Does your dog have serious issues when you have to leave him alone. All dogs miss their loved ones when they leave, but some more problems with this than others. This problem behavior can effect your life and you're dogs life.
If they go over the top when left on their own, they probably have what's commonly known as separation anxiety, which is also common in small children. Here are some ideas to help you both cope when you're away and make it easier.
What are the signs of Separation Anxiety?
There are many signs of separation anxiety including: barking, chewing, defecating, digging, excessive salivating, scratching, and urinating. Chewing, digging, and scratching are signs of your dog trying to "escape." Barking, defecating, excessive salivating, and urinating are signs of anxiety and fear.
Causes of Separation Anxiety
Such causes of separation anxiety include genetics, lack of socialization, lack of training, lack of confidence, mistreatment by a previous owner, extensive confinement, and too much bonding with the owner. As you can see, most of these are the owner's responsibility.
How can you treat Separation Anxiety?
You should start with crate training at an early age to prevent separation anxiety. Don't make a big deal about leaving. If you crate, simply put him in, say goodbye and leave, don't overdue the farewells. When you make leaving an issue you dog will worry about why all the affection suddenly disappeared.
Try and change your leaving routines somewhat. My dogs have caught on to the fact that when I put makeup on, it means I'm probably going somewhere so they hang around and keep an eye on me.
Try changing your dog's negative associations to your behaviors to positive ones. For example, on a weekend, dress for work, pick up the car keys and go outside for a few minutes only, then come back inside and give your dog a treat. You dog will eventually begin to associate you getting ready for work as a positive association rather than a negative one.
Make sure you have plenty of treats and toys in your dog's crate to keep him entertained while you are away. If your dog always knows that he'll have treats when you leave, it won't be as traumatic for him. There are many interactive treat dispensers on the market, which will keep him busy and rewarded at the same time. Before you leave, turn on a radio or television so your dog has some noise. A talk station is more effective than music, because the sound of human voices could comfort him. You could even tape your own voice.
When you return home, don't give your dog any emotion or attention when you let him out of his crate. This will reinforce that being outside of the crate is better than being inside the crate. Let him outside to eliminate immediately.
Like all forms of dog training, you have to have time and patience. In time the Separation Anxiety should lessen. If it doesn't or if he becomes aggressive you should consult your vet who may prescribe a light mellowing out pill. I prefer a small dose of Melatonin which is a natural calming/sleeping aid for humans (check with your yet or pharmacist on the amount that should be given).
It's up to you to pay attention to your dogs behaviors and seek out training methods that will help him overcome his problems. All he really wants is your love and affection.
If they go over the top when left on their own, they probably have what's commonly known as separation anxiety, which is also common in small children. Here are some ideas to help you both cope when you're away and make it easier.
What are the signs of Separation Anxiety?
There are many signs of separation anxiety including: barking, chewing, defecating, digging, excessive salivating, scratching, and urinating. Chewing, digging, and scratching are signs of your dog trying to "escape." Barking, defecating, excessive salivating, and urinating are signs of anxiety and fear.
Causes of Separation Anxiety
Such causes of separation anxiety include genetics, lack of socialization, lack of training, lack of confidence, mistreatment by a previous owner, extensive confinement, and too much bonding with the owner. As you can see, most of these are the owner's responsibility.
How can you treat Separation Anxiety?
You should start with crate training at an early age to prevent separation anxiety. Don't make a big deal about leaving. If you crate, simply put him in, say goodbye and leave, don't overdue the farewells. When you make leaving an issue you dog will worry about why all the affection suddenly disappeared.
Try and change your leaving routines somewhat. My dogs have caught on to the fact that when I put makeup on, it means I'm probably going somewhere so they hang around and keep an eye on me.
Try changing your dog's negative associations to your behaviors to positive ones. For example, on a weekend, dress for work, pick up the car keys and go outside for a few minutes only, then come back inside and give your dog a treat. You dog will eventually begin to associate you getting ready for work as a positive association rather than a negative one.
Make sure you have plenty of treats and toys in your dog's crate to keep him entertained while you are away. If your dog always knows that he'll have treats when you leave, it won't be as traumatic for him. There are many interactive treat dispensers on the market, which will keep him busy and rewarded at the same time. Before you leave, turn on a radio or television so your dog has some noise. A talk station is more effective than music, because the sound of human voices could comfort him. You could even tape your own voice.
When you return home, don't give your dog any emotion or attention when you let him out of his crate. This will reinforce that being outside of the crate is better than being inside the crate. Let him outside to eliminate immediately.
Like all forms of dog training, you have to have time and patience. In time the Separation Anxiety should lessen. If it doesn't or if he becomes aggressive you should consult your vet who may prescribe a light mellowing out pill. I prefer a small dose of Melatonin which is a natural calming/sleeping aid for humans (check with your yet or pharmacist on the amount that should be given).
It's up to you to pay attention to your dogs behaviors and seek out training methods that will help him overcome his problems. All he really wants is your love and affection.
About the Author:
Alex is an avid dog lover who has had more than her fair share of pets throughout her life. She has taken her experience with pets and her passion for writing and published Henri's Online Dog Obedience School where you can sign-up for her pet tips and tricks e-newsletter or visit Henri the Hound, the place to go when you're looking for awesome gifts for your furry friends.
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