year old child giving you a big hug, telling you they love you and that you're not to worry about them while they're gone, and then disappearing. It's guaranteed to send your anxiety soaring.
Do the Same Things Before You Leave Them Home Alone
You know the kind of thing. We take them for a long walk (because we've been told if they're tired they'll worry less), we get out their favourite toys (because we hope they will distract them) and then give them lots of attention before we leave.
That's your second mistake, as your dog will soon associate these rituals with you leaving and their anxiety will start to rise before you've even set a foot outside the door. For many dogs suffering with separation anxiety their owner only needs to put on a pair of shoes, or get their coat from the cupboard to set the dog off whining or pacing the floor.
Get Stressed About Leaving Your Dog Before You Go
We know they hate it when we're gone, we know they're going to be pining, we're feeling guilty, we're not sure what kind of destruction we'll come back to this time... and the more we think about it the more our own anxiety levels rise.
That's your third mistake. Dogs will instantly pick up on your rising anxiety because they are so sensitive to changes around them and they'll start getting anxious too. Did you know that dogs have been trained to notice the signs of epileptic fits in humans and can do it up to 40 minutes before it happens - so do you think they might be able to pick up on your anxiety too?
How to Reduce Separation Anxiety in Dogs
So when faced with the problem of separation anxiety in dogs, the biggest key is to remember that less is best! Treat going out in a very matter of fact way, like its not a big deal and the same when you return home. The less fuss you make, the more your dog will calm down.
If you're worried that this treatment is not kind to your dog, don't! Your dog understands this behaviour because it is how their pack leader would behaved naturally. Paying your dog less attention when you leave them home alone is actually kinder.
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