This mutual admiration society is a large part of why so many people choose to have dogs as part of their families.
Dogs are superbly social creatures.
Unfortunately, many dogs suffer from some degree of separation anxiety.
This anxiety can result in destructive behaviors such as inappropriate chewing, house soiling, excessive barking, and even self mutilating behaviors (such as chewing at their own fur and skin and creating irritation and raw spots).
It can also do serious damage to the canine/human bond and ultimately result in a dog’s banishment from the home or surrender to a shelter.
e.
) as a result.
But, as a general rule, some or all of the following are likely to be observable when a separation issue exists:
-The dog seems to become distressed at signs of your departure (such as turning off the lights, or reaching for keys or a coat).
-The dog salivates excessively prior to and during your absence.
-The dog is destructive in the home when you leave and may focus this destructive behavior near exit areas such as windows and doors.
-The dog consistently follows you around the house.
-The dog eliminates inappropriately in the home when you leave.
Helping a dog overcome separation issues can be challenging.
While some dogs may be more genetically prone to suffering from separation issues, those dogs which are not taught to spend time alone during their most formative early months will most surely suffer most gravely.
This lack of early preventative measures is a sure fire way to set the dog up to fail in this regard.
So, if you have just welcomed a new dog into your home or are planning on doing so soon, be sure to focus on helping your dog to learn to spend time quietly alone on a consistent basis every day using some or all of the suggestions outlined below.
In the short term, it might take your dog some time to become accustomed to some of the tools and new daily routines you establish.
So, take a deep breath as you endeavor to set your dog on a new course to becoming equipped to spend time calmly, quietly and safely alone.
When you are confident your dog can handle a slackening of the rules then you can gradually reduce the use of some of them.
In most cases, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and help your dog to maintain his or her new ability to spend time alone by sticking with the course.
Keep Greetings and Departures Short and Sweet: Few friends are likely to greet us with the same enthusiasm as our dogs.
However, for each time you enter your home and interact with your dog while he or she is in the throws of this canine love fest, you are reinforcing or rewarding your dog for an over the top expression of their happiness to see you, but also for their relief from their time without you.
When you get home, spend the first five minutes ignoring your dog.
It may seem extreme, but separation anxiety can be an extreme problem and requires gentle, but tough love to resolve it.
Your efforts are intended to do all you can to ultimately protect your dog’s feelings.
The same holds true for departures.
Simply provide your dog with some food stuffed chew toys at random times prior to your departure (i.
sometimes 30 minutes prior, others 15 or 5 minutes prior), set them up in the chosen long term confinement area (more on that below) and leave.
Look at leaving the house as no different than leaving a room.
2.
The choice of a spot depends on a number of factors, including your dog’s size, age and temperament, and the length of expected departures.
For other dogs, a puppy proofed room or an exercise pen will do.
Firstly, they will be as safeguarded as possible from causing themselves or your home harm.
Your dog may feel isolated when first spending time in this area.
So, the more times you offer your dog an opportunity to rest here when you are home (while you are eating eals, on the computer, reading, etc.
When you go to let your dog out of this area, remain calm and quietly go about your business.
3.
Start with your dog as clase as you feel necessary for him or her to be calm and comfortable and over the course of a few weeks, gradually increase the distance away from you.
Surprisingly, this simple and gentle technique of gradually getting your dog accustomed to time alone when you are home with them so they are more likely to be able to handle time alone when you aren’t home, is one of the tools to preventing and controlling separation anxiety that pet parents seem to find most difficult to adhere to.
While the ultimate goal is to have a dog who can roam freely, calmly and safely in your home when you are home and when you aren’t, consider how tough it is for a dog to go from one extreme to another, rather than a gradual introduction to soemthing.
4.
But, avoid doing so when your dog demands it.
Yes, some of these behaviors can be very cute, but allowing your dog to learn he or she can get your attention whenever it is demanded is a sure fire way to make those times when you aren’t available to your dog harder for him or her to handle.
Then, ask him or her to do soemthing positive to get your attention.
Ask your dog to do something for you in exchange for each thing you do for him or her.
5.
Of course, every dog is different and the exact amount of exercise which is ideal depends on a number of factors including a dog’s age, health, and temperament.
If you have an especially high energy dog or a puppy or adolescent, odds are it is more like to hours.
Equally as impprtant is providing your dog outlests for mental energy.
In which case, their investigative nature will probably lead them into trouble (i.
inappropriate chewing, digging, barking, etc.
Variety is the spice of life, so be sure to provide as many unique enrichment opportunities as possible.
Some good options are: Busy Buddy Twist n- Treats, Gimborn white sterilized bones, Bob-a-Lots, Buster Cubes, Roll-a-Treats and Tux toys.
Feeding your dog his or her meals from a variety of toys such as these is a way of allowing your dog to ‘hunt’ for their food in a safe, constructive, energy burning manner inside their home.
Pinpoint Departure Cues That Trigger Your Dog’s Anxiety: Dogs are experts at picking up on what, to people, can be incredibly subtle cues.
This might be soemthing like putting on your shoes, looking at or picking up your coat or keys, or starting to reach for the front door.
At first, your dog may already be too anxious to eat the food.
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So, instead of expecting your dog to handle one big absence each day and then prolonged exposure to you when you are home, you are helping your dog understand that absences from you are more often than not for tiny bits of time and not cause for major concern.
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Dog Appeasing Pheremone (DAP) is a synthetic pheromone which mimics the natural pheromone a lactating female dog emits to calm herself and her pups.
There are also homepathic remedies such as Bach flower essences Rescue Remedy.
However, all of these aids must be used in conjunction with a program which includes management tools, desensitization and counter conditioning in order to have a possible beneficial impact.
So, it is advisable to enlist the help of an experienced trainer who adheres to a gentle, positive approach.
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Learn how to train aggressive, fearful, and difficult dogs. This is the home and support center for Foundation Style Dog Training.
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