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<\/a><\/p>\nSeparation anxiety in dogs is a common problem and it can affect most breeds. It is your dog\u2019s panicked response to being left alone and the results can be devastating.\u00a0 The destruction of your belongings and the deterioration of your dog\u2019s health can be serious issues.\u00a0 Separation anxiety<\/em> is very different from misbehavior and it should never be considered as revenge.<\/em><\/p>\n Dog owners may sometimes unknowingly cause separation anxiety in their pets by making a big fuss when we leave or come home.\u00a0 In doing so, we reward the dog\u2019s concern with our absence.\u00a0 This is sometimes difficult to understand, but it provokes even more stress in the dog every time we leave.<\/p>\n If you have had your dog since she was a puppy, it\u2019s likely that she was with you most of the time while growing up.\u00a0 We like to have our dogs with us when they are puppies, and we take them everywhere for socialization. \u00a0Then, when they are at an age when they feel the need to be with us, we sometimes have to leave them alone.\u00a0 We have been their source of confidence and love, their security and their pack, and then….. we leave, and they don’t understand.<\/p>\n Your dog has \u201cpack\u201d instincts and wants her family (litter mates or humans) around so that she knows where everyone is. When you leave the house, she doesn\u2019t know where you are and she feels alone and stressed.\u00a0 These feelings put her in a state of nervous anxiety.<\/p>\n A change in routines can cause separation anxiety, such as moving, change in family dynamics, or a new pet in the household.\u00a0Puppies that were separated from their mothers and siblings too soon are especially prone to dog separation anxiety.<\/p>\n Not all unwanted behaviors can be called separation anxiety. Misbehavior is a learned behavior and is often manifested when the dog lacks leadership and self-control.\u00a0 True separation anxiety causes the dog to experience real stress during her owner\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n Separation anxiety occurs every time you leave and only in your absence, and can begin even before you go. If certain things you do trigger certain anxious behaviors in your dog, such as her barking or howling when you reach for your keys or your jacket, then she is experiencing separation anxiety.<\/p>\n Some misbehaviors in dogs are brought about by lack of exercise or just boredom.<\/p>\n Destructive behavior \u2013 chewing furniture and other items, scratching at doors and windows<\/p>\n Constant barking, whining or howling<\/p>\n Urinating or defecating indoors<\/p>\n Persistent pacing<\/p>\n Attempted escapes from a room or crate \u2013 which can result in self-injury<\/p>\n The most important thing to remember in all types of training of your dog or puppy is this:\u00a0 only reward desired<\/strong> behavior<\/strong>. \u00a0The most important thing for you to remember for yourself is to have patience<\/span>.<\/p>\n This is very difficult to do, but in order to have a harmonious relationship with mutual confidence, understanding, and respect, you will need to remember to reward desired behavior in your dog.\u00a0 When a puppy comes into the family, she is picked up when she cries and snuggled and loved; her crying is rewarded.\u00a0 When a young dog is in her crate and she cries or howls, we let her out and then she is being rewarded for her howling. \u00a0So, it can start at a very early age and we must remember to reward only the behavior that is desired.<\/p>\n Again, do not punish your pup for having separation anxiety<\/span>. \u00a0It is not revenge, but her\u00a0real response to being left alone without you.<\/p>\n Exercise!<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n A long, brisk walk will be stimulating for her but will also tire her out so that she will settle down into resting mode and nap time when you leave.\u00a0 If a walk isn\u2019t possible, a good 20 to 30 minutes of play time with your pup will have the same effect as an energized walk.\u00a0 This is good for both of you as you are spending quality time with her and that strengthens your bond.<\/p>\n Desensitize Your Dog To Anxiety Triggers<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n To teach your pup that jingling keys or putting on your jacket don\u2019t necessarily mean that you are leaving, pick up your keys or purse, etc, and sit and watch tv for a while, or just hang around at home so that she will learn not to associate those routines with you leaving.<\/p>\n Independence Exercises<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Start by walking out of the house, saying nothing to your dog. Come back in after a minute or two. Continue the exercises by leaving your pup alone for short periods of time, waiting a little longer before returning. Each time you return, say nothing and just come in and go about your business like you never left.\u00a0 Act as if leaving is a common occurrence and that there is nothing for her to get excited about. If she barks and jumps up and down when you return, ignore her and go about your business.\u00a0 This is hard to do, and it takes tough love, but it will teach her to understand that your leaving her alone is just part of her day. \u00a0The idea is to do this until your pup gets bored and your leaving is no longer of interest to her.<\/p>\n When you are ready to leave for a longer period of time keep these things in mind:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Give your dog lots of exercise before you go (a walk or play time with you)<\/p>\n Say goodbye to her long before you leave. Take a moment to share affection and tell her that you will miss her long before you actually leave.<\/p>\n Leave a chew toy, such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, ready for her or leave her favorite treats around the house so that she can search for them. This will help distract her from your leaving.<\/p>\n If possible, give your dog a view of the outdoors. This is stimulating to them and it\u2019s the next best thing to being outside.<\/p>\n Most dogs enjoy music and the tv, so leave it on for them, if possible.\u00a0 It provides background sound for them which gives them security. Soft music is calming and soothing, so a radio left on will help with separation anxiety.<\/p>\n Remember when you leave and when you return to be low-key and nonchalant. \u00a0Do not make a fuss. \u00a0As difficult as it will be to do this, your dog will learn not to associate your departures and returns as a big deal and will not have the anxiety while you are gone. \u00a0Say your goodbyes long before you leave, and wait a while to give\u00a0her hello hugs after you return home.<\/p>\n *Exercise, obedience, lifestyle training, rules and boundaries, all of these are necessary for a happy, balanced dog.<\/em><\/span><\/strong>Causes<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Separation Anxiety vs Misbehavior<\/strong><\/h5>\n
What the Problem Looks Like \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0
<\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\nTreating the Problem<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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